Bachelor of Science (Honours) BSc(Hons) in Applied Bioscience
Course Overview
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1
Year
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8
Level
-
Add-on
Course
Why take this course?
Significant employment opportunities are being created through expansion in the food and drink, farm and fishing Sectors. Students taking this add-on honours degree focus on animal and agricultural modules such as herd management strategies and environmental management and land use. There is also a distinct focus on food science through modules such as food and molecular microbiology, food processing and safety.


What will I experience?
Students will gain valuable hands-on experience working in the laboratories. Students are encouraged to discover their talents and will be assigned a final year project. This will usually involve spending time in the laboratory where students can develop their lab skills and independent thinking. Students will also find that the small class sizes allows an excellent student and staff interaction.

Y4 students of the programme also have the opportunity to participate in one of the annual regional conferences of the Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network.

What opportunities might it lead to?
One in five of our graduates pursued postgraduate studies leading to MSc or PhD (Level 9/10) qualifications within TUS or at other Higher Education Institutions including UCD, NUIG, NUIM, CIT and Queens University Belfast. Others have decided to pursue a career in education by acquiring a teaching qualification or as veterinary technicians supporting teaching programmes in academia.
Approximately 10% return to veterinary nursing taking up senior roles in the sector which include posts at Fethard Equine Hospital, Glenvale Stud and Queen Mother Veterinary Hospital in the UK. Another opportunity for a graduate is that you may even consider setting up your own company with one of our previous graduates who is now managing director of her own veterinary recruitment company.
“After finishing my BSc in Veterinary Nursing degree programme, I decided to study on the BSc(Hons) in Applied Bioscience programme for one extra year. It is a decision I’ve never regretted. The options in which this degree have given me are endless. The wide range of areas studied in theory and practical’s is invaluable. From analytical to biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental studies, herd management and to food processing technology. The hours spent in the lab. with hands-on experience is what future employers are looking for, need to be competent in a skill rather than just knowing the theory knowledge. This programme has given numerous options outside my Veterinary Nursing degree to explore. My class mates are working in areas such as animal diagnostic laboratories, the pharmaceutical sector, meat processing plants and milk processing plants. Anyone who is on the fence about this year should definitely just go for it. It is only one year and the end result is worth it. Once you leave college it is very had to go back and take all the education opportunities available to you”.
- Siobhan Killeen, BSc(Hons) in Applied Bioscience

Additional Information
For additional information about this Level 8 Add-on undergraduate programme, please contact:
Head of Department: Dr. Cormac O’Shea, Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Republic of Ireland; Tel: +353 (0)906468103; e-mail: coshea@ait.ie
Programme Coordinator: Dr. Sile O’Flaherty, Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest, Athlone Campus, University Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37HD68, Republic of Ireland; Tel. +353 (0)906468085; e-mail: soflaherty@ait.ie
Course Details
- Course Duration:
- 1 Year
- Registration Closing Date:
Online applications for this programme for the academic year 2022-2023 commencing in September 2022 are accepted from February 1 - June 1, 2022
How to apply to this programme at TUS:
- Course Commencement Date:
September 2022
- Course Award:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Course NFQ Level:
- Level 8
- Department:
- Dept of Life & Physical Sciences
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
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Holders of an appropriate Bachelor of Science qualification in Veterinary Nursing, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, Toxicology or an equivalent Level 7 qualification are eligible to apply to join this programme.
Student Testimonial
L8 Graduate - Lorna Moore, Barronstown Stud
"Great lab experience and individual interaction with the lecturers"
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
As a graduate of this degree, you may be employed by industry in a number of scientific roles such as quality assurance, quality control, analysis/bioanalysis, validation, management and optimisation.

Work Placement
Placement is not part of this one year add-on programme.