Biophysical Chemistry combines the study of the molecular principles of the functioning of life with their applications in modern technologies, from the design of a new generation of smart medicines to green manufacturing. The best chemical technologies of our world are utilised in biological systems, where thousands of chemical transformations take place in a well controlled, environmentally friendly manner and in a tiny space (biological cells). Biological cells represent sophisticated manufacturing plants filled with a broad range of nanodevices. Students graduating with this degree will acquire knowledge of advanced chemistry, knowledge of molecular principles of organisation and functioning of living matter, and also the skills in the applications of these principles in biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food and other related industries.
What will I study?
All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunity
The interdisciplinary aspect of this degree and the acquired combination of theoretical and practical skills provide broad opportunities for employment in high-tech areas, including:
Biophysical Chemistry graduates will be able to find employment in biotechnological, pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, personal care and other industries, as well as academic research worldwide. Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad.
What Will I Study
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry. Topics include: physical, organic and inorganic chemistry; molecular architecture of living matter; self-assembly and functioning of biomolecules; molecular principles of storing and utilisation of genetic information; bio-catalysis and enzymes; modern technologies of supramolecular design; and modern analytical techniques
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
UCD College of Science
Room E1.09/E2.09,
UCD O'Brien Centre for Science - East,
BELFIELD,
Dublin,
Republic of Ireland
Students must have completed their secondary level/high school studies or have never studied at university before are eligible to apply Bachelor degree at UCD.
There are minimum entry requirements that all applicants, applying based on school leaving results, must meet.
Leaving Certificate
IELTS - An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version; A minimum score of 600 in the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with Test of Written English at 475 +. In the computer based TOEFL, a minimum score of 250 is required. A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (IBT).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland, and is the destination of choice for over 10,400 international students.
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