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Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry Biology

Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry Biology

Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ , Credits 240 )

This degree is ideal for students who have an interest in chemistry and its applications in biology. Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology are fields populated by chemists who have a good understanding of biology at the molecular level. They’ll be of increasing importance for decades to come to address existing and emerging healthcare problems, e.g. cancer, AIDS, TB and avian flu. Chemical biologists and medicinal chemists will develop the next generation of medicines to solve such problems and will have an impact across a wide range of areas, including the development of environmentally friendly approaches to process chemistry.

Download the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2023 Brochure (pdf)

 


For more information regarding this course, please click School of Chemistry

How do I apply?


For EU students, please apply via MyUCD. The following entry route(s) are available:
Description ENTRY Duration Application Opening Date APPURL
Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry Biology(SCU1) - Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Entry in
Full Time - 4 Year(s) Apply from -
Oct 2022		 Apply

What will I study?

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Topics include metabolic biochemistry, reactivity of biomolecules, principles of pharmacology, chemical biology of natural products and macromolecules.

First Year

Chemistry • Mathematics • Biology • Optional Science modules • Elective module

Second Year

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology • + 1 other Science subject • Elective modules

Third Year

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology • Elective modules

Fourth Year

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology (includes a research project)

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.

What modules can I take?

Click below to for all course modules:

Medicinal Chemistry and Chemistry BiologySCU1

Career & Graduate Study Opportunity

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
  • Patenting

Graduates can also pursue a PhD in Ireland or abroad in areas such as chemistry, chemical biology or medicinal chemistry.

International Study Opportunities

Students have spent time studying at the following universities:

  • University of Lund, Sweden
  • University of Virginia, USA
  • McGill University, Canada
  • University of British Columbia, Canada
  • University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
  • Villanova University, USA 

Graduate Profile

"I choose Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology as I really enjoyed both chemistry and biology equally. This subject provides a perfect balance between different aspects of core chemistry principles and their applications within biology. The academic staff and the student at UCD have made the last four years of my life extremely enjoyable. In my penultimate year, I undertook a research Internship at the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France. I had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in phospholipid biochemistry and got the opportunity to travel around Europe at the same time! After I graduate, I hope to enter the area of Drug Development and Clinical trials either via a Graduate Programme or through master programmes."

Thomas, Sheridan, Student