Bachelor of Science BSc in Biotechnology
Course Overview
-
3
Years
-
7
Level
-
290
Points
-
US731
CAO Course Code
Why take this course?
Biotechnology explores biological systems (cells and organisms) to discover new ways to benefit humankind and the environment. Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biology to create products and processes within areas such as food, agriculture, the environment and medicine. The concept of biotechnology has been around for a long time; bread, alcohol and cheese making, for example, all involve microbial fermentation to make desirable products. However, in the last 20 years, with the emergence of genetic engineering, genome mapping and a much better understanding of how DNA, RNA and proteins function together, biotechnology has revealed new and better approaches to solving many of the problems that face humanity. Biotechnologists have already discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants.
Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving area with many opportunities and challenges, which is making significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as health care, agri-business, the food industry and the environment. As a scientific discipline, biotechnology is a blend of genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology, with a strong component of computer technology – all of these disciplines are explored as part of this programme.
What will I experience?
The degree in Biotechnology at TUS Midlands is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation of scientific knowledge, understanding and skill to build a career as a biotechnologist. The student experience will include the following:
• Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.
• Highly qualified lecturers with a broad range of research, teaching and industrial experience.
• A comprehensive hands-on training in basic and advanced laboratory skills, and in the operation of scientific equipment,
• Opportunities to develop soft skills in oral and written. communication, teamwork, problem solving, time and project management, numeracy skills and computer literacy.
In this podcast Dr. Eardly, Programme Coordinator, discusses the Levels 7 and 8 Biotechnology courses at TUS Midlands in terms of their structure, modules and exciting career prospects.
What opportunities might it lead to?
Further Studies:
Graduates of the Level 7 programme (AL730) can progress to the Level 8 add-on programme, BSc(Hons) in Biotechnology (AL_SBIOT_B).
Level 8 graduates can thereafter progress to postgraduate studies including a Level 9 Master’s degree (taught or by research), a Professional Master of Education (PME) or a Level 10 PhD degree.
Employment:
Typical areas of employment include: biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries, research organisations (academic and industrial), food and drinks manufacturing. Roles for biotechnology graduates include quality assurance and quality control technician, manufacturing technologist, biochemist, analytical scientist, microbiologist and process engineer.
Additional Information
For additional information about this Level 7 undergraduate programme, please contact:
Head of Department: Dr. Carmel Kealey, Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Tel. +353 (0)906468081; e-mail: carmel.kealey@tus.ie
Programme Coordinator: Dr. Donal Eardly, Tel. +353 (0)90 6468075 e-mail: donal.eardly@tus.ie
How to Progress to Achieve a Level 7 Degree in Biotechnology:
There are two different entry routes to pursue a Level 7 Biotechnology degree at AIT:
Both options can lead to a Level 7 degree. If you choose the Level 6 or 7 options you can graduate at the respective level after two or three years’ study and enter the workplace at that stage with a qualification. Alternatively, if you choose to continue your studies, you can pursue a Level 8 Honours degree in Biotechnology.
- Level 6 - Higher Certificate in Applied Science (US662)
After completing Level 6 you can progress to Year 3 of US731
- Level 7 - BSc in Biotechnology (US731)
After completing Level 7, for year 4 you can progress to the Honours degree in Biotechnology (US831).
After completing US731, you can progress to year 4 of BSc (Honours) Biotechnology (AL_SBIOT_B)
Course Details
- Course Duration:
- 3 Years
- CAO Course Code:
- US731
- Cut Off CAO Points:
- 290
- Course Award:
- Bachelor of Science
- Course NFQ Level:
- Level 7
- Department:
- Dept of Life & Physical Sciences
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
-
A minimum grade of O6 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
QQI: Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
Student Testimonial
Gosia Poplawska, BSc, MSc, Abbott Diagnostics
"The course was well structured with a good ratio of labs and lectures and lots of time to use analytical instruments. The lecturers are very approachable and you’re not afraid to ask questions. I continued my education to postgraduate level"
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
The ESRI recently identified a skill shortage for the role of biotechnologist, and the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs reported that a further 8,400 new jobs will open up in the Biopharma Industry before 2020.
Sectors where biotechnologists can seek employment include:
• Industry (food and drink, biopharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices)
• Research and Development in Academic and Industrial settings
• Sales/Marketing
• Second-Level Teaching
Further Study
Following completion of this programme you can pursue a Level 8 Honours degree in Biotechnology or related discipline.
BSc(Hons) in Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science (Honours)