Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology

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.

Information on pathways, internships and careers is available in the Undergraduate Courses Brochure (PDF).

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology is one of the degree subjects in the Chemistry Stream of the common entry Science course.  After meeting the requirements for their preferred stream(s) in first year and studying at least two subjects in second year, students submit their degree subject preferences. While we aim to accommodate student preferences, places can be competitive.

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

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 and food technology companies, cosmetic technology companies, fine chemical and chemical development and patenting. Graduates can also pursue a PhD in Ireland or abroad in areas such as chemistry, chemical biology or medicinal chemistry.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following third year. Students in recent years have completed internships in Henkel and APC Ltd. Students can also apply for research placements in UCD labs.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

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, Student