| Code | CK402; CK406 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Course Outline
Chemistry with Forensic Science is an interdisciplinary course involving forensic, chemical and biochemical science, as well as toxicology, psychology, pharmacology and pathology. It also provides practical and communication skills.
The four-year degree course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and its main strengths include:
- Competitive skills and employability
- Excellent student experience
- Hands-on experience
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Research oriented teaching and innovation
- Presentation and communication skills
Forensic modules have practical examinations and the final year includes a research project in either chemical, forensic or related sciences using the state of the art facilities.
See the student's perspective video.
Modules
Year 1 Modules:
Year 2 Modules:
Biomolecules; Introduction to Forensic Science; Current Perspectives in Genetics; Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry; Main Group and Transition Element Chemistry; Energetics and Kinetics; States of Matter; Structures & Reactions of Main Group Compounds; Aromatics, Carbonyls and Alkenes; Spectroscopy; Structure, Bonding and Quantum Mechanics
Year 3 Modules:
Year 4 Modules:
Forensic Genetics and Molecular Biology; Forensic and Legal Medicine; Research Project; Advanced Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers, Photochemistry & Spectroscopy; Interfaces, Microscopy & Modelling; Advanced Organic Synthesis, Biosynthesis and Reactivity; Advanced Methods of Forensic Science; Advanced Analytical Chemistry
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
Expected lecture/lab/practical hours: A typical module may consist of 20 lecture hours, 10 hours of tutorials and up to 30 practical hours. Typically there are up to 20 hours of lectures and up to 10 practical hours per week. Lectures and workshops usually take place in the morning, while practical work is scheduled for afternoons. In the final year, practicals are replaced by a research project.
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 including practical reports, minor exams, electronic homeworks, etc.
Why Choose This Course
Our recognised expertise in key areas of forensic science (forensic psychology, forensic and legal medicine, genetics) combined with strengths in chemical, biological and analytical science, will provide you with a unique and stimulating interdisciplinary course. In addition, you will earn a full chemistry degree.
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 programmes with numerous partner universities across Europe.
Skills and Careers Information
The course offers you a unique combination of skills in chemistry, biochemistry and disciplines related to forensic science.
Transferable skills of our graduates include problem solving, communicating science, time management and teamwork.
Types of jobs our graduates get include:
- Crime scene investigator (CSI)
- Analytical chemist
- Laboratory technician or manager
The types of companies our students work include:
- Chemical industry and R&D
- Forensic laboratories
- Pharmaceutical, and other chemistry-related industries
- Quality assurance & control laboratories
Requirements
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- 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.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.