- Analyse scientific results and communicate them clearly, both verbally and in written form, according to the conventions of the discipline.
- Be able to use on-line resources for searching the literature and collating and analysing primary research.
- Demonstrate an ability to take significant responsibility, both alone and in groups, and be able to act in a wide variety of professional levels and contexts.
- Demonstrate the ability to self-evaluate, and take responsibility for self-directed further study or continuous professional development.
- Demonstrate the specialised technical knowledge and skills required to work safely in synthetic chemistry laboratories.
- Design and implement efficient, safe and sustainable methods for the synthesis of molecules and materials especially drug-like ‘small molecule’ targets.
- Develop and employ methods for the measurement, characterisation, and analysis of molecular systems.
- Display, to a high level, a systematic and in-depth knowledge of methods for the synthesis of target molecules.
- Understand the nature of scientific research and be able to design, plan and execute research projects.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This MSc in Synthetic Chemistry is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemical or pharmaceutical industries. There is a strong demand for these synthetic chemistry skills, e.g. nine of the top ten largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the world have major facilities in Ireland, and seven of the ten top best-selling pharmaceutical products are made in Ireland. This programme can be taken as a full-time (1 year), or a part-time (2 yrs).
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, and it has strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally.
According to the 2015 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Chemistry at UCD is ranked 2nd in Ireland and in the world top 150.
About This Course
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40160 | Chemistry Seminar Programme I | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40760 | Org Synthesis 2 | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40830 | Metals in Biology | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40940 | Advanced synthetic chem (MSc) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40960 | Green and Sustainable Chem | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM41470 | Modern Mass Spectrometry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40370 | Advanced NMR Spectroscopy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40750 | Org Synthesis 1 | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40790 | Modern Catalysis | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40810 | Topics in MCCB | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40950 | Advanced Inorganic Synthesis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM41210 | Professional Career Developmen | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40310 | Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40350 | Commerialisation of Chemical Research | Summer | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Coordinator. |
CHEM40360 | Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Please select one of these these modules in Year 2 of programme |
CHEM40880 | Research project (Taught MSc) | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of: Please select one of these these modules in Year 2 of programme |
CHEM41400 | Chemistry MSc Internship | Summer | 30 |
MSc Synthetic Chemistry (F210) Part Time
EU fee per year - € 4750
nonEU fee per year - € 14550
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees & Grants website. Please note that UCD offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for full-time, selffunding international students, holding an offer of a place on masters programmes. Please visit International Scholarships for further details.
EU fee per year - € 4750
nonEU fee per year - € 14550
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees & Grants website. Please note that UCD offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for full-time, selffunding international students, holding an offer of a place on masters programmes. Please visit International Scholarships for further details.
This programme is intended for applicants with a Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of Chemistry. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
This MSc in Synthetic Chemistry is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemicals or pharmaceutical industry.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Synthetic Chemistry:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F210 Synthetic Chemistry Master of Science |
Part-Time Commencing September 2024 |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F210 Synthetic Chemistry Master of Science |
Part-Time Commencing September 2025 |
Graduate Taught | Opens 01 Oct 2024 |
* you can change options at the top of the page