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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose NUI Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at NUI Galway is all about here.
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About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
Since 1845, NUI Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
NUI Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at NUI Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
Alumni, Friends & Supporters
There are over 90,000 NUI Galway graduates Worldwide, connect with us and tap into the online community.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Research
Chemistry Research
All PhD students in the School of Chemistry will enroll in a Structured PhD
The School of Chemistry is actively involved in a large variety of chemical research including Synthesis, Natural Product Synthesis, Structure Determination, Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Natural Products Chemistry and Marine Biodiscovery, Medicinal Chemistry and Materials Chemistry. Output in terms of peer reviewed publications has grown significantly in recent years and the school has graduated approximately 380 PhD students since 1970. More than 60% of these graduates are employed in Irish Industry with the remainder working in the public sector or in education. A number have successful careers outside Ireland.
The School of Chemistry in NUI Galway prides itself with its active research and publication record. Publications over the last number of years are evident in a wide range of analytical, organic, inorganic, physical, and nature chemistry journals. Currently research activity within the School of Chemistry involves over 60 postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers in a large number of Research Areas.
Our Research areas
Research in the School of Chemistry is organized into three complementary groupings or clusters which cut across the traditional boundaries of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical chemistry. This research aligns with themes identified in Innovation 2020 (Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology), particularly in the areas of health & medical; energy; manufacturing & materials. It is also aligned with the national priority research areas of therapeutics – synthesis, formulation, processing and drug delivery; diagnostics and medical devices.
Medicinal and Bioactive Chemistry (MBC)
Myers, Erxleben, Brunell, Murphy, O’Leary, Ronconi, Thomas, O'Duill
This cluster encompasses synthetic and natural products chemistry, with a focus on the discovery and characterisation of novel bioactive compounds/materials. Key areas include carbohydrates, marine natural products, peptides, heterocycles, bioactive metal complexes, polymers and solid-state pharmaceuticals. Members actively engage with CÚRAM, Marine Institute, Ryan Institute, and the Synthesis & Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre. (SSPC)
Bioanalytical and Biophysical Chemistry (BBC)
Cheung, Crowley, Rochev, Ryder
Using a variety of chemical, bio-analytical, and computational techniques this cluster investigates the structure and function of biomolecules and biomaterials, with applications in the bio-pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors. There is emphasis on understanding biomolecules in complex environments, such as the crowded cell interior, and at surfaces/interfaces. The members actively contribute to centres, including CCB, CÚRAM, NIBRT, and SSPC. There are multiple large-scale Biopharma industry engagements.
Materials for Energy and Environment (MEE)
Curran, Farras, Leech, Papatriantafyllopoulou
Here the aim is to develop novel materials and devices for energy and environmental applications. The research includes improved understanding of (bio)fuel combustion, development of nanomaterials for green energy, and novel devices for environmental analysis and biosensing. Members of this cluster are part of research centres including MAREI and the Ryan Institute.
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enter on a programme of study and research for the degree of PhD you must have reached at minimum a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree or presented such evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of your fitness.
Programmes available
Structured PhD and Structured MSc in Chemistry. This normally involves working under supervision of one of the academic staff of the School. A list of academic staff can be found in the link below.
Chemistry Academic Staff Profiles
Find out more
Dr. Patrick O'Leary
T +353 91 492 465
E patrick.oleary@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/