TU Dublin students laughing outdoors on grangegormancampus

Analytical Chemistry (Environmental, Forensic & Pharmaceutical) / Ceimic Anailíseach (Comhshaoil, Fóiréinseach ┐Cógaisíochta)

Course Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Analytical Chemistry (Environmental Forensic and Pharmaceutical)

2023 CAO Points: 422

Leaving Certificate Requirements:

Minimum Number of

Subjects

Higher

6

2H5's

Minimum Grade in

Maths

Eng OR Irish

O3/H7

O6/H7

Other Grade Requirements

At least a H4 in one of: Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry, Biology or Technology.

QQI/FET Requirements:

QQI/FET Award Required

Additional Requirements

Level 5:
One of the following awards:
  • CASLT / 5M3807 Laboratory Techniques
  • CASFX / 5M5267 Food Science
Level 6:
Full level 6 award in a relevant discipline
Level 5:
Distinctions in 5 modules required, which must include one of the following:
  • C20011 / 5N2747 Chemistry
  • C20022 / 5N2748 Food Chemistry
And one of the following:
  • C20006 / 5N2746 Biology
  • C20033 / 5N2751 Laboratory Skills
  • C20048 / 5N1460 Physics
And one of the following:
  • PASS in C20139 / 5N1833 Mathematics
  • Leaving Certificate Mathematics 03/H7

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants:

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements:

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

An analytical chemist is trained to use modern analytical techniques and instruments to develop strategies to detect, identify and quantify substances such as the pollutants in air and water, illegal substances in suspicious powders and the active pharmaceutical ingredients in medicinal products.

This course, which includes rigorous scientific training and a six-month work placement, will make you work-ready.

To be an analytical chemist, you need an interest in science and a curious mind, and to enjoy solving problems. An eye for detail is also important.

The course has a substantial practical component, which supports the development of key laboratory skills and training in modern analytical instrumentation.

Laboratory practicals, case studies and workshops allow you to develop analytical thinking, teamwork, IT and science communication skills.

In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to forensic, pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry. All science subjects are taught on the basis that you may not have studied them at Leaving Certificate.

Year 2 includes the core chemistry topics and specialised modules in analytical, forensic and environmental chemistry. In the final two years, the emphasis is on analytical chemistry and environmental, forensic and pharmaceutical applications. The six-month work placement in Year 3 and the year 4 research project will benefit you greatly. Thus, graduates are work-ready problem-solvers with excellent laboratory skills.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Although most students undertake a work placement in Ireland, it is possible during the Year 3 placement to study in an industrial or academic environment abroad as part of the Erasmus programme.

Work Placement

The six month work placement in third year is a very valuable aspect of the course. Because it has been in place for over 15 years, we have established strong networks with employers. We ensure that you are supported while you apply for and obtain your placement.

Professional Accreditation

The course is recognised internationally as it is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. It is also recognised by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland for graduate membership.

Contact Hours:

23 hours a week approximately (please note the programme entails 40 hours a week work in total). 4 - 5 days on site; no days online.

Equipment Requirements:

Laboratory glasses, laboratory coat and spatula (details provided at induction).

  • Environmental Chemist
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Quality Control Chemist
  • Pharmaceutical Analyst

Graduate Employers:

  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • Henkel
  • Irish Distillers
  • Pfizer
  • State Laboratory

First year provides a foundation in science as well as an introductory module on environmental, forensic and pharmaceutical chemistry, which features hands-on activities in these areas;

Semester 1 and 2

  • Career Development and IT
  • Cell Biology and Microbiology
  • General and Organic Chemistry
  • Introduction to Environmental, Forensic & Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Physics

In second year, the course becomes more specialised and focuses on building a knowledge and understanding of the core chemistry topics as well as exploring analytical, environmental and forensic chemistry.

Semester 1

  • Forensic Biology and Polymers
  • Inorganic Chemistry - Bonding & Reactivity
  • Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy
  • Spectroscopy & Thermodynamics
  • Statistics & Classical Analysis

Semester 2

  • Criminalistics
  • Inorganic Chemistry - Materials, Biostructures & Spectroscopic Analysis
  • Kinetics & Electrochemistry
  • Organic Chemistry & Stereochemistry
  • Spectroscopy & Chromatography
  • Workplace Regulations & Professional Development

In the final two years, the emphasis is on analytical chemistry and its forensic, environmental and pharmaceutical applications. Modules feature case studies based on real-life scenarios which develop team-working and critical analysis skills.

Semester 1

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Carbonyl and Stereochemistry
  • Forensic & Environmental Analysis
  • Inorganic chemistry in Action
  • Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
  • Physical & Organic Spectroscopy

Semester 2

  • Six month work placement in company or public body

Your research project in fourth year gives you the opportunity to be guided by our staff while exploring areas aligned with their expertise such as the detection of antibiotic residues in food and the development of sensors that can interface with digital cameras. You will team up with a research supervisor and use your chemical knowledge and initiative to explore a topic and answer a research question.

Semester 1

  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry
  • Advanced Inorganic Topics
  • Advanced Organic Chemistry
  • Environmental Compliance and Occupational Hygiene
  • Pharmaceutical & Solid State Analysis
  • Surface Chemistry & Photochemistry

Semester 2

  • Advanced Environmental Analysis
  • DNA Profiling & Criminalistics
  • Final Year Research Project
  • Forensic Toxicology and Fires

Please note, there is no advanced entry to this course.

I really enjoyed this course. Lots of laboratory work meant that I got to learn about equipment and methods that I now use in my job.
My interest lies in the application of analytical techniques to the investigation of evidence from crime scenes.

On graduation you may continue to postgraduate study at TU Dublin or in other higher education institutions. The course meets the requirements as an approved undergraduate degree for the Professional Master of Education (Post Primary)for those who want to teach chemistry and science in secondary schools.

TU Code

TU851

Level

Level 8

Award

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Duration

4 years

Number of Places

25

Location

City Centre: Grangegorman

Virtual Tour

Grangegorman

Fees

EU Fees

Non-EU Fees

Contact Us

Claire McDonnell, Programme Chair

Contact Us

Gavin Sewell, Year 1 Tutor

Contact Us

School of Chemical & BioPharmaceutical Sciences