Program Overview

BSc Biotechnology

The BSc Biotechnology is a four-year, full-time course that provides students with an excellent training in modern biotechnology. The course includes molecular biology, food biotechnology, immunology, protein science, bioinformatics, and process engineering.

Course Outline

• Year 1 Modules: Comprises core modules in the four main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Maths. Biology modules include Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry.
• Year 2 Modules: Students begin to specialize but can still choose modules that will leave them with three or more degree choices at the end of the year. Core biology modules include Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry.
• Year 3 Modules: Students commit to their degree choice. In the BSc Biotechnology, students take a dedicated course of lectures and practical laboratory modules encompassing Microbiology, Biochemistry, Process Engineering, and Pharmacology.
• Placement: At the end of Year 3, students carry out a five-month work placement in an industry and/or laboratory relevant to biotechnology.
• Year 4 Modules: Students take a dedicated set of courses in Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Process Engineering. They also undertake a supervised research project in a research laboratory in UCC.

Course Practicalities

• Expected lecture hours: Lectures are conducted between 9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with approximately 288 lecture hours per year.
• Expected lab/practical hours: Laboratory practical/tutorial hours amount to approximately 216 per year. In Year 4, students complete a six-week lab-based project in the area of Biotechnology.
• Costs for lab manuals/lecture handouts vary but average about 15 per year. Textbooks: students typically spend between 50-100 per year on books.

Assessment

• Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules have formal examinations.
• Modules with practical components assess this aspect by reviewing laboratory reports.
• Some Year 3 and Year 4 modules include assignments, dissertations, and reports as part of the assessment.
• The placement and the final year project are assessed using a combination of laboratory/placement performance, written report, and oral presentation.

Why Choose This Course

• The BSc Biotechnology is the only degree outlet from CK402 that offers a placement.
• It offers a unique combination of modules from Microbiology, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Process Engineering.
• The course equips students with a skill set that is very popular with employers, including critical thinking, data analysis, and independent thinking.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• The BSc Biotechnology incorporates a mandatory five-month industrial placement at the end of Year 3.

Skills and Careers Information

• What can I do after I graduate with a BSc Biotechnology?
  • The BSc Biotechnology is ideal for those with a broad interest in the application of life science.
  • Graduates can pursue careers in the biotechnology industry, academia, or research.
• Occupations associated with BSc Biotechnology:
  • Industry: quality control/assurance, project leaders, research and development.
  • Academia: research (towards MSc and/or PhD), lecturer.
• What are our graduates doing?
  • BSc Biotechnology graduates will be attractive to the Biotechnology sector in Ireland and abroad.
  • They will also have an excellent degree in the life sciences, making them well-equipped for post-graduate research.

Requirements

• Refer to CK402 for general entry requirements.
• Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.
• Non-native English speakers must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student affects 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 the Fee Schedule for the course fee and explore available scholarships.

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 apply online via the UCC Apply portal.