About This Course

Fact File

  • Title

    Chemical Sciences

  • Code

    CK406

  • College

    Science, Engineering and Food Science

  • Duration

    4 Years

  • Teaching Mode

    Full-time

  • Qualifications

    BSc (Hons)

  • Fees

    Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138 See Fees and Costs for full details.

  • Entry Requirements

    1 x H4, 1 x H5, 4 x O6/H7; Maths and a Lab science subject are required. See Requirements for full details.

  • CAO Points

    2022: 543

  • CAO Points Range

    543-625

Course Outline

Chemistry provides a scientific understanding of molecules and how they react together, leading to exciting developments in the use of the advanced materials we see around us in the world. It is the study of the properties and behaviour of all matter.

Chemical Sciences gives you access to three degree programmes in Chemistry, Chemistry with Forensic Science, and Chemical Physics.

If you particularly enjoy Chemistry, Physics or Maths as Leaving Certificate subjects, are happy working in a laboratory environment and enjoy the challenge of experimental investigation and research in the physical sciences, then Chemical Sciences may be the course for you.

Modules (All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated)

Year 1

Option 1

  • CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 1 (10 credits)
  • CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 2 (10 credits)
  • MA1001 Calculus for Science I 
  • MA1002 Calculus for Science II
  • PY1010 Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences (10 credits) 

Plus 20 credits from the following:

  • BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease 
  • BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
  • BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals
  • CS1068 Programming in Python
  • GL1001 Introduction to Geology
  • MB1003 Microbiology in Society  

Option 2

  • CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 1 (10 credits)
  • CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 2 (10 credits)
  • AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling
  • MA1011 Mathematical Methods I 
  • MA1012 Mathematical Methods II
  • PY1052 Introductory Physics I  
  • PY1053 Introductory Physics II

Degree Awards

  • Degree Awards - Single Honours: Chemistry with Forensic Science**

If you wish to pursue one of the above BSc Single Honours degree awards in second year, you must choose Option 1 in first year.

  • Degree Award - Single Honours: Chemical Physics 

If you wish to pursue the above BSc Single Honours degree award in second year, you must choose Option 2 in first year.

  • Degree Award - Single Honours: Chemistry*

If you wish to pursue the above BSc Single Honours Degree in the second year, you can choose either Option 1 or Option 2 in first year. 

*Students who have not taken higher-level mathematics/ physics in the Leaving Certificate examination are strongly advised to take Option 1 and module PY1010.

**Students wishing to pursue BSc Chemistry with Forensic Science must take BC1001, BL1002, and MB1003.

Years 2, 3 & 4

Students select one degree stream from:

  • Chemistry
  • Chemistry with Forensic Science
  • Chemical Physics

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of Programme modules.

Why Choose This Course

I chose UCC because of the broad chemistry degree on offer. Going to UCC and studying chemistry has made me confident that once I have graduated I will be employable...

William Daly, BSc

Find Out More
The course gives you a unique set of skills that you won't find anywhere else in Ireland...

Vincent O'Brien, BSc Chemistry with Forensics

If you particularly enjoy Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics as Leaving Cert subjects, are happy working in a laboratory environment and enjoy the challenge of experimental investigation and research in the physical sciences, then Chemical Sciences may be the course for you.

Skills and Careers Information

See the Career Opportunities for each separate degree programme in the CK406 entry route.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:  

At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish

The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.

Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:

EnglishIrishMathsLab ScienceNote:
O6/H7 O6/H7 O6/H7 or H4* O6/H7 or H4* H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science*


If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.

Mature students:   Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview.  Applicants must have studied a laboratory science subject at second level or at QQI/FETAC level, or be able to demonstrate involvement with science-related areas.  Approximately three places are available on this course for mature students.

Other qualifications: EU/EFTA/UK students presenting an alternative school-leaving qualification (e.g. A-levels or International Baccalaureate) or QQI/FE course should visit our  pages for further information. 

International students should visit the International Education website.

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates 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.

Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.

Fees and Costs

Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. 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. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.

Please see Fees Office for more information.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

EU applicants: Application to the Year of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry. Find out about the mature entry requirements here

EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.

Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.

QQI FET: See our QQI FET Applicants page.

Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.

All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year. 

  • In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments. 

For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact

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