AC Student Life
Labs, labs, labs.....
AC3 student in synthetic labs
AC students spend a lot of time in the lab, learning the basics of synthetic and analytical chemistry, where they learn to use complicated chemical equipment and instruments for producing and analysing chemical molecules. Over the course of their degree, students build up hours of hands-on experience, working with students and staff in the school to hone their skills. The techniques students master here, are the foundation of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, meaning that students are H-O-T-T-O-G-O when they graduate!
Escape Room in Year 4
AC4 and AS4 students after completing the Escape Room in 2024
In year 4, students get to complete a chemistry escape room, transforming learning into an engaging, interactive experience for students. Students work in teams to solve chemistry-based puzzles, such as identifying compounds, balancing chemical equations, and analysing results to solve clues. The students engage in critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving under time constraints.
Not only is this a lot of fun but it also enhances knowledge retention by creating a fun, immersive environment that promotes active learning! Will you escape on time?!
Undergraduate Research Projects
Dr Kieran Nolan with the 2024 undergraduate research project prize awardees
As part of their undergraduate degrees, all students in DCU complete a final year project based in a research group in the school. Students complete a research project, designed with the support of the academic supervisor, over 12 weeks in the research labs in DCU. Each and every student gets to experience the immersive enviornment of am active research project, gaining excellent skills across the practical aspects of chemical experimentation. Each year, the best student projects are awarded the Pauric James Award for Undergraduate Excellence, including to students in the AC degree.