Science - Common Entry
If you have a fascination with natural phenomena and find yourself constantly asking “why?” and “how?”, then you are well on your way to being a scientist. With an exciting and diverse range of degrees, Science at UCD unfolds a universe of career opportunities for students who have an enquiring mind, an ability to solve problems and a desire to explore new worlds.
| 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
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Cert Subject Entry Requirements
O2/H6 in Mathematics
O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Applied & Computational Mathematics
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Applied & Computation Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Mathematics
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Statistics
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Statistics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Financial Mathematics
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Financial Mathematics should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Biology, Mathematics & Education
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Biology & Mathematics Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Chemistry, Mathematics & Education
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Chemistry, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Computer Science, Mathematics & Education
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Computer Science, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Physics Mathematics & Education
Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Physics, Mathematics & Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
• To meet minimum entry requirements (matriculation) on the results of the Leaving Certificate, a student must present at least six recognised subjects selected according to course requirements (see Entry Requirements for each course) and must obtain at least Grade H5 in two subjects and Grade O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
• A student may normally combine the results of Leaving Certificate examinations obtained in different years to meet minimum entry requirements. This concession applies to to minimum entry requirements registration only; it does not apply to the calculation of points. However, it should be noted that students seeking to enter Medicine must meet the minimum entry requirements, including both Leaving Certificate points and Matriculation, in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
Acceptable subjects
All subjects of the current Leaving Certificate examination are accepted with the following exceptions and qualifications:
1. Gaeilge – Bonnleibhéal (Irish – Foundation Level) will not be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes.
2. Mathematics Ordinary Alternative/ Foundation Level will be accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes, but not as a substitute for the subject Mathematics in courses for that the subject Mathematics is currently an entry requirement.
Leaving Certificate points are not awarded for either of these subjects.
Applicants presenting Leaving Certificate results from previous years, which include subjects no longer offered should contact www.ucd.ie/askus for advice with regard to acceptability and any exclusions that may apply.
Combination of subjects not permitted
The subject “Physics and Chemistry” may not be presented with either “Physics” or “Chemistry”.
• “Agricultural Economics” may not be presented with “Economics”.
• “Classical Studies” may not be presented with “Latin” or “Greek”
Laboratory science subjects
The following subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate are recognised laboratory science subjects:
• Agricultural Science • Biology • Chemistry • Physics and Chemistry (Joint) • Physics.
For Science (DN200) only, Applied Mathematics, Geography or Computer Science may also be used as a laboratory science subject.
Assessment of applications
Admission to most undergraduate courses is extremely competitive. Entry is based on the points system for students presenting Irish Leaving Certificate examinations.
Notes
• Minimum points requirements can change from year-to-year as they are dependent on demand for each course, as well as the number of places available.
• 25 additional points will be awarded for a grade H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, where that subject is one of the six subjects being counted for points purposes.
• Applicants’ performance in the Leaving Certificate examination is scored on their best results in no more than six individual subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate examination of any one year. This does not preclude an intending applicant from taking school-leaving examinations in two or more years. In this event, the choice of year for scoring purposes will be such as to ensure that each applicant is credited with the maximum possible score.
• It is still possible to achieve matriculation and subject requirements over more than one year. However, for admission to Medicine, applicants must achieve both the required subject grades and the points in the same sitting.
• The subjects and combinations of subjects not permitted for matriculation also apply when computing an applicant’s points score.
• The points scores for Medicine are adjusted when combined with HPAT – Ireland. Please see www.myucd.ie/ medicineaddreq
• For scoring of pre-2017 Leaving Certificate examinations, please see www.myucd.ie/leavingcert/pointsscoring
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Grade Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Leaving Certificate Applied Programme LCAP
QQI FET Applicants General Information
22 UCD undergraduate courses from a broad range of courses accept applicants on a competitive basis with appropriate QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) qualifications and modules. The minimum requirement is five distinctions in appropriate QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) qualifications including components specified for the relevant programme.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Where can I learn more about Career & Graduate Study Opportunities?
There is a wide range of career opportunities available to Science graduates. Career maps for all our subjects including Actuarial & Financial Studies, Computer Science and Computer Science with Data Science are available at www.ucd.ie/science/t4media/ucdscience.pdf.
Further information
UCD has a mature entry pathway for anyone who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry and whose school-leaving qualifications are insufficient for admission. For admission in September 2024, your date of birth must be on or before 1 January, 2001.
How do I apply?
For all full-time and some part-time undergraduate degree courses, mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). The application can be completed online at www.cao.ie. For some courses you must also register for a specific test (HPAT and NMBI Nursing/ Midwifery Assessment test) for details of what is required for each course. For most of our courses, the closing date for application is 1 February 2024. Some courses may accept late applications up to 1 May 2024, but this is subject to the availability of places.
What information should I provide?
You should complete the mature section on the CAO form fully, as this is a key part of how we will assess your application. Supporting documents for your qualifications should be sent to CAO as soon as you complete your application. If you wish you can also send an additional statement of interest or CV. Please visit our website www.ucd.ie/maturestudents for further information on application and advice on how we assess applications.
For more information: www.ucd.ie/maturestudents
Other School Leaving Examinations
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Level 6/7 Progression Routes
Yes, see www.ucd.ie/transfer
Open Learning Entry Route
See www.ucd.ie/openlearning
Approximately 420 places.
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
Science offers 27 degree subjects categorised into the following streams:
•Explore Multiple Streams
•Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
•Earth & Environmental Sciences
•Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical)
•Mathematics (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)
•Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
•Science, Mathematics & Education
Students can study subjects from more than one stream in first year. It is also possible for students to change their stream in first year.
Explore Multiple Streams
The Explore Multiple Streams option on the CAO application form is for students who are interested in degrees in different streams. For example, a student may be interested in Genetics and Chemistry. As Genetics is in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream and Chemistry is in the Chemistry stream, students interested in these subjects can choose Explore Multiple Streams.
Students who choose Explore Multiple Streams, are offered the same first year module guarantees as students who choose the other streams.
Is UCD Science a General Science degree?
UCD Science is not a “General Science” degree. It is a common entry course where students specialise in one of 27 degree subjects for their final degree (e.g. BSc Financial Mathematics, BSc Earth Sciences, BSc Theoretical Physics etc).
Why choose to study the UCD Science common entry course?
This course is ideal for the following students:
• If you are interested in a number of Science subject areas and would like time to make an informed decision on your degree major, in first year, you will have the flexibility to explore a range of Science subjects.
• If you know which subject area you would like to specialise in, you can focus your studies from first year. For example, if you are interested in Mathematics only, you can focus on the Applied & Computational Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics degrees.
The number of compulsory modules has been kept low to allow to you try out other subjects that you may not be familiar with or to deepen your interest in the areas that you wish to pursue to degree level. All students make an informed decision about their degree subject at the end of second year.
What do I study in First Year?
Students choose modules in order to meet the requirements for the degree subjects that interest them most. Each degree subject is part of a stream and each stream has a set number of compulsory modules you must take in first year in order to pursue a degree, subject in second year. Plenty of advice is available during the application process and when you arrive at UCD on the module combinations to study in first year. Common entry does not mean a common first year and students can opt to focus on a particular area, but must fulfil the requirements for at least two degree subjects.
Each student will have their own personalised timetable based on their individual module selection. The timetable will be filled with a variety of class types such as lectures, practicals, tutorials etc. An average first year timetable will have 30 hours of class time per week.
What do I study in Second, Third and Fourth Year?
In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. They must be compatible from a content and timetable perspective, such as Mathematics and Physics and a list is not available as it can change each year.
At the end of second year, students choose their degree major.
Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major.
Are there internship opportunities?
We are committed to helping our students prepare for their careers. UCD Science provides opportunities for undergraduate students to apply for internships or professional placements for summer internships or longer placements in industry for specific disciplines. All internships are secured on a competitive basis.
Are there any supports available to help students settle into UCD?
A key feature of UCD Science is our Peer Mentoring programme. Your Peer Mentor will help you to get to know the ropes and offer support as you adapt to University life. During Orientation Week, academics and staff from the Science Office will be available to assist you in choosing your modules and in completing your registration. Academic advice is also available from experienced tutors when you drop into the Maths and Computer Science Support Centres.
What are the facilities like in UCD Science?
The UCD O’Brien Centre for Science has state-of-the-art labs, active learning environments, lecture theatres and classrooms. The laboratories are designed for groups of 24-32 students, ensuring that students get individual attention in modern, state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Year 1 Explore your options
Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical)
Mathematics (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)
Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
Science, Mathematics & Education
Explore Multiple Streams
The Science programme (DN200) offers a flexible curriculum that allows you to focus on an area from first year or keep your options open and explore different subject areas. Each stream has a set number of compulsory modules that has been kept low to allow you to try out other subjects that you may not be familiar with or to deepen your interest in the areas that you wish to pursue in second year and on to degree level.
Plenty of advice is available during the application process and when you arrive at UCD on the module combinations to study in first year.
Year 2 Choose your pathway
Depending on the modules you studied in First Year, you choose a minimum of 2 subjects in Second Year. Students who choose modules for the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular stream in First Year could combine Zoology with Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, for example.
Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Environmental Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Zoology.
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Environmental, Biology, Earth Sciences.
Chemistry (includes Medicinal/ Sustainable/ Biophysical)
Chemistry, Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry, Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology.
Mathematics (includes Applied/ Financial/Statistics)
Applied & Computational Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Mathematics Statistics.
Physics (includes Theoretical/ Astronomy & Space Science)
Physics, Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, Theoretical Physics.
Science, Mathematics & Education*
Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education
Biology, Mathematics & Education
Chemistry, Mathematics & Education
Computer Science, Mathematics & Education
Physics, Mathematics & Education
*These degree subjects are 5 year courses. Students graduate with a 4-Year Level 8 BSc and then continue to a 1-Year MSc in Mathematics & Science Education
Year 3 & 4 - Focus on your specialisation
In third and fourth year, you study your degree subject in depth. Sample modules from both these years are listed on each degree subject page. Many subjects will include a research project which you complete in your final year. Opportunities to apply for internships or professional placements are usually at the end of third year.
Dr Orla Donoghue, College of Science
orla.donoghue@ucd.ie/+353 1 716 2311