Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Chemistry
In this programme you will receive an excellent education in a range of different aspects of Chemistry, with a focus on Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry and Biology.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Erasmus/Study Abroad Option: Subject to availability
Placement Option Yes - subject to availability
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 in Mathematics
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.
All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.
The requirements for each course are shown above.
* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.
The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (i.e. can be counted as one of the six subjects required - grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points are awarded as follows:
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Applicants can use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their best six subjects for the purpose of calculating points, but the Link Modules do not qualify as a subject for minimum entry requirement purposes.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Click on the 'QQI FET Applicants Information link' below for specific course entry requirements.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Options after graduation?
- The pharma-chemical industry in Ireland employs more than 26,000 people and produces €100bn in annual exports. Chemists work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, agrochemical firms, oil companies and manufacturers of detergents, paints and cosmetics.
- Employment in the business sector and government organisations e.g. forensic science, journalism and the health services.
Postgraduate study options include: Research MSc and PhD in Chemistry
Further information
Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 200 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.
The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, tailored information sessions during Orientation/Welcome Week, academic advisors, the Student Budgeting Advice Service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.
See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you, we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
Emer Sheerin, Mature Student Officer
+ 353 1 708 3307
emer.sheerin@mu.ie
2023: 24
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Chemistry is taken with: Mathematics, Biology and one other Science subject or Critical Skills in first year, with Biology and Mathematics or Electives in second year and with Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry and Biology in third year.
In fourth year you will have the opportunity to undertake a six-month work placement/internship (subject to availability), as well as take courses in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry and Biology.
There is a transfer pathway from 1st year MH201 Science to 2nd year MH210 Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry for students who have taken Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and another subject. Students must attain at least 60%. Places are limited and are based on 1st year results.
Why choose this degree?
If you are interested in the areas of Chemistry that are important for the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, then this is the degree for you.
You will have the opportunity to go on site visits to see the workings of pharmaceutical companies. A six-month work placement/internship, subject to availability, will give you an insight into the working environment of a professional chemist and help you to improve your career prospects.
This innovative programme develops skills in problem-solving, communication, scientific writing and presentation – all highly valued in the workforce. These transferable skills will help provide employment opportunities in chemistry and non-chemistry based careers.
Maynooth Education
Electives option in 2nd year
Course structure
1st year
Biology
Chemistry
Mathematics
1 other subject (Computer Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics)
2nd year
Chemistry
Biology
Pharmaceutical Chemistry Workshops
Mathematics
Optional 10 credit Electives or Critical Skills
3rd and Final year
Chemistry
Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry
Biology
Work placement/internship (subject to availability)
Possible topics
1st year
From Cell to Organism
Biological Function and Diversity
General Chemistry
2nd year
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of the Cell
Biotechnology Processes, Cellular Biotechnology
Organic Chemistry
Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
3rd year
Introduction to Immunology, Molecular Biology
Organic Chemistry, Heterocyclic and Natural Product Chemistry Biomedical Chemistry of Drug Action
Final year
Medical Mycology
Bioinorganic Chemistry and Metals in Medicine
Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design
Work placement/internship (subject to availability)
Maynooth University Department of Chemistry, Science Building
+ 353 1 708 3770
chemistry.department@mu.ie
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/chemistry