Chemistry - Negotiated Learning

MSc Chemistry
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

Trains students in a specialized area of chemistry such as Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Energy and Sustainable Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry or Nanotechnology.

This programme is suitable for those that want to take the Negotiated Learning Masters degree over 2 years (and see the details of the Negotiated Learning programme). The lecture / research project structure is the same as detailed for the Negotiated Learning programme.

Possibilities for internships rather than research projects to complete the programme are there for students trying to work in relevant full time employment. It is not suitable for students seeking to take the programme at night or at weekends.

- Individualised programmes can be selected from a large suite of modules.

- A high-level research project will add significant value and lead to a qualification suited for career advancement in the chemical industry.

- Over 4000 m2 of high specification, modern laboratories within the recently refurbished UCD Science Centre

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Vision and Values Statement
This programme is aimed at students that have completed a bachelor's degree in chemistry and wish to broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills in the area. Students, in consultation with the faculty of the school of chemistry, choose a suite of modules from our graduate school offering which complement their particular interests in the discipline, or advance their desired career objectives. Immersed in a research-intensive environment, located in state-of-the-art facilities, students will work individually and in teams, and engage in cutting-edge projects that will hone their critical thinking, communications, autonomous learning, and technical skills. In addition to lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials, we use a range of student-centred, active-learning activities, including workshops, case studies, seminars, and team-based projects, culminating in research projects in which students are embedded in academic research teams to work on leading-edge problems in student chosen areas of chemistry. Both the core material and the transferable skills acquired in the programme are assessed, using a range of authentic techniques, including assessment of critical reviews, of presentations, and of a research thesis, as well as an oral thesis defence and written examinations.

Programme Outcomes
Be aware of, and be able to manipulate, on-line resources for the collection and collation of literature.

Demonstrate ability in critically analysing and communicating complex sets of data verbally and in written form and have the insight to be able to scrutinise and reflect on aspects of the discipline.

Demonstrate an ability to take significant responsibility and work in a self-directed manner both alone and in groups and be able to act in a wide variety of professional levels and contexts both within and outside the discipline.

Demonstrate the standard and specialised technical skills required to safely operate in a research environment related to their chosen specialisms.

Develop learning skills that allow them to self-evaluate and take responsibility for self-directed further study, within or outside the discipline, or in continuous professional development.

Display, to a high level, a systematic and in-depth knowledge of their chosen areas of the chemistry discipline.

Stage 1 - Core
Research project (Taught MSc) CHEM40880

- This programme is intended for applicants with an honours undergraduate Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of chemistry (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. However all applicants will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account, so that in certain exceptional cases an award at a lower level or a 2.2 classification may be considered.

- Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 ineach element), or equivalent. Students meeting the programme's academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD's Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master's Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

- These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc Chemistry (Negotiated Learning) FT (F042) 1 Year full time

Deadline: Rolling *

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full-time.

Careers & Employability
The MSc in Chemistry through negotiated learning provides a basis for graduates to enter the chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and materials industries.

Analytical services, environmental protection and primary and secondary school teaching present other possible opportunities. Furthermore, through judicious choice of modules within one particular sub-discipline of chemistry, the programme is an attractive route for some students into a PhD programme.