Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology is one of the degree subjects available through the Chemistry stream in the common entry Science course. Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Chemistry stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree subject. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis.
This is a sample set of modules that a Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology student could study each year in UCD.
First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Basis of Organic & Biological Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • The Molecular World • Cell Biology & Genetics • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module
Second Year
Organic Chemistry • Basis of Physical Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • Biomolecular Lab Skills • Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology • Physical Chemistry • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Biomedical Science • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules
Third Year
Chemical Biology of Natural Products • Chemical Biology of Macromolecules • Carbonyl Chemistry & Synthesis • Medicinal Chemistry • Structure Determination & Heterocyclic Chemistry • Mechanism & Stereochemistry • Biochemist’s Toolkit • Option Modules • Elective Modules
Fourth Year
Research Project • Metals in Biology • Methods in Organic Synthesis • Modern Methods of Catalysis • Special Topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This degree subject is ideal for students who have an interest in chemistry and its applications in biology. Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology are fields populated by chemists who have a good understanding of biology at the molecular level. They will be of
increasing importance for decades to come to address existing and emerging healthcare problems, e.g. cancer, AIDS, TB and avian flu. Chemical biologists and medicinal chemists will develop the next generation of medicines to solve such problems and will have an impact across a wide range of areas, including the development of environmentally friendly approaches to process chemistry.
About This Course
Students have spent time studying in Sweden, Canada and the USA at University of Lund, University of Virginia, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Colorado at Boulder and Villanova University.
Graduates of the Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology degree will be equipped with the skills to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals, food technology companies, cosmetic technology companies, fine chemical and chemical development, and patenting.
UCD Science Office
You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:
- Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.
- Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BMOL20090 | Molecular Genetics and Biotech | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BMOL20110 | Biomolecular Sciences | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CHEM20040 | Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CHEM20080 | The Basis of Physical Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
BMOL20070 | Biomolecular Lab Skills 2 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CHEM20050 | Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 2) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
CHEM20120 | Physical Chemistry (level 2) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Core Modules |
PHAR20040 | Pharmacology:Biomedical Scienc | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: If not previously taken in Stage 1, students must take CHEM20100and CHEM20140 in Stage 2. |
CHEM20100 | Basis of Inorganic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of: If not previously taken in Stage 1, students must take CHEM20100and CHEM20140 in Stage 2. |
CHEM20140 | Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 1, students must take MATH10310 in Stage 2. Students who have taken and passed MATH10350 are not required to take MATH10310. |
MATH10310 | Calculus for Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements. |
BMOL20060 | Biomolecular Lab Skills 1 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements. |
BIOC20060 | Biochemistry in Action | Spring | 5 |
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of: In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements. |
MICR20050 | Microbiology in Medicine, Biotechnology and the Environment | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30200 | Carbonyl Chemistry, Retrosynthesis and Synthetic Methods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30210 | Structure Determination and Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30220 | Mechanism, Stereochemistry and Alicyclic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30280 | Medicinal Chemistry (level 3) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BIOC30030 | Biochemist's Toolkit | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30260 | Chemical Biology of Natural Products | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CHEM30270 | Chemical Biology of Macromolecules | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
CHEM30110 | Instrumental Analysis | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
MICR30030 | Microbial Physiology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
MICR30040 | Microbial Diversity and Growth | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
PHAR30010 | Chemotherapeutic Agents | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
PHAR30080 | Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Illness | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
BMOL30020 | Molecular basis of disease | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
CHEM30360 | Advanced Transition Metal Chem | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
MICR30090 | Microbial Cell Factory for Chemists | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of: Select at least 3 options |
PHAR30050 | Experimental and therapeutic strategies in molecular pharmacology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CHEM40030 | Research Project | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 20 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CHEM40050 | Metals in Biology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CHEM40090 | Methods in Organic Synthesis 2 | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CHEM40060 | Methods in Organic Synthesis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
CHEM40290 | Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 4) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
BIOC40070 | Protein Structure and Analysis | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
CHEM40870 | Nanomaterials Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
CHEM41290 | Modern techniques to monitor b | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
SCI30080 | Professional Placement-Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
BMOL40050 | Advanced Cancer Biology and Pharmacology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
CHEM40080 | Reactivity and Change | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
CHEM40140 | Modern Methods and Applications of Catalysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
PHAR40040 | Emerging therapies: Cloning, gene therapy and stem cells | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
PHAR40050 | Drug Discovery and Development I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of: Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School. |
PHAR40160 | Drug Discovery and Development II | Spring | 5 |
I chose Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology because I have always been fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and biology, and how the knowledge of chemical compounds and reactions can be used to improve human health. One of the things I enjoy most about my studies is the hands-on laboratory work. I find it incredibly satisfying to conduct experiments and see the results firsthand.
After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry where I can use my knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of new and effective medications.
Meng-Jan Lim, Student
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | CHS2 Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable) Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SCU1 Science Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Closed |
| showAudience-audienceInt | CHS2 Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable) Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SCU1 Science Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN200 Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable) Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN200 Science Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Application through CAO | Apply via CAO |
Additional special entry route(s) to Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology:
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | SCU1 Science Bachelor of Science |
Full-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |
Apply |