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At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Biotechnology
Course Overview
Biotechnology is the application of biology for the benefit of humanity and the environment. It harnesses organisms to provide foods and medicines, and for tasks such as cleaning toxic waste or detecting harmful substances. Biotechnology has roots in food and agriculture, using yeast to make beer and bread, and lactic acid bacteria to make cheese. New technologies such as genetic engineering have enabled modern biotechnology to become an important part of the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, the food industry and the environment.
This programme provides a focused and closely mentored course in an area with real opportunities for the future. Alongside core knowledge of modern biology, the Biotechnology degree provides tailored training in languages, business and communication skills. Students also complete individual projects in research laboratories on campus in their fourth year.
Modules Years 1 and 2
Modules Years 3 and 4
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, and another Language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science), and 02/H6 in another language and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2021
A Level Grades (2020)
nuigalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
28
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY304
Course code
Further Education
Biotechnology graduates frequently pursue advanced training and research in PhD, Masters and Graduate Diploma programmes at universities in Ireland and abroad, spanning areas as diverse as biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science and immunology.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Biotechnologists find employment in rewarding jobs across the growing 'smart economy', including industries such as biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, healthcare, and the environment. Employment opportunities are also available in research and teaching.
Graduates are equipped with a wide range of capabilities and practical experience, including business and language skills, which complement their knowledge of biology. This also allows them to move into areas such as management and marketing, where the biotech revolution continues to open doors.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees 2020/21:
- Tuition: may be paid by the Irish Government on your behalf if you qualify for free tuition fees see - free fee initiative.
- Student Contribution: €3,000 - payable by all students but may by paid by SUSI if you apply and are deemed eligible for a means tested SUSI grant.
- Student Levy: €224 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.
Find out More
Dr Andrew Flaus
Biotechnology
College of Science
T 353 91 493 778
E biotechnology@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/biotechnology
What our Students Say

Josh Taylor | BSc (Biotechnology)
Biotech has small classes so we get to know each other very quickly, and we also get to interact more with our lecturers. I like the variety of subjects, and having a language makes us stand out compared with other science graduates. The placement gives us a great opportunity for getting experience.