Science (DN200/SCU1)

If you have a fascination with natural phenomena and find yourself constantly asking “why?” and “how?”, then you are well on your way to being a scientist. With an exciting and diverse range of subjects, Science at UCD unfolds a universe of career opportunities for students who have an enquiring mind, an ability to solve problems and a desire to explore new worlds.

UCD offers the broadest and most diverse Science programme in Ireland, with degree courses in biological, biomedical, chemical, geological, mathematical, physical and computer sciences, all delivered by lecturers at the forefront of teaching and research. By Fourth Year, you will conduct your own research and communicate your discoveries under the guidance of some of Ireland’s top scientists.

Download the Entry 2024 UCD Science brochure for more information on each degree. (pdf)

Study Areas

Students can select more than one of the following stream options:

• Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Chemistry (includes Medicinal, Sustainable/Biophysical)
• Mathematics (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)
• Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)

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.

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.

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.