Students

UCD College of Science External Placement options 

SCI30080 Professional Placement- Science (5 credits, GPA neutral)

This module is an option in the following degree subjects:

• Applied & Computational Mathematics
• Financial Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Plant Biology
• Environmental Biology
• Zoology
• Physiology
• Chemistry
• Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry
• Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Computer Science
• Computer Science with Data Science

This module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Stage 3. This 5 credit module is graded Pass/Fail following assessment based on both a student and employer report. The module is GPA neutral and the 5 credits contributes to the subsequent academic year, i.e. successful completion of SCI30080 during the Summer after Stage 3 is counted as a module in Stage 4.

BMOL40020 Industry Research Project (25 credit)

This module is an option in the following degree subjects:

• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

You have an opportunity to undertake an industry research placement for 6 months commencing the Summer following Stage 3, i.e. June-December, including Autumn Trimester of Stage 4. Assessment is based on a thesis, oral presentations and a laboratory report. 

GEOL30360 Work Placement-Geoscience (5 credits, GPA neutral)

This module is an option in the Earth Sciences degree subject. 

You have an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the Summer following Stage 2. This 5 credit module is graded Pass/Fail following assessment based on both a student and employer report. The module is GPA neutral and the 5 credits contributes to the subsequent academic year, i.e. successful completion of GEOL30360 during the Summer of Stage 2  is counted as a module in Stage 3.

COMP30790 Industry Placement (15 credits, GPA neutral)

This module is an option in the degree subjects: Computer Science and Computer Science with Data Science

You have an opportunity to undertake an industry placement in Stage 3 from mid-March to August. This module is graded in a pass/fail grade neutral fashion and so has no impact on final GPA calculation. Assessment is based on a learning journal and a presentation from the student.

FAQs

How do I apply for an internship?

Please contact the College of Science Internship Managers to express interest in sourcing an internship as part of your programme. Email (opens in a new window)scienceinternships@ucd.ie to begin the process. 

Am I guaranteed an internship if I apply for one?

No. In order to complete an internship, you will need to successfully apply for one in a competitive process.  As such, we cannot guarantee that everyone who seeks an internship will succeed in winning one.

It is important to engage with your College Internship managers (see contact details below) for support with your applications and advice on your CV.

I need help with my CV and applications, who do I contact?

Engage with your Internship Manager (see contact details below) for CV review and support in your applications.

Book a one-to-one consultation via (opens in a new window)MyCareer in the ‘Appointments’ tab.

Alternatively, the Career Development Centre also offers 20 min appointments every day.

Can I undertake an internship at the end of Stage 3 if I am going on an exchange during Stage 3 or if I am taking a leave of absence for Semester 2 of Stage 3?

Yes, but it is important to engage with your Internship Manager (see contact details below) for CV review and support in your applications.

Can a bursary experience in a university research lab be used as an internship in the above modules?

No, at the moment it is not possible to use experience in a university research lab (either in UCD or elsewhere) as the basis for an internship module.

Can I arrange my own internship? 

Students who wish to self-source their own internship are encouraged to do so.

All self-sourced internships must be approved by the Science Internship Managers and Module Coordinators to ensure that the host organisation is aware of its responsibilities and that they understand what to expect from a UCD student, and to ensure the internship meets the learning outcomes of the internship module. If a student has secured their own internship, independent from the College they will need to submit a ‘self-sourced placement form’ and provide all details of the internship. Students will need to provide proof of offer either via an email or offer letter from the employer.

What happens if I fail to progress to Stage 4 or opt to graduate with a 180 credit degree?

If you embark on an internship during the summer between Stages 3 and 4 and do not progress to Stage 4, you will be unable to register for the module in Stage 4; the module would not contribute credits, attract a fee or appear on a transcript.  Nevertheless, the experience would be beneficial and could still be listed on a CV.

Interested in finding out more?