Chemistry - Synthetic Chemistry

MSc Synthetic Chemistry

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)



This MSc in Synthetic Chemistry is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemical or pharmaceutical industries. There is a strong demand for these synthetic chemistry skills, e.g. nine of the top ten largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the world have major facilities in Ireland, and seven of the ten top best-selling pharmaceutical products are made in Ireland. This programme can be taken as a full-time (1 year), or a part-time (2 yrs).



Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, and it has strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally.



According to the 2015 QS World University Rankings by Subject, Chemistry at UCD is ranked 2nd in Ireland and in the world top 150.



Course Description

Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. These taught modules have a particular focus on synthetic chemistry. They include modules on core principles of the design of synthetic routes to simple structures, progressing to more advanced modules on catalysis and asymmetric catalysis, a module on carbohydrate chemistry and a module on the synthesis of drug-like targets on a laboratory and on a commercial scale. These are supported by courses on the use of spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation and analysis, covering techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR), near infrared (NIR), Raman, UV-visible, Circular Dichroism and Emission spectroscopy. Two modules focus on medicinal and biological chemistry, and another addresses the process of protecting and commercialising ideas and inventions.



In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. Students can select the research area from our vibrant research programme in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, which is informed by strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally.



Relevant research topics in the School include:

• Catalysis and new transformations research is directed towards design and discovery of new methodologies for metal-mediated and organic bond making and breaking processes to provide new techniques for building up molecular complexity (cascade processes) and to facilitate challenging reactions under mild conditions. Areas of application are multifaceted, including for example natural product synthesis, energy storage (hydrogen fuel economy, greenhouse gas fixation, water splitting), and greener processes.



• Carbohydrate chemistry research focuses on developing new synthetic methodologies towards carbohydrates, C- and S-glycosides, and towards oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, and also includes the evaluation of the biological activity, specifically as antibiotics, vaccines, and anti-tumour agents.



• New materials for magnetic, medicinal and electronic applications research encompass the fabrication and application of complexes and assemblies for spin crossover (magnetic switches) and as electrochemical sensors.



• Substantial work is also directed towards the synthesis and application of metal-based drugs for anticancer and antimicrobial application.

The structure of the programme is as follows:

90 credits taught masters: 60 credits taught modules and 30 credits research project.



OPTION MODULES:*

CHEM40160 Chemistry Seminar Programme I

CHEM40370 Advanced NMR Spectroscopy

CHEM40750 Org Synthesis 1

CHEM40760 Org Synthesis 2

CHEM40790 Modern Catalysis

CHEM40810 Topics in MCCB

CHEM40830 Metals in Biology

CHEM41210 Professional Career Development

CHEM4010 Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis

CHEM40350 Comm of Chem Research

CHEM40360 Synthesis of Pharm Compounds

CHEM40930 Proc Dev & Scale Up (NUIG)

CHEM40940 Advanced Synthetic Chem

CHEM40950 Advanced Inorganic Synthesis

CHEM41300 Mass Spectrometry for Chemical



CHEM40880 Research Project**



*Note, students taking this programme on a part-time basis the same suite of modules will be available, however they will be spread over a two-year period. The precise timing (i.e. year 1 or 2) of the modules taken will be discussed with the course coordinator when the student enrols.



**Please note, the Research Project (CHEM40880) must be taken in trimester 3 of the second year.



Stage 1 - Option

Chemistry Seminar Programme I CHEM40160

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis CHEM40310

Commerialisation of Chemical Research CHEM40350

Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds CHEM40360

Advanced NMR Spectroscopy CHEM40370

Org Synthesis 1 CHEM40750

Org Synthesis 2 CHEM40760

Modern Catalysis CHEM40790

Topics in MCCB CHEM40810

Metals in Biology CHEM40830

Research project (Taught MSc) CHEM40880

Proc Dev & Scale Up (NUIG) CHEM40930

Advanced synthetic chem (MSc) CHEM40940

Advanced Inorganic Synthesis CHEM40950

Professional Career Developmen CHEM41210

Mass Spectrometry for Chemical CHEM41300

Chemistry MSc Internship CHEM41400

This programme is intended for applicants with a Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of Chemistry. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



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

How to apply?

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Synthetic Chemistry Pharmaceutical & Fine Chem Indust PT (F210)

Duration

2 Years

Attend

Part Time

Deadline

Rolling*



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

2 years part-time. Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face.

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability

The MSc in Synthetic Chemistry 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. This course is also a route for some students into a PhD programme.