Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology Stage 1 (BMC1)

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 major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Chemistry Sciences stream page.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 first-hand. 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. Long-term, I would like to participate in the development and research of new drugs and therapies. 

Meng-Jan Lim, Student