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Biotechnology

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Entry Points (2015)
440

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.

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Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements

Duration

4 years

Next start date

September 2017

A Level Grades (2015)

AAA & b (AS) or equivalent combination

Average intake

28

Closing Date

Next start date

September 2017

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

GY304

PAC code

Course Outline

Year 1

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Biotechnology concepts and skills
  • Statistics and probability
  • Language (French or German)

Year 2

  • Biotechnology skills module
  • Biochemistry
    • Molecular and cellular biology
    • Protein structure and function
    • Gene technology and molecular medicine
    • Metabolism and cell signalling
  • Microbiology
    • Microbes and the environment
    • Microbiology lab skills
  • Chemistry
    • Analytical and environmental chemistry
    • Organic chemistry
    • Physical chemistry
  • Language (French or German)

Year 3

  • Biotechnology skills module
  • Biochemistry
    • Cell biology
    • Molecular biology
    • Protein biochemistry
  • Microbiology
    • Food and industrial microbiology
    • Immunology and recombinant techniques
    • Microbial metabolic and molecular systems
  • Placement option
    • Placement project
  • On-campus option
    • Pharmacology concepts
    • Agribiosciences for sustainable global development
    • Human molecular genetics
    • Elective module from Biochemistry or Microbiology
  • Language (French or German)

Year 4

  • Individual laboratory research project
  • Topical scientific literature review
  • Biochemistry
    • Biomolecules
    • Molecular and cellular biology
    • Modern biotechnologies
    • Principles and experimental design
  • Microbiology
    • Bioprocessing and recombinant proteins
  • Introduction to Business

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

€7,492 p.a. 2016/17

Fees: Tuition

€4,268 p.a. 2016/17

Fees: Student Contribution

€3,000 p.a. 2016/17

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2016/17

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2016/17
EU Fees 2016/17:
- 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

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.

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