Biotechnology – BSc

CAO Points: 323
Campus: Athlone
years: 3

Course Code US731
Level 7
Course Type Undergraduate – CAO
Study Mode Full Time
Department Pharmaceutical Sciences & Biotechnology

Course Overview

Biotechnology explores biological systems (cells and organisms) to discover new ways to benefit humankind and the environment. Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biology to create products and processes within areas such as food, agriculture, the environment and medicine. The concept of biotechnology has been around for a long time; bread, alcohol and cheese making, for example, all involve microbial fermentation to make desirable products. However, in the last 20 years, with the emergence of genetic engineering, genome mapping and a much better understanding of how DNA, RNA and proteins function together, biotechnology has revealed new and better approaches to solving many of the problems that face humanity. Biotechnologists have already discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants.

Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving area with many opportunities and challenges, which is making significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as health care, agri-business, the food industry and the environment. As a scientific discipline, biotechnology is a blend of genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology, with a strong component of computer technology – all of these disciplines are explored as part of this programme.

Contact Details

Dr. Donal Eardly

Email: Donal.Eardly@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum grade of O6 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 1

Chemistry
Biology
Physics
Mathematics for Scientists
Learning and Development for Higher Education
Information Technology for Scientists
Scientific Computing
Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry Based Learning

Year 2

Mathematics and Statistics
Biochemistry
Gene Technology
Microbiology
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Techniques
Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

Year 3

Molecular Biology
Environmental Biotechnology
Advanced Cell Biology
Genetic Engineering
Forensic Science
Quality Control and Experimental Design
Bioethics
Occupational Regulatory Affairs

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Typical areas of employment include: biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries, research organisations (academic and industrial), food and drinks manufacturing. Roles for biotechnology graduates include quality assurance and quality control technician, manufacturing technologist, biochemist, analytical scientist, microbiologist and process engineer.

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for the Level 8 Honours programme in Biotechnology within TUS.