Dept of Life & Physical Science

The life sciences are concerned with the study of living things and biology is traditionally subdivided into zoology (the study of animal life), botany (the study of plant life) and microbiology (the study of micro-organisms). However, the enormous growth and expansion of the life sciences over the last century has produced a myriad of further specialist disciplines to include physiology, biochemistry, ethology, ecology, genetics, pharmacology, neurobiology, cell and molecular biology, toxicology and development biology, etc.

The study of biology is basic to scientific progress and has many important applications in industry, medicine and protection of the environment. Since the 1970s biological research has led to many developments which have improved the quality of human life. The level of understanding that has been achieved offers the realistic prospect of solving fundamental problems of human disease and finite longevity. The twenty-first century is widely predicted to witness the further advancement of biotechnology and the creation of many life science dependent industries.

The challenge facing biology and biologists today is to ensure that biological research and the application of biological science to human progress fulfils the many demands of the modern world. To equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to make a career in molecular biology and dependent fields, AIT has developed ordinary and honours level degrees in biotechnology.

Toxicology is the study of the harmful effects of drugs, environmental contaminants, and naturally occurring substances found in food, water, air and soil. Toxicological research is important for improving the health of humans, animals and their environments. It also provides an understanding of the mechanisms by which chemical substances cause injury, and this information can be used in the treatment of poisonings. Toxicological studies are required to ensure the safety of medicines, household and agro-chemicals, and industrial and natural chemicals. It represents an area of science of growing importance and opportunity, largely as a consequence of the rapid increase in environmental and safety legislation. A further driver of toxicology is the continuing growth of the healthcare sector and the demands on the industry to develop a greater number of new drug compounds.

In recent years, AIT has also introduced a number of new programmes which are meeting a real need in the workplace for qualified graduates. The institute pioneered and offers an established BSc in Veterinary Nursing, and is now offering an add-on degree in agricultural studies. Employment prospects are excellent due to the upsurge in the scale, demands and sophistication of veterinary practices.

 

Why Choose Life and Physical Science at AIT?

• Extensive periods of clinical and industrial placement are an intrinsic part of many of our programmes, thus providing students with practical experience, highly valued by employers.
• Lecturers have extensive industry experience which enriches their teaching.
• Close relationship between AIT and the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, which form the bedrock of Ireland’s future prosperity.
• Graduates from our honours degrees in Toxicology and Agricultural Studies are deemed eligible by the Teaching Council to apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
• Many of the courses are recognised by professional bodies such as the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, etc.