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Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Two major problems are facing industrialised society. How do we maintain our standards of living without, firstly, using non-renewable resources as sources of energy and as raw materials for manufacturing industries and, secondly, compromising our local and global environment? Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry will be central to solving these problems. This discipline, which draws from all branches of chemistry, will enable us to produce the materials and energy we use through ways that minimise the impact on the environment. Furthermore, it will be crucial in developing a variety of resources (solar power, biofuel synthesis, fuel cells, etc.) for use in renewable energy generation. The degree subject is suitable for students who have an interest in the use of chemistry in tackling these urgent problems.

About This Course

Two major problems are facing industrialised society. How do we maintain our standards of living without, firstly, using non-renewable resources as sources of energy and as raw materials for manufacturing industries and, secondly, compromising our local and global environment? Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry will be central to solving these problems. This discipline, which draws from all branches of chemistry, will enable us to produce the materials and energy we use through ways that minimise the impact on the environment. Furthermore, it will be crucial in developing a variety of resources (solar power, biofuel synthesis, fuel cells, etc.) for use in renewable energy generation. The degree subject is suitable for students who have an interest in the use of chemistry in tackling these urgent problems.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry 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. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from and if a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree subject at the end of Second Year, visit the Chemistry Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Basis of Organic & Biological Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • The Molecular World • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module

Second Year
Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry • Organic Chemistry • Physical Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules 

Third Year
Quantum Mechanics • Instrumental Analysis • Carbonyl Chemistry & Synthesis • Structure Determination & Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry • Mechanism & Stereochemistry • Symmetry & Computational Chemistry • Organometallic & Solid State Chemistry • Soft Matter & Interfacial Chemistry • Chemical Thermodynamics & Physical Transformations • Advanced Transition Metal Chemistry • Optional Modules in Earth Sciences & Ecology • Elective Modules 

Fourth Year
Research Project • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry • Electrochemistry • Green and Sustainable Chemistry • Methods in Organic Synthesis • Modern Methods & Catalysis •Sustainable Development Chemistry • Reactivity and Change • Nanomaterials Chemistry 

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Students have spent time studying in Sweden, Canada and the USA at University of Lund, University of Virginia and McGill University.

 

Apart from the disciplines that are available to graduates with a BSc in Chemistry, graduates in Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry will be particularly suited to employment in the environmental and emerging energy industries, including commercial environmental analysis, alternative energy industry, Environmental Protection Agency, ESB and Bord Gáis. 

Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad.

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 the Environmental Protection Agency and AECOM.

Students can also apply to complete research bursaries in UCD Research labs.

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



More information about the internship module and application process.


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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
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
CHEM20110 Env & Sustainable Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CHEM20120 Physical Chemistry (level 2) Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not previously taken in Stage 1, students must take CHEM20100 and 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 CHEM20100 and 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 complete 50 credits from programme (core/option modules). Student may select 10 credits from elective modules or alternatively, students could select modules from the list below.
BIOL20050 Climate Change and Agriculture Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2, students are required to complete 50 credits from programme (core/option modules). Student may select 10 credits from elective modules or alternatively, students could select modules from the list below.
GEOL20110 Global Environmental Change Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2, students are required to complete 50 credits from programme (core/option modules). Student may select 10 credits from elective modules or alternatively, students could select modules from the list below.
CHEM20050 Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 2) Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30060 Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30110 Instrumental Analysis Autumn  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
CHEM30230 Symmetry and Computational Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30250 Organometallic and Solid State Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30310 Soft Matter & Interfacial Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30320 Chemical Thermodynamics & Physical Transformations Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CHEM30360 Advanced Transition Metal Chem Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 Elective credits or select additional Option modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
BSEN30310 The Bioeconomy; A strategy for sustainable fuel, material and chemical production Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 Elective credits or select additional Option modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
CHEM30090 Chemistry of Materials Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 Elective credits or select additional Option modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
GEOL20110 Global Environmental Change Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 Elective credits or select additional Option modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
BSEN30030 Air Pollution Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students must register to a minimum of 50 Programme Credits (Core/Options). Students may register to 10 Elective credits or select additional Option modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
ENVB20050 Principles of Environmental Biology & Ecology Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM41460 Env Sus Chem Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40110 Advanced Applications of Inorganic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40740 Electrochemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40960 Green and Sustainable Chem Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40060 Methods in Organic Synthesis Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40140 Modern Methods and Applications of Catalysis Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM41450 Sustainable Development Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40050 Metals in Biology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40090 Methods in Organic Synthesis 2 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40870 Nanomaterials Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40080 Reactivity and Change Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40290 Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 4) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)2 of:
Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM41430 Advanced Topics in Phys Chem Spring  5

SDG3 SDG4 SDG 7 SDG 9 SDG 11 SDG 12 SDG 14 SDG 15

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

  • Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

  • Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

  • Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
  • Quality Education (SDG 4)
  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
  • Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
  • Life Below Water (SDG 14)
  • Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

The common entry Science course allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of the environment by taking classes in Biology and Geology in addition to my Chemistry modules. I enjoyed Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry the most as it is very solutions focused. I completed a three-month internship with the Environmental Protection Agency with the Industrial Licence Enforcement team. I researched and wrote an 8000-word report on 22 special areas of conservation peat bog sites. I am now completing a PhD in the University of Edinburgh.

Niamh Gurrin, Graduate

I was always interested in environmental protection and science. The common entry Science course allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of the environment by taking classes in Biology and Geology in addition to my Chemistry modules. I enjoyed Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry the most as it is very solutions focussed. I completed a three-month internship with the Environmental Protection Agency in the summer after third year. I was part of the Industrial Licence Enforcement team in Dublin. I researched and wrote an 8000-word report on 22 special area of conservation peat bog sites and worked as part of a team to prepare for the new solid fuel regulations that came in place last year.

Niamh Gurrin, Student

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
CHS2
Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable)
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceInt
SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable)
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry:

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
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.