Program Overview

Overview of Chemistry with Molecular Modelling

Chemistry with molecular modelling is a chemistry-based creative-science course that is used to develop everything from new materials such as superconductors for new batteries, to new drug molecules for the pharmaceutical industry. Without it, many modern science disciplines such as materials science, molecular biology and environmental science would not be possible. Chemistry with molecular modelling embeds computer-modelling techniques. Advancements in molecular modelling have led to an explosive growth in a range of applications. The modelling aspects of this course focus on modelling the structure and reactivity of molecules and solids including:

• The simulation of the structure and properties of materials and nano-materials, including oxides, semiconductors and catalysts.
• Modelling of how electrons are arranged in materials and how they behave during chemical reactions.
• Modelling organic and bio-organic molecules, including DNA, proteins, drug molecules and computational drug design.
• The theory and implementation of different approaches to modelling materials.

Course Details

The course is based on the Chemistry degree with core components of chemistry (inorganic, organic and physical) taken alongside special molecular-modelling modules, practical work and project work. You will be assessed by a combination of continuous assessments and examinations.

Third and Fourth Years

In the third and fourth years you will take core modules in chemistry with additional modules in molecular modelling to include general molecular modelling, quantum mechanics, optimisation, modelling protein structure, drug design, molecular dynamics, and modelling in solid-state materials chemistry.

• Lectures are complemented by laboratory classes where you will gain experience in more sophisticated preparative chemical techniques and spectroscopic analysis.
• About one third of your laboratory class time will be spent in computer laboratories performing computational experiments using molecular modelling.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

A chemistry degree combines specialist practical training with analytical, problem solving and presentation skills and is excellent preparation for graduates considering a diverse range of career paths. Our graduates can pursue postgraduate degrees either in the School of Chemistry or in other world-class research institutions. Trinity’s chemistry graduates are highly sought after by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, which contribute some 20% to Ireland’s exports.

• Former Trinity Chemistry graduates are working in companies such as Henkel, Pfizer, Allergan, GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
• Patent offices, government advisory and information services, food science, public analytical laboratories, schools and third level institutions also employ our chemists.
• Other successful routes our graduates have taken in the past include careers in business and the financial services sectors and in management.
• In addition, the specially developed computational skills make graduates an attractive prospect for employers both within computing environments and in other professions.
• Examples of industries where people are employed directly in scientific computing/modelling include: pharmaceutical (computational drug design), chemical (developing catalysts), materials chemistry (semi-conductors/magnetic materials), financial services and meteorology.

Admission Requirements

To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Chemical Sciences course page.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, click is not available.

Awards

(Moderatorship) B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)

CAO Information

CAO Points 531 (2024) CAO Code TR061

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

The School of Chemistry has exchange agreements with a large number of universities and research institutes where students may carry out their fourth-year Capstone project, in places such as Vienna, Berlin, Bologna, Toulouse, and Utrecht, North America and Australia. A limited number of places are also available in China. The areas of research are wide-ranging, including cancer chemotherapy and DNA chemistry, device fabrication and materials processing, homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry and computational chemistry.