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)

TU Code

TU851

CAO Point Range 2024

304-520

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

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.

This is a sample timetable for Year 1, Semester 1 which gives an indication of class contact hours. Timetables are subject to change.  Up to date timetables will be provided on commencement. 

TU851

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

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.

Contact Us

Dr Áine Whelan, Programme Chair

Contact Us

Gavin Sewell, Year 1 Tutor

Contact Us

School of Chemical & BioPharmaceutical Sciences