BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology (ab initio)

BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology (ab initio)

Biotechnology is the manipulation (usually through genetic engineering) of living organisms, cells, genes or molecules to develop services and products that benefit mankind and/or have commercial value. Its impact on the 21st century is said to be as significant as the microchip’s effect on society and industry in the second half of the 20th century. Biotechnology provides many tangible benefits to society:

• It is predicted that by 2015 at least half of all medicines produced worldwide will be produced using biotechnology making them cheaper and more widely available.
• Environmental biotechnology products make it possible to clean up hazardous waste and noxious pollutants by harnessing pollution-eating microbes without the use of caustic chemicals.
• Biopesticides and other agricultural products are being applied to improve our food supply and reduce our dependence on conventional chemical pesticides
• Industrial biotechnology applications have led to cleaner processes that produce less waste and use less energy and water in industrial sectors as chemicals, pulp and paper, textiles, food, energy, and metals and minerals. For example, most laundry detergents contain biotechnology based enzymes.
• DNA fingerprinting, has dramatically improved criminal investigation and forensic medicine, as well as afforded significant advances in anthropology and wildlife management.

Why study biotechnology and why come to AIT to study it?:

• A consistently strong biopharmaceutical/diagnostics sector in Ireland has led the Irish Government to identify it as among the country’s best options for our economic future.
• Nine out of the 10 largest pharmaceutical companies in the world are located in Ireland.
• Seven out of the 10 best-selling medicines in the world are produced here.
• ·      One of the mostly highly invested in pharmaceutical plants in the world is in Ireland owned by Wyeth BioPharma. Other multinationals located here and engaged in biotechnology include Schering Plough, and Genzyme.
• Companies such as Biotrin, Trinity Biotech, ThromboGenics which started out in Ireland are now multinationals themselves, performing extremely well in national and global markets.
• The school of science in AIT is relatively small which allows for small numbers in each class group which is especially important for individual attention for students and access to and training on scientific equipment.

The course is delivered over four academic years. Years 1 and 2 are taught in common with a number of other related science courses, while in Years 3 and 4 are specific to biotechnology students.

In first year, you will gain a firm grounding in the basic skill sets required for biotechnology which include: General Biology, General Chemistry, Physics, Maths IT and Computing. This course material is delivered as a combination of lecture and practical laboratory classes over the full academic year. In addition, you will engage in courses in ‘Learning to Learn’ and ‘Enquiry Based Learning’ which enhance students’ learning skills and are delivered in ‘non-standard’ modes such as group projects, student presentations, role play etc. 

In second year, you undertake a series of 12 biology/chemistry-based modules delivered over two semesters. Included are a number of specializations central to biotechnology such as genetics, forensics and recombinant DNA technology. In addition students delve deeper into biochemistry, microbiology and analytical methods. In Year 2, your scientific skills base is honed through laboratory practical classes up to 10 hours per week.

In Year 3 the key sciences underpinning biotechnology are studied as a series of 12 modules over 2 semesters. These include: Cell Biology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Forensic Science, Applied Biotechnology, Advanced Techniques and Ethics. Training is also given in Occupational Regulatory Affairs to prepare students for the work environment. At the end year 3 students are encouraged to undertake scheduled work experience in the biotechnology industry, which is facilitated by AIT.

Year 4 of this degree programme prepares students for the wide variety of career options that are open to them upon completion. For example, there are modules focused on various aspects of the biotechnology industry. You will also undertake a supervised research project in year 4 which is a valuable opportunity to discover if they have an aptitude for scientific research leading to Master’s or PhD degrees, either of which can be a significant avenue for career advancement to the highest levels. Finally, a new module which is included in year 4 called Innovation and Entrepreneurship is designed to enable biotechnology graduates to become involved in biotechnological innovation from inception right through to business plan and hopefully profit!  

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade C3 in two higher-level subjects, Grade D3 in Mathematics at ordinary level, plus three subjects at Grade D3 at ordinary level. Subjects to include a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.

Modules

Year 1

Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Information Technology for Scientists, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry-Based Learning and Scientific Computing.

Year 2

Biochemistry, Genetics & Forensics, General & Applied Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Physical & Inorganic Chemistry and Probability & Statistics.

Year 3

Forensic Science, Environmental Biotechnology, Ethics, Applied Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Experimental Design & Quality Control, Molecular Biology, Advanced Cell Biology, Advanced Techniques in Molecular Biology and Occupational Regulatory Affairs.

Year 4

Bioprocess Technology, Bioinformatics, Analytical Biotechnology, Validation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Good Manufacuring Practice, Regulatory Affairs & Legislation, Research Methods and Research Project.

Progression

As a graduate of this programme you are eligible to apply to join the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biotechnology or the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Biosciences at AIT, or related Level 8 programmes at other third-level institutions.

Professional Recognition

Career Opportunities

Typical areas for employment include pharmaceutical medical technology industries, research organisations (academic or industrial), food and drinks manufacturers and more. Roles for Level 8 biotechnology graduates include quality assurance and quality control technician, manufacturing technologist, biochemist, analytical scientist, microbiologist and process engineer. Salaries are very competitive starting around €25-30,000 for graduates and rising quickly (4 years+ experience) to the €40-50,000 bracket. Once you reach team leader/middle management level your salary will fall into the €60-80,000 bracket

Exciting opportunities may also come with small biotech start-up companies at the early stages of their business development and backed by venture capital. They usually employonly a small number of people and the attractiveness of this career option is that it often leads to a variety of roles and responsibilities at all levels of the business. While the road to success for these companies is rocky, and the failure rate is high, if you pick the right one you might end up with a great career and plenty of valuable share options in your back pocket!

Additional Information