Chemistry in Cork has long and deep roots which date back as far as Robert Boyle (1626 - 1691). Boyle, who was a son of the first Earl of Cork and was born in Lismore near Cork, was one of the great early scientists. His experimental findings brought to an end the era of alchemy and led to the foundation of modern chemistry. Today the School of Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC) is a vibrant, research-led centre of excellence working across a number of areas, that include nanomaterials/materials chemistry, organic and pharmaceutical synthesis and development, environmental and energy science and analytical and forensic chemistry. Staff within the School are major contributors to research centres in UCC, e.g. the Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) and the Tyndall Institute, as well as SFI-funded research centres at other locations in Ireland, e.g. AMBER, CRANN and SSPC. The School is committed to teaching excellence and offers academically challenging degree programmes that provide a rewarding and stimulating experience to students, whilst delivering high quality graduates for employers and society. At undergraduate level the School provides BSc (Hons) courses in Chemistry, Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds, Chemistry with Forensics Science and Chemical Physics. Our undergraduate degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and recognised as providing excellent training, not only in Chemistry, but also a foundation for careers in the pharmaceutical, materials science and environmental sectors. The School also plays a leading role in graduate education through taught MSc and HDip degrees, in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, and supervised MSc (Research) and PhD degrees.