Bachelor of Science in Industrial Biochemistry

Program Overview

The B.Sc. in Industrial Biochemistry is a four-year biotechnology program that provides a strong academic foundation in core biological and chemical sciences. Students develop specialized skills in biochemistry, genetic engineering, and diagnostics, and gain hands-on industry experience through a cooperative education placement. Graduates pursue diverse roles in industry, including research and development, manufacturing, and quality control.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The program is of four years duration.
• The first year (through LM123 Common Entry) provides you with the required academic foundation in:
• Biology
• Introductory industrial biochemistry
• Computing
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Introductory physics
• The second year builds upon these fundamentals, introducing you to courses in:
• Biochemistry
• Microbial metabolism and technology
• Bioprocess technology
• Analytical sciences
• During the third and fourth years you will undertake additional specialised modules in biochemistry, genetic engineering, diagnostics, applied immunology and bioinformatics.
In the final year a stream of elective modules allows the student to specialise in topics such as Biomaterials (new materials in the medical device industry), entrepreneurship, waste management and specialised biochemistry modules. A project, which is undertaken throughout the final year, allows students to analyse a problem in depth and, if interested in postgraduate research, gives you the opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation of a potential research topic.
• During the spring semester of year 3 and the subsequent summer, a period of Cooperative Education (student placement in industry) provides experience of the practice and application of industrial biochemistry in a working environment.
Such relevant industrial experience, gained either at home or abroad, has proven particularly beneficial to students seeking employment in industry after completing their studies.

Careers:

• Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles.
The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:
• Biotech Production
• Manufacturing Technician
• Irish Research Council
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Technician
• Manufacturing Biochemist
• Process Technician
• QC Analyst
• Quality Officer
• Research and Development Analyst
• Technical Support

Other:

• The B.Sc.
In Industrial Biochemistry is a degree programme in biotechnology. It focuses upon the study of living cells (or components of living cells) and the medical/industrial applications of such substances. It is designed to prepare you for a career in the biotechnology sector and allied industries and has a very strong employment record.
• Examples of traditional biotechnological processes include the use of microorganisms to produce alcohol or antibiotics.
Examples of more modern biotechnological processes include the use of genetic engineering to produce protein-based drugs or “Biopharmaceuticals” (e.g. Insulins or Interferons), engineered plants, which are drought or pesticide resistant or transgenic animals displaying some novel characteristic, such as faster growth.