Program Overview

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Genetics and Cell Biology

Course Details

• CAO Code: DC168
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• NFQ Level: 8
• Placement: Yes
• Delivery Modes: Full-Time
• Minimum Points: 532
• Duration: Four Years

Overview

Unprecedented advances in genetic diagnostics and therapeutics are saving lives around the world. By studying on this programme, you can come to understand the genetic basis for life and how this information can be used to investigate, diagnose and treat diseases.

Gaining an unmatched skill set

Not only will you get an excellent grounding in theoretical genetics and cell biology, but you’ll also gain practical laboratory skills, as well as skills in communications, critical thinking and problem-solving. Furthermore, you’ll gain skills in computational biology, which uses high-tech data analysis and modelling to help harness genetic and biological insights. That means you’ll gain a unique skill set that is highly sought after by employers.

Why DCU

• 96% of the faculty’s recent graduates are in employment or further education six months after graduation
• DCU is ranked No 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employment Rate
• DCU is ranked 19th globally for Graduate Employment Rate

Careers & Further Options

Careers

The expansion in the industrial healthcare sector means that there is a huge demand for a workforce that is equipped with scientific knowledge, particularly in molecular and cellular biology. Your skills in research and development and your ability to undertake management and operational roles in the production of healthcare products will be invaluable to employers.

You will find employment in the many Irish industries that produce medical therapeutics, diagnostics and healthcare devices. Moreover, in recent years there has been significant growth in the production of medical and veterinary diagnostics and vaccines as well as the manufacture of medical devices.

Advances in genetics and cell biology have the potential to transform medical science and to make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life. This degree is the perfect starting point for a career in this area.

Career Areas

• Molecular and cellular biology
• Medical Therapeutics
• Diagnostics
• Healthcare Device Production
• Veterinary Diagnostics
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Research and Development
• Education

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Cert: Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science
• GCE A Level: GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
• FET Level 5: Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Chemistry, Biology and Physics Laboratories
• Biostatistics
• Bioinformatics
• Chemistry
• Interdisciplinary Science
• Physics
• Cell Biology and Biochemistry
• Microbiology and Genetics

Year 2

• Biomolecules and Metabolism
• Introduction to Cell Biology
• Cell Structure and Function
• Organic Chemistry
• Scientific Literature
• Microbiology and Genetics
• Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry
• Computational Biology
• Statistics
• Practical Biochemistry
• Practical Microbiology
• Practical Genetics

Year 3

• Gene Cloning and Gene Expression
• Advanced Cell Biology
• Cell Biology, Recombinant DNA Cloning and Bioinformatics
• Downstream Processing
• Bioreactors and Primary Separations
• Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory
• INTRA

Year 4

• Year 4 - Genetics and Life Sciences Pathway
  • Industrial Bioprocessing
  • Proteins, Proteomics and Biopharma
  • Genetics and Cell Biology
  • Immunology and Immunoanalysis
  • Animal Cell Biotechnology
  • Literature Review
  • Research Project
  • Human Inheritance and Population Genetics
  • Commercial Biotechnology and Biopharma
• Year 4 - Biopharma Pathway
  • Industrial Bioprocessing
  • Proteins, Proteomics and Biopharma
  • Genetics and Cell Biology
  • Immunology and Immunoanalysis
  • Animal Cell Biotechnology
  • Literature Review
  • Bioprocessing Laboratory
  • Advanced Bioanalysis Laboratory
  • Biopharmaceutical Industry Regulation and Management
  • Biopharmaceutical Facility Design and Operation
  • Formulation and Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals

Fees and Funding

• Full time: €3,043 per annum (Student Contribution), €6,679 per annum (EU Status Fee), €16,400 per annum (Non EU Fee)

How To Apply

• Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK): Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
• Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU: Apply directly to DCU
• Mature Applicants: Apply through the CAO by 1st February
• Advanced Entry: Apply through the CAO Advanced Entry route which opens from 5th November to the 1st July

Life On Campus

• DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
• Each campus has a library, study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies.
• There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
• DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.

FAQs

• What is the ratio of lab-based activities to lecture-based learning?
• Is DCU all one campus?
• If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
• Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
• Does DCU provide accommodation?