ApplIed french: biotechnology 

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French on the Biotechnology Programme

Course Description

Applied French is taught to students studying Biotechnology as part of their degree programme.  Students have three hours French per week during which they concentrate on developing their language skills in a framework relevant to their academic and professional needs.  Students are encouraged to participate actively in class and to develop confidence in speaking and writing French.   Emphasis is placed on the fact that language learning is a continuous process and continous assessment is an important feature of the programme. 

The principal aim of the Applied French component is to enhance students’ professional development  by providing them with the language and communication skills necessary to work or research in a multilingual environment in this sector.

Why should Biotechnology students study French?

There are a number of reasons why it is important for students hoping to pursue a career in this sector to study French.  Firstly, employees in companies in the area of Biotechnology and Science are increasingly communicating at international level, through conferences, research seminars, mergers and the location of production in various countries.   While English is still dominant as the language of research and publication, increasing participation in joint research projects at European level is creating an increasing need for proficiency in more than one language.  Secondly, in the last 10 years Biotechnology industries have been growing at an extremely rapid rate in France and Canada.  There are approximately 417 Biotechnology companies in Canada and 250 in France, with France now holding third place in Europe in terms of companies created in this sector.  In both countries, these companies are supported by a large number of public and private research centres.  Graduates who can work in a multilingual environment are thus in high demand in the Biotechnology sector both in Ireland and abroad.  

Some students also have a more imminent need to learn French.  From April to August of Year 3, students participate in a Professional Experience Programme.  There are a number of placements in the francophone world such as the Université du Québec and McGill University in Canada and the Université de Bretagne-Sud in France where students have the opportunity to work and live in a French-speaking environment.  

Overall Aims and Objectives of the Applied French Programme

(1)  To enable students to acquire a high level of communication skills in French and thus encourage them to play significant roles in the international Biotechnology sector.

(2)  To develop students’ general communication skills and intercultural competence so that they may work or research effectively in a multicultural environment.

(3)  To provide students with an understanding of the process involved in learning a language and increase their confidence in speaking and writing French.

Ornaith Rodgers
Department of French
Rm. 321, 2nd floor 
Arts Millennium Building

Tel. 091 524411, Ext. 3800
ornaith.rodgersnuigalway.ie      French Department
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
Phone: +353 (0)91 492397, Fax: +353 (0) 91 494508, E-mail: Emer O'Flynn

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