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Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry  (CBS1)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Chemistry
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Vitaly Buckin
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 4: 60

Curricular information is subject to change.

If you are interested in doing an Internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest now (in Stage 3).
See full details www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/

The aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in the knowledge and practical skills needed by students to pursue careers in the range of sectors underpinned by chemical science and technology.  Graduates will combine extensive knowledge and skills in advanced chemistry with the knowledge of fundamental chemical principles of functioning of biological systems and their industrial applications in chemical, biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food and other industries. In addition to this they will be well positioned to provide an interface between chemistry, biology and bioengineering and to competitively pursue employment or advanced degrees in the related fields of science and technology. Immersed in our world class research-intensive environment, students will work individually and in teams, and engage in cutting-edge projects that will hone their critical thinking, communications, autonomous learning, and technical skills.  In addition to lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials, we use a range of student-centred, active-learning activities, including workshops, seminars, and team-based projects, culminating in research projects in which students are embedded in academic research teams to work on leading-edge problems.  Both the core material and the transferrable skills acquired in the programme are assessed, using a range of techniques, including assessment of laboratory skills and reports, assessment of presentations, assessment of team work, and assessment of a research thesis and of an oral thesis defense, in addition to in-class tests and written examinations.


1 - Demonstrate a broad and balanced knowledge and appreciation of key concepts in chemistry, the molecular principles of functioning of life and their applications in modern technologies.
2 - Safely and effectively carry out a range of modern experimental procedures.
3 - Apply their theoretical and practical skills, and adopt a rigorous and rational approach, to solve problems in the field.
4 - Engage imaginatively, analytically, and creatively with the molecular basis of matter to understand the materials and processes inherent in the natural world.
5 - Predict, design and develop the new materials and processes that will be critical to promoting and ensuring health and well-being, and sustainable global progress and prosperity.
6 - Design and implement efficient, safe and sustainable methods for the synthesis of molecules and materials.
7 - Develop and employ quantitative methods for the measurement, characterisation, and analysis of the structure and dynamics of molecular systems.
8 - Understand the nature of scientific research and be able to design, plan and execute research projects.
9 - Demonstrate an intellectual, critical, ethical and professional approach to Chemistry, and in their thinking generally.
10 - Demonstrate an aptitude for life-long, self-directed learning as well as collaborative learning in professional settings throughout their careers.
11 - Exhibit the potential for taking leadership roles in their future careers, and in addressing complex societal and global challenges.

Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.

Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.

As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.

Stage 4

Students take five core modules and four option modules.

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 4 Core Modules
CHEM40030 Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40740 Electrochemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM40870 Nanomaterials Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM41140 Special Topics Biophysical Che Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
CHEM41430 Advanced Topics in Phys Chem Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: 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 - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: 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 - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40110 Advanced Applications of Inorganic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40960 Green and Sustainable Chem Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM41290 Modern techniques to monitor b Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: 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 - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40060 Methods in Organic Synthesis Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: 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 - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM40140 Modern Methods and Applications of Catalysis Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: 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 - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
CHEM41450 Sustainable Development Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B)4 of:
Select 4 option modules from the list below. Please Note: Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the relevant School.
PHAR40050 Drug Discovery and Development I Spring  5

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHSCI001 Stage 4 - 70.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47