Skip to main content

Course Search

Courses

Admissions & Support

Faculty Areas

Course Search

Our Campuses

Our Services

Our Community

Course Search

Governance

Professional Services

Discover More

Biotechnology – BSc (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 339

  • Campus: Athlone

  • years: 4

  • Course Code US861

  • Level 8

  • Course Type Undergraduate – CAO

  • Study Mode Full Time

  • Department Pharmaceutical Sciences & Biotechnology

Course Overview

Biotechnology is the manipulation of living organisms, cells, genes or molecules to develop services and products that benefit mankind and have commercial value. Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving area, which is making significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as healthcare, agri- business, the food industry and the environment. 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. These advancements are based on relatively recent discoveries in the areas of genetic engineering, genome sequencing and molecular biology in general.

It is estimated that approximately half of all medicines produced worldwide now originate in biotechnology, making them cheaper and more widely available. Ireland is a leading location for biopharmaceutical production with a mix of start-ups, high growth SMEs and large multinationals located here. The Irish Government has identified the biopharmaceutical/diagnostics sector as one of the country’s best options for our economic future. Currently 9 out of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world are located in Ireland while 7 out of the 10 best-selling medicines in the world are produced here. The BSc (Honours) degree in Biotechnology in TUS Midlands is designed to train graduates to pursue careers in this dynamic sector of the economy, and/or to pursue further education to post-graduate level in highly specialised areas within biotechnology.

Contact Details

Dr. Donal Eardly

Email: Donal.Eardly@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum grade H5 in two higher level subjects, plus a minimum of grade 06 in four ordinary level subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be 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

  • 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

  • Mathematics and Statistics

  • Biochemistry

  • Gene Technology

  • Microbiology

  • Organic Chemistry

  • Analytical Techniques

  • Physical and Inorganic Chemistry

  • Molecular Biology

  • Environmental Biotechnology

  • Advanced Cell Biology

  • Genetic Engineering

  • Forensic Science

  • Quality Control and Experimental Design

  • Bioethics

  • Occupational Regulatory Affairs

  • Bioprocess Technology

  • Project Theory & Practice

  • Analytical Biotechnology

  • Validation

  • Good Manufacturing Practice

  • Bioinformatics

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship

  • Regulatory Affairs and Legislation

What can you do after this programme?

Typical employers for Biotechnology graduates include:

• Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical companies.

• Medical technology and medical device companies.

• Research institutions (Universities, Institutes of Technology, Contract research organisations, State-run research institutions).

• Agriculture and crop production companies.

• Industries working in areas such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, environmental monitoring and clean-up.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.