Program Overview

Biotechnology – BSc

Course Overview

Biotechnology is the study and manipulation of molecules, genes, cells and whole organisms to invent and develop tools that benefit humankind, and have commercial value. Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving discipline centred on Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering and Genome Sequencing, that integrates the natural sciences with engineering to deliver products and services.

Biotechnologists have made significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, the food industry and the environment. They have discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants.

Biopharmaceuticals are novel medicines developed out of the study of biotechnology and represent about half of all the medicines produced worldwide. Ireland is a leading producer of these biopharmaceutical drugs, with nine out of the 10 largest biopharmaceutical companies in the world located here. This makes biopharmaceutical production one of our largest exports, and among the country’s best options for a prosperous economic future.

The biopharmaceutical sector is a vibrant employment market for graduates studying biotechnology courses and most of our graduates go on to work in this dynamic and thriving professional environment. The BSc (Honours) Degree in Biotechnology from TUS Midlands in Athlone is designed (through targeted modules and local work placement) to train graduates to pursue careers in this industrial sector, and/or to pursue further education to post-graduate level in highly specialised areas within biotechnology.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum grade of O6 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
• Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
• Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Biology (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Transferable skills - Credits: 5
• Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies - Credits: 5

Year 1 – Semester 2

• Biology (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Chemistry (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - Credits: 10
• Mathematics for Scientists - Credits: 10
• Current Scientific Issues through Team Based Learning - Credits: 5
• Information Technology for Scientists - Credits: 5

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Gene Technology 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Biochemistry 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1 - Credits: 5
• Organic Chemistry - Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 1 - Credits: 5
• Microbiology 2.1 - Credits: 5

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Cell Biology - Credits: 5
• Gene Technology 2.2 - Credits: 5
• Biochemistry 2.2 - Credits: 5
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2 - Credits: 5
• Analytical Techniques 2 - Credits: 5
• Microbial Genetics - Credits: 5

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Advanced Cell Biology - Credits: 5
• Applied Genetic Engineering - Credits: 5
• Quality and Compliance - Credits: 5
• Immunotechnology - Credits: 5
• Molecular Biology - Credits: 5
• Environmental Biotechnology - Credits: 5

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement - Credits: 30
• The list of modules below are the alternative modules to work placement
• Environmental Science and Sustainability - Credits: 10
• Industry Relevant Project - Credits: 15
• Bioethics (elective) - Credits: 5
• Clinical Trials (elective) - Credits: 5

Career Opportunities

Typical employers for Biotechnology graduates include:

• Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical companies
• Medical technology and medical device companies
• Research institutions (Universities, Institutes of Technology, Contract research organisations, State-run research institutions)
• Agriculture and crop production companies
• Industries working in areas such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, environmental monitoring and clean-up

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for the Level 8 Honours programme in Biotechnology within TUS.

Student Testimonials

• Gosia Poplawska, B.Sc. Biotechnology (graduated 2013); Technical Specialist for Project Management (graduated 2013)
• Keelin Irwin, BSc. Biotechnology (graduated 2023); Assistant Scientist at ThermoFisher Scientific, Athlone
• Kayli Sousa Smyth, BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022); MSc. Genetic and Genomic Counselling, Cardiff University
• Ellie McManus BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022) MSc Biopharmaceutical Technology (graduated from TUS 2023)
• Martina Hurst. BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022). QC Analyst, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Athlone
• Ronan O’Toole BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022); Team Leader, Lab Production Services, Avantor, Co. Dublin

Similar Courses

• Pharmaceutical Sciences – BSc (Hons)
• Pharmacology – BSc (Hons)
• Microbiology – BSc (Hons)
• Bioveterinary Science- BSc (Hons)
• Veterinary Nursing – BSc