Chemistry is a creative and central science, dealing with challenges that span the physical and life sciences. It is found and used everywhere from the creation of new materials and processes through to advancements in medical health and diagnosis of disease.

A chemistry-based qualification provides students with the relevant skills and knowledge to open doors in research, medicine, education, industry, finance, consultancy and more.

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.

Chemistry is everywhere – in the water we drink, the air we breathe and in every device we use. In fact, it’s key to understanding our world. As a chemist, you can help to solve everyday challenges and change people’s lives for the better.

By choosing Chemical Sciences General Entry, you can spend your first year at DCU exploring different aspects of chemistry, so you discover which parts inspire you most. Among other topics, you’ll study drug design, introduction to synthetic methods to prepare drugs, industrial and forensic analytical techniques, environmental chemistry and biomolecules during this year. You can also take a language module such as French or Spanish.

Path to a chemistry specialism
Having studied different types of chemistry and gained excellent hands-on lab experience, you can choose your specialist degree programme at the end of first year, although this is based on your first year results. You’ll have three options: the BSc in Analytical Science, the BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence.

This chemistry degree focuses on how chemistry can be used for medicinal applications, including drug design, synthesis, and delivery.

It will give you skills and expertise in synthetic chemistry that can be applied in the pharmaceutical and other industries. You can anticipate working in the pharmaceutical industry, facilitating the development of new and better medicines, as well as the chemical and allied industries.

During the course, you’ll explore AI applications in chemistry using large datasets, powerful computing architectures and advanced learning algorithms. As you develop your understanding of how to apply AI techniques and technologies, you’ll also learn from industry partners, who take an active role throughout the course.

As part of the course students will complete 3 weeks work experience placement in a nursing home or hospital.

Students will be given the opportunity to complete the following short courses during the academic year:

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATES

• Patient Manual Handling
• First Aid Responder (QQI Level 5 Module)
• Suicide Prevention and Awareness (HSE approved)

The Advanced Childhood Early Learning & Care course seeks to extend students knowledge in theoretical approaches and provides learners with the skills needed to work as a room leader/supervisor in a childcare setting.

Nurses are problem-solvers with a natural tendency to care about how people feel and usually have qualities such as resilience, empathy, reliability, integrity and good communication skills are leading qualities in the nursing field.

Nurses play a critical role in society, helping people to achieve, maintain or regain the best possible health while also offering patients support and dignity. During this course, you’ll develop deep nursing knowledge, along with skills such as critical thinking, reflective practice, research principles and problem-based learning. You’ll learn how to ensure the care you deliver as a compassionate and committed nurse is current and evidence-based.

Students of nursing learn about caring and the complexities of health and illness through interactive teaching and learning strategies in the classroom and the healthcare environment. Practice (clinical and community) experience provides the student with opportunities to integrate the art and science of nursing and promotes the development of caring relationships with patients and their families/significant others.

In this course you will undertake modules of theory delivered through lectures, workshops and tutorials in our state-of-the art facilities on Belfield campus. Our innovative degree course is taught by experienced lecturers in a friendly and supportive environment. It prepares you to become a professional nurse who can competently manage the complex healthcare needs of the adult and child population both nationally and internationally

The Children’s and General Nursing course will provide you with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills relevant to children’s and general nursing practice, including independent and critical thinking and problem-solving. It will enable you to ensure that the nursing care you deliver is up-to-date and based on the best current evidence.

The only course of its kind in Northern Ireland, the BSc (Hons) Cinematic Arts programme is for students who are interested in high quality storytelling on screen. The course is extremely practical, and 100% coursework based. With such a broad spectrum of skills covered this provides you with the opportunity to find what you enjoy and specialise in it.

If you are a creative thinker interested in becoming a film director; screenwriter; film producer or production manager; cinematographer; art director, postproduction supervisor, film editor and colour grader; tv and commercial director or researcher then this course is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and experience needed to start your career.

This one-year course concentrates on developing students knowledge and practical skills in the art of cinematography and provides an opportunity to work with experienced teachers to kick-start a career in filmmaking and learn valuable skills needed to enter into the film industry.

Students will acquire practical skills in film camera operations with an emphasis placed on the roles and functions of the camera. These skills will be evidenced through practical projects using high end SONY digital cameras. The productions will ensure the acquisition of other important cinematography skills including lighting, digital editing, and scriptwriting. Students will also learn the art of traditional darkroom black and white portrait photography.

Students may also use their digital film and video work as a portfolio to apply for entry to Film and Television Degree programmes

This 4-week blended course will equip industry professionals (textile and apparel designers, buyers, brands, manufacturers) with the most essential knowledge on the latest circular solutions, innovations, certifications and regulations, as well as the skillset and network needed to practically apply this know-how to your own business and design practice.

This course creates a stage for the exploration of the complex issues around fashion, textile design and product design, to interrogate and provoke sustainable systemic change.

This degree integrates an interdisciplinary approach that will deepen and broaden your understanding of environmental, social and economic issues, and sets these in a practical policy context. On entering first year, you will be introduced to a host of new ideas and concepts. Building your knowledge and skills throughout the first year of the course, you will progressively gain insight into the complexity of our taken-for-granted world and how we can constructively and sustainably respond to the challenges we face. A small class size and the interactive learning environment ensures an enjoyable experience that stimulates creativity and ownership of your career path.

This programme offers a rich learning experience in state of the art facilities. As a civil engineer, your work will require a diverse skill set, so the course has been designed to ensure you have the cutting edge knowledge to tackle complex problems in areas such as structures, materials, geotechnics, water, management, traffic and environmental engineering. Modules are delivered in an exciting and challenging blend of tutorials, laboratories and lectures.

Civil Engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and built environment. Civil Engineers play an essential role in solving some of the most pressing problems facing humanity, including concerns about planning, transport, energy and the environment. This programme offers a rich learning experience in state of the art facilities. As a civil engineer, your work will require a diverse skill set, so the course has been designed to ensure you have the cutting edge knowledge to tackle complex problems in areas such as structures, materials, geotechnics, water, management, traffic and environmental engineering. 

Civil engineering deals with one of the most visible signs of change and progress around us: the construction of new buildings, structures and infrastructure. New roads, rail-links, bridges and airports are always needed. New buildings are required for the public and private sectors and older buildings are redeveloped. Civil engineers are required to plan, design, construct and maintain these facilities.

This course helps students identify and build their skills in problem solving, design and management. Students manage and design projects of all scales as individuals and as part of teams, on topics such as Hydrology, Structural Analysis, Geotechnical and CAD. Sustainability, renewable energy, and environmental engineering are integral parts of this course.

This programme is designed to provide Civil Engineering graduates to the construction and civil engineering industry and provides many transferable skills. The areas of speciality include Civil Engineering, Construction, Geotechnical Engineering, Highway Engineering, Public Health Engineering and Structural Engineering.

Graduates are equipped to undertake challenging and responsible activities on site, in the laboratory or the design office. During the programme, there are opportunities for students to participate in site visits, organised by the programme team.