Program Overview

Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Genomics)

The Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Genomics) is a four-year undergraduate program offered by the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Galway.

Course Overview

This unique Irish course blends biology, mathematics, and data science to study genetics and genomics. The program provides students with a foundational scientific understanding of the principles that govern the complex nature of living systems. Students will learn from world-leading experts in genetics and genomics and will have the opportunity to work on research projects supervised by academic staff.

Course Structure

The program consists of four years of study, with a total of 60 credits per year. The curriculum includes a range of modules, such as:

• Introduction to Programming
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Introduction to Genetics and Genomics
• Genetics and Genomics: Research and Communication
• Protein Structure and Function
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Evolution and the Tree of Life
• Laboratory Skills in Microbiology
• Statistics for Data Science
• Mathematical Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Genomics II
• Gene Technologies and Molecular Medicine
• Microbes and the Environment
• AgriBiosciences
• Genetics and Genomics: Seminars and Essays

Year 1 (60 Credits)

• Required CS1101: Introduction to Programming - 5 Credits - Semester 1
• Required CH101: Chemistry - 15 Credits - Semester 1
• Required MA180: Mathematics (Honours) - 15 Credits - Semester 1
• Required BO101: Biology - 15 Credits - Semester 1
• Required BI1101: Introduction to Genetics & Genomics - 5 Credits - Semester 1
• Required BI1103: Genetics and Genomics: Research and Communication - 5 Credits - Semester 2

Year 2 (60 Credits)

• Required BI208: Protein Structure and Function - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required BO201: Molecular and Cellular Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required BO202: Evolution and the Tree of Life - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required MI202: Laboratory Skills in Microbiology I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required ST2001: Statistics for Data Science 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required MA215: Mathematical Molecular Biology I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
• Required BI2101: Genetics and Genomics II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
• Required BI206: Gene Technologies and Molecular Medicine - 5 Credits - Semester 4
• Required MI204: Microbes and the Environment - 5 Credits - Semester 4
• Required ST2002: Statistics for Data Science 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
• Required PAB2101: AgriBiosciences - 5 Credits - Semester 4
• Required BI2102: Genetics and Genomics: Seminars and Essays - 5 Credits - Semester 4

Year 3 (60 Credits)

• Optional MI326: Microbial Metabolic and Molecular Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Optional ST311: Applied Statistics I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Optional BO3101: Developmental Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required MI3101: Microbial Genomics - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required BI319: Molecular Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required BI309: Cell Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required ZO317: Evolutionary Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required MA5111: Genomics Data Analysis I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Required BI3103: Career Development and Employability Skills - 5 Credits - Semester 5
• Optional ST312: Applied Statistics II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Optional MA216: Mathematical Molecular Biology II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Optional PAB3103: Plant and Agricultural Genetics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Required MA3103: Introduction to Bioinformatics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Required MA5112: Genomics Data Analysis II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Required BI317: Human Molecular Genetics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
• Required BI3102: The Dynamic Genome - 5 Credits - Semester 6

Year 4 (60 Credits)

• Required MA4103: Machine learning and deep learning for genomics - 5 Credits - Semester 7
• Required BI446: Current Topics in Bioscience - 5 Credits - Semester 7
• Required BI448: Modern Biotechnologies - 5 Credits - Semester 7
• Required BI453: Biochemistry Research Project - 15 Credits - Semester 7
• Required MA5106: Medical Genomics 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 7
• Optional MA5112: Genomics Data Analysis II - 5 Credits - Semester 8
• Optional BI449: Molecular and Cellular Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 8
• Required BI429: Advanced Chromosome Biology - 5 Credits - Semester 8
• Required BI447: Literature Review and Presentation - 10 Credits - Semester 8
• Required MA5107: Medical Genomics II - 5 Credits - Semester 8

Unique Features

• Gain expertise in exciting subjects at the forefront of modern biology, combined with practical and research skills.
• Small class size led by committed staff who are world-class researchers.
• The opportunity to apply to spend the second half of 3rd Year studying abroad in Europe, USA, or Asia.
• Bespoke modules focused on career development, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving that are useful in a broad range of careers post-graduation.

Careers

As a graduate, you'll be prepared for many employment opportunities in multiple industries that will value your knowledge of biology and genetics and your genomics data analysis skills. These include genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four additional subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science, or Agricultural Science), and any two other subjects recognized for entry purposes.
• Minimum grade H5 or O1 in Mathematics.

Fees

• EU Tuition: 4,768
• Student Contribution: 2,500
• Non-EU Tuition: 27,500
• Levy: 140
• Total Fee: 7,408 (EU), 27,640 (Non-EU)

Accreditations and Awards

Graduates from this program will be attractive to employers in several areas, including biomedical genomics, diagnostics, agri-biotech, and biopharma. The program provides students with expertise in modern biology and genetics, practical laboratory skills, creative problem-solving abilities, critical and objective thinking skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and professional awareness of scientific integrity and associated ethical implications.