Chemical Engineering is all about change; creating life enhancing products and services by applying scientific and mathematical understanding to design, control and improve processes that change raw materials into useful products. Chemical Engineers are world leaders in producing medicines, clean energy and water and other key products in a cost effective, safe and environmentally-friendly manner.

This programme focuses on the practical application of chemistry. You will be studying an exciting mixture of modules including how to make medicines and how to control the quality of those medicines. Year one involves the study of a range of Science modules, and the subject matter covered in year two of this course includes Chemistry, Analysis of materials, Computing and Microbiological analysis. The course will introduce students to the importance of quality control and quality management in the manufacturing and processing of pharmaceutical and healthcare products. 

The B.E. (Hons.) Chemical & Biochemical Engineering provides an interesting, intellectually challenging, and educationally rigorous degree programme that leads to a professionally recognised qualification and good employment prospects in any of a variety of stable, sustainable, well-paid careers. This degree programme comprises formal lectures/study, practical laboratories, workshops, training on industry-standard process engineering software, project work, as well as a substantial Cooperative Education period working in an industrial placement.

This programme focuses on the practical application of chemistry and includes Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Analysis, Quality Management, Pharmaceutical Science, and Analytical Techniques. Students learn how new medicines are discovered and how to ensure that they are safe and of high quality.

A strong emphasis on practical work and projects gives the students a great experience in all these areas. It prepares graduates for immediate employment in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biomedical and biotechnology sectors.
Not all graduates wear white coats.

Are you curious about how chemistry affects our world, both in nature and when it comes to preparing and using everyday materials such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, flavours and fragrances. If that’s the case and you’re a highly motivated independent student who is eager to challenge yourself in the different branches of chemistry, this course is for you.

This course offers a compelling mix of technical knowledge and more hands-on practical experience than other similar courses, meaning you’ll be better prepared for the workforce or postgraduate study. During it, you’ll gain fundamental knowledge in organic, inorganic, physical, medicinal and analytical chemistry, along with practical lab skills and the ability to apply the theory you’ve learned. You’ll also build your creative, innovation and presentation skills.

Preparing for exciting future opportunities: In third year, you’ll do a four- to six-month INTRA work placement in industry or in academic labs, in Ireland or overseas. This will give you vital experience, and enable you to learn new skills and develop contacts that can often lead to employment opportunities after finishing your degree.

As a graduate you’ll be sought after in sectors such as the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical, chemical/materials, specialty chemical, food and government laboratories. Typical roles could include process development, synthetic chemistry, formulation, regulatory affairs, quality control/assurance, analytical method development and medicinal chemistry. Others may go into teaching or patent law, while some decide to go on to further study for a masters or a doctorate.

The main tools of the Chemical Engineer are the applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management in that as a Chemical Engineer you become proficient in not only identifying how to convert materials into functional products but also in how to construct, operate and manage facilities so that they are economical, ethical and sustainable.

It borders and overlaps with other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering as well as business studies and entrepreneurship.

The main tools of the Chemical Engineer are the applied sciences, engineering, technology, finance and management in that as a Chemical Engineer you become proficient in not only identifying how to convert materials into functional products but also in how to construct, operate and manage facilities so that they are economical, ethical and sustainable.

It borders and overlaps with other engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering as well as business studies and entrepreneurship.

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.

On the Chemistry courses you will build a deep understanding of chemical principles, from molecular structure and reaction mechanisms to analytical and practical laboratory skills, giving you a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental chemistry. You will also gain transferrable problem-solving, quantitative and research skills that are valuable for careers in science, industry, education, or further studies.

On the Chemistry courses you will build a deep understanding of chemical principles, from molecular structure and reaction mechanisms to analytical and practical laboratory skills, giving you a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental chemistry.

You will also gain transferrable problem-solving, quantitative and research skills that are valuable for careers in science, industry, education, or further studies.

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.

On the Chemistry courses you will build a deep understanding of chemical principles, from molecular structure and reaction mechanisms to analytical and practical laboratory skills, giving you a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental chemistry. You will also gain transferrable problem-solving, quantitative and research skills that are valuable for careers in science, industry, education, or further studies.

On the Chemistry courses you will build a deep understanding of chemical principles, from molecular structure and reaction mechanisms to analytical and practical laboratory skills, giving you a solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental chemistry. You will also gain transferrable problem-solving, quantitative and research skills that are valuable for careers in science, industry, education, or further studies.

This course will guide you through the journey of a child’s development into adulthood, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges posed by illness and accidents along the way.

Because children often struggle to express the intensity or nature of their pain, you’ll develop strong communication skills to understand their behaviour and respond appropriately. You’ll also learn how to effectively engage with families, including parents and carers, to provide holistic support.

This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training, and to Stage Two of the Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care.

The overall aim of the two-stage programme is to enable learners to develop the knowledge, skills, and competence to work as autonomous practitioners, subject to practice supervision, promoting and supporting the holistic needs of children from 0 to six years, and/or to take responsibility for a room or area in an ELC setting. This award also provides the learner with the opportunity to transfer and progress into further and higher education and training.

The current qualification requirement for room leaders is Level 6 (DCEDIY, register of recognised Early Years qualifications.) Qualifications for different roles in ELC may be subject to change in line with evolving national policy.