Program Overview

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Biological and Chemical Sciences

The Biological and Chemical Sciences degree programme is the largest and most flexible entry route for students in science, with nine degree streams available through it. This programme is carefully constructed to foster an interdisciplinary approach across a wide range of biological, biotechnology, medical, chemical, and pharmaceutical research areas.

Course Outline

Our programme is designed for students who enjoy Biology and/or Chemistry as Leaving Certificate subjects, enjoy working in a laboratory environment, and like the challenge and excitement of scientific research and development. The degree streams available are:

• Applied Plant Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds
• Chemistry with Forensic Sciences
• Microbiology
• Neuroscience
• Physiology

Year 1 Modules

The first year includes modules such as:

• Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease
• Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics, and Evolution
• Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals
• Microbiology in Society
• Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry
• Calculus for Science
• Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences

Course Practicalities

This course comprises a combination of lectures, practicals (experiments), and tutorials/workshops.

Why Choose This Course

A unique aspect of the Biological and Chemical Sciences programme is the large degree of flexibility available to students after they have entered the programme. Through this programme, students will have access to nine distinct degree awards and will have the opportunity to study a range of different science areas to help them understand and decide where they want to take their education next.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

This varies between degree streams with a variety of options for gaining relevant work experience. Some streams have formal work placements, while others offer options for placements. Academic departments help interested students secure appropriate summer placements in companies, research laboratories, or research institutes.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduate Study Options

For further information on further study options from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme.

Career Opportunities

An extremely wide variety of career opportunities are available to graduates of the degree streams. For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme.

Requirements

Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements

At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject, and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

• English: O6/H7
• Irish: O6/H7
• Maths: O6/H7 or H4*
• Lab Science: O6/H7 or H4*

*If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths, or Computer Science, an O6/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.

EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications

EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

Mature Students

To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest.

QQI FET Entry

Applicants who meet the required level of distinctions in required subjects can apply for entry to this course using specific QQI FET qualifications.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language, they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.

How To Apply

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February.

QQI/FET Applicants

Apply via the CAO.

Non-EU Applicants

If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal.

Similar Courses

• BSc Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
• BSc Chemical Sciences
• BEd Science Education