UCD Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

CAO Code DN200 BBB

115

www.ucd.ie/myucd/ bioandmolbio

mworrall@ucd.ie+353 1 716 6779 facebook.com/UCDScience

Dr Margaret Worrall UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical ScienceBelfield, Dublin 4

Why is this course for me?In this degree you’ll explore life at the molecular level. This will enable you to pursue a career in biomedical and biomolecular science. The combination of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology into one degree programme unites the molecular approach of Chemistry with the breadth and diversity of Biology. Both use varied and powerful experimental techniques to examine living organisms, their component parts and molecules that play a role in the function of the cell. Biochemistry and MolecularBiology occupy a central position in modern biological and biomedical research.

What will I study?This is a sample pathway for a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Topics include structural biology, molecular biology, metabolism and disease, cell signalling and communications, cell biology and biochemistry.

First YearBiology ¬ Chemistry ¬ Mathematics ¬ Optional Science modules ¬ Elective modules

Second YearBiochemistry & Molecular Biology ¬ + 2 other Science subjects ¬ Elective modules

Third YearBiochemistry & Molecular Biology ¬ Elective modules

Fourth YearBiochemistry & Molecular Biology (includes a research project in diverse areas such as protein engineering, neurochemistry, cancer studies, the regulation of gene expression, molecular immunology and endocrinology)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Career & Graduate Study OpportunitiesGraduates in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology can find employment in:

– Pharmaceutical companies– Biotechnology companies– Forensic science laboratories– Hospital and clinical laboratoriesGraduates are eligible to apply for a range of MSc programmes in Ireland and abroad, in areas such as biotechnology, imaging and microscopy and molecular medicine. Graduates can also pursue a PhD in universities in Ireland and abroad in areas such as medical research, drug development and biomedical science.

International Study OpportunitiesStudents in their third year have spent time in:

– Ruprechts-Karls-Universität, Germany– University of Edinburgh, UK– University of California, San Diego, USA– University of Chicago, USA

Students in their fourth year have spent time in the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Other courses of interestCell & Molecular Biology p116

Neuroscience p120

Pharmacology p121

Physiology p122

CAO Points Range 2014 515 – 625

Length of Course 4 Years

DN200 Places 402

Entry RequirementsEnglish ¬ Irish ¬ Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3 in LC or equivalent) ¬ One laboratory science subject (Min OB3/HD3 in LC or equivalent. Applied Mathematics or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject.) ¬ Two other recognised subjects

Leaving CertificatePasses in six subjects including those shown above, of which two must be minimum HC3

A-Level/GCSESee www.ucd.ie/myucd/alevel

Other EU Applicants see www.ucd.ie/myucd/eu

Non-EU Applicants see www.ucd.ie/myucd/noneu

Level 5/6 FETAC Entry RoutesYes, see www.ucd.ie/myucd/fetac

Level 6/7 Progression RoutesYes, see www.ucd.ie/myucd/hetac

Mature Entry Route Yes, see page 182

Blood cell preparation in the UCD Conway Institute

“I studied both Chemistry and Biology in school and was unsure filling out the CAO which I wanted to pursue. The No Preference option in UCD suited me perfectly as it allowed me to try all subjects and to make the right decision about where my interests really lay. I’ve chosen to study Biochemistry & Molecular Biology as it combines elements of subjects I love, such as Genetics, Cell Biology with lab skills and research possibilities. It’s my plan to complete my degree and then go abroad to complete a masters or PhD. UCD is a place full of opportunities for all students and in my two years alone I’ve joined the lacrosse team, become a peer mentor and gotten involved in the Science Society.”

Orla Sherwood Student

Biochemistry & Molecular

Biology

UCD Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences (BBB)

Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences

Chemistry & Chemical Sciences & Geological Sciences

Explore all optionsMathematical, Physical

Engage with the principles

Taught & Research Master’sof Science (MSc)

Doctor of Philosophy

(PhD) Science

Research & Academia

Shape your career with UCD Science Conversion/Complementary Courses

Continue to develop your professional career with UCD...

BSc (Honours)

Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Hospitals

Environmental Consultancies

Conservation & Wildlife

Water Utility, Mining & Energy

Business & Finance

Publishing, Media & Journalism

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing

Clinical Trials & Medical Devices

State Agencies -Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Irish Medicines Board

Forensic Science Laboratory, Met Éireann etc.

*MSc Mathematics & Science Education (Teaching)

Professional Masters in Education (Teaching)

Graduate Veterinary Medicine

Graduate Medicine

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Studies

Graduate Diploma and MSc in Actuarial Science

MSc Computer Science (Conversion)

Pathway models for each subject including Actuarial & Financial Studies and Computer Science at www.ucd.ie/science/ucdscience.pdf

Chemistry Applied & Computational

Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences

Chemistry & Chemical Sciences & Geological Sciences

Environmental Biology GeneticsChemistry with

Biophysical Chemistry

Geology

Pharmacology Physiology

Plant Biology Zoology

Physics

Statistics

Theoretical Physics

Chemistry with Environmental &

Sustainable Chemistry

Mathematical, Physical

MathematicsMathematics

Mathematical Science

Applied Mathematics& Mathematics

Education*

Physics & MathematicsEducation*Chemistry &

MathematicsEducation*

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Cell & MolecularBiology

Neuroscience

Biochemistry &Molecular Biology

Microbiology

Biology & Mathematics Education*

Follow your pathway

Financial Mathematics

Physics with Astronomy & Space Science

Studying UCD Science DN200

Years1 & 2

In first and second year, you can select modules from all the subjects below to explore a range of subjects or focus on your preferred subject area.

Years3 & 4

*This BSc degree progresses to the MSc in Mathematics and Science Education as outlined in the Conversion/Complementary Courses section.