Chemistry Stage 1 (CHC1)

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 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 subject at the end of Second Year, visit the Chemistry Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a 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
Organic Chemistry • Basis of Physical Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • Physical 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 • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Research Project • Methods in Organic Synthesis • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry • Electrochemistry • Reactivity & Change • Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry • Nanochemistry • Modern Methods & Catalysis

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 Endo Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific, APC Ltd and in hospital placements. 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.

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in Ireland, and UCD Chemistry graduates work in a variety of roles. This includes analytical roles in laboratories on the testing and analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicines, and medical devices. Some graduates pursue research chemist roles in laboratories in research and development. Management and supervisory roles are also an option in regulatory affairs, production and validation. The semiconductor, medical device and energy industries also hire a significant number of materials chemists, and graduates would be involved in semiconductor processing, effluent and raw materials monitoring, and air and water quality measurements. 

Chemistry graduates also pursue PhDs in Ireland or abroad in areas as diverse as total synthesis of natural products, biological aspects of nanoscience, novel material synthesis, energy generation, synthetic organic chemistry, methodology development and polymer chemistry.

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 am fascinated by the world around me, from the fundamental laws of our universe to the mechanisms of life itself. I have found Chemistry in UCD to be a place where my own curiosities and my passion to make a difference have been nurtured and developed. The lecturers are all kind, helpful and supportive, and their passion for their work is something I continue to find inspiring. Through UCD I was lucky enough to be awarded a scholarship to study for a term in the US, where I made many friends and grew as a chemist, and as a person. The UCD community is an incredible environment and there is a society or club for everyone."

Liam Jowett, Graduate