Program Overview

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BSc Chemistry

The BSc in Chemistry will educate students in core areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as more specialized areas of environmental, materials, and pharmaceutical chemistry.

Course Outline

This broad-based course provides an excellent foundation for employment or further study. On completion of the degree in chemistry, students will be able to:

• Identify, formulate, analyze, and solve chemistry problems
• Outline fundamental aspects of chemistry
• Design and carry out an experiment to test a hypothesis or theory in chemistry
• Prepare written laboratory reports that provide a description of the experiment, explain the experiment and the reasoning clearly, and provide an appropriate conclusion
• Communicate effectively with the chemistry community

Modules

• Year 1 Modules: Refer to CK402 and CK406
• Year 2 Modules:
  • Core:
    • Main Group & Transition Element Chemistry
    • Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
    • Energetics & Kinetics
    • States of Matter
    • Structures & Reactions of Main Group Compounds
    • Aromatics, Carbonyls & Alkenes
    • Spectroscopy
    • Structure, Bonding & Quantum Mechanics
  • Electives:
    • Numerical Methods and Programming
    • Biomolecules
    • Principles of Metabolic Pathways
    • Crystallography, Optics, and Mineralogy
    • Intermediate Calculus for Scientists
    • Linear Algebra
    • Molecular Biology
    • Physiology
    • Quantum Physics
    • Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
    • Biostatistics
• Year 3 Modules:
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Organic Compounds
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry and Analysis
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Scientific Communication and Information Literacy Skills (SCILS)
• Year 4 Modules:
  • Core:
    • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
    • Advanced Organic Synthesis, Biosynthesis, and Reactivity
    • Photochemistry & Spectroscopy
    • Interfaces, Microscopy & Modelling
    • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
    • Advanced Research Projects
  • Electives:
    • Advanced Nano Materials
    • Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry
    • Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution

Course Practicalities

• Expected Lecture Hours: Lectures and workshops normally take place in the morning with practical classes in the afternoons in Years 1, 2, and 3. Usually, there are 12 to 15 hours of lectures/workshops per week.
• Expected Lab/Practical Hours: Usually 6-9 hours per week are spent in laboratory sessions.
• Assessment: Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment. Laboratory skills and knowledge are assessed wholly by continuous assessment. Continuous assessment also comprises take-home assignments, in-class tests, and tutorial sheets based on lecture material.

Why Choose This Course

BSc Chemistry provides a broad-based course in core areas of chemistry, which provides an excellent foundation for employment or for specialized, further study. All BSc Chemistry students take a short course in scientific communication skills and chemical information literacy. In the final year, students will undertake an original research project working as part of an existing research team within the School or in an associated research centre.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

There may be opportunities for summer projects in the School of Chemistry. The School is an active participant in undergraduate student-exchange programs with numerous partner universities across Europe.

Skills and Careers Information

As a student on this course, you can expect to gain subject-specific skills, in particular laboratory techniques. In addition, you will learn a range of transferable skills, including time management, communication, information-retrieval, and problem-solving skills. There are also opportunities to work as part of a team, thus developing your interpersonal skills. Our graduates are employed in industry, including the microelectronics and pharmaceutical sectors, or in government laboratories. Others undertake further study in various specialized areas of chemistry. The BSc Chemistry course is approved by the Institute of Chemistry in Ireland and is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Requirements

Refer to CK402 and CK406.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.

How to Apply

Refer to CK402 and CK406.

Contact Details for This Course

For queries regarding course content or timetables, please contact the relevant department.