Program Overview

Biotechnology – BSc (Hons)

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.

Course Details

• CAO Points: 324
• Location: Athlone
• Years: 4
• Course Code: US861
• Level: 8
• Course Type: Undergraduate
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences & Biotechnology

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

• Biology (Year Long)
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to introduce the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems.
• Chemistry (Year Long)
  • Credits: 10
  • In this module, the fundamentals of General and Inorganic Chemistry are introduced.
• Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long)
  • Credits: 10
  • This introductory Physics course is designed to provide students with intuitive mental models of key fundamental principles of Physics.
• Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long)
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to offer an introduction to scientific mathematics providing the learner with the necessary tools to deal with the quantitative aspects of the discipline.
• Transferable skills
  • Credits: 5
  • This module aims to provide students with a range of transferable skills preparing them to learn and work in a scientific field.
• Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies:
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to provide the student with a working knowledge of laboratory practices with a focus on safety.

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
  • The aim of this module is to introduce students to a range of scientific topics relevant to their study programme.
• Information Technology for Scientists
  • Credits: 5
  • This module provides students with a firm grounding in the basic applications of Information Technology for scientific data analysis.

Year 2 – Semester 1

• Gene Technology 2.1
  • Credits: 5
  • The Gene Technology 2.1 module provides students with a fundamental knowledge of classical genetics.
• Biochemistry 2.1
  • Credits: 5
  • Biochemistry 2.1 provides students with knowledge and skills to enable engagement with the scientific principles of biomolecule structure, function and physiologic context.
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1
  • Credits: 5
  • This course will develop the students mathematical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.
• Organic Chemistry
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to examine the chemistry, structure and reactivity of the main functional groups in organic chemistry.
• Analytical Techniques 1
  • Credits: 5
  • This module is an introduction to the theoretical basis of common analytical methods including Spectroscopy and Chromatography Techniques and Titrimetry.
• Microbiology 2.1
  • Credits: 5
  • This module builds on fundamental microbiological concepts studied in year 1 Biology.

Year 2 – Semester 2

• Cell Biology
  • Credits: 5
  • This Cell Biology module will provide students with the fundamentals of mammalian cell biology.
• Gene Technology 2.2
  • Credits: 5
  • The Gene Technology 2.2 module builds on knowledge gained by the student in the Gene Technology 2.1 module.
• Biochemistry 2.2
  • Credits: 5
  • Biochemistry 2.2 provides students with an in-depth knowledge of metabolism, enzyme catalysis, endocrine hormones and cellular signalling.
• Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2
  • Credits: 5
  • This course will develop the students probability and statistical skills giving them an essential facility to solve problems in the life and physical sciences.
• Analytical Techniques 2
  • Credits: 5
  • This modules builds on Analytical Techniques 1 by studying further common analytical techniques.
• Microbial Genetics
  • Credits: 5
  • This module will elaborate on selected topics relating to the molecular biology and genetic engineering of bacteria and yeast.

Year 3 – Semester 1

• Advanced Cell Biology
  • Credits: 5
  • This module will explore the structures and functions of membranes and subcellular organelles in the cell.
• Applied Genetic Engineering
  • Credits: 5
  • Students will study the application of recombinant DNA technology and genetic analysis in the context of eukaryotic systems.
• Quality and Compliance
  • Credits: 5
  • Quality management is a key part of the highly regulated manufacturing of drugs, biologics and devices.
• Immunotechnology
  • Credits: 5
  • In this module the learner will develop their knowledge of the molecular and cellular components of the immune system.
• Molecular Biology
  • Credits: 5
  • Molecular Biology provides a comprehensive knowledge of the molecular organisation of eukaryotic genes and genome structure.
• Environmental Biotechnology
  • Credits: 5
  • The Environmental Biotechnology module provides learners with comprehensive information on the diversity of prokaryotes in the biosphere.

Year 3 – Semester 2

• Work Placement
  • Credits: 30
  • The aim of this module is to provide the learner with the opportunity to experience full-time employment in a workplace relevant to their degree.
• Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the fundamentals of environmental science and the relevance of sustainability to their course of study.
• Industry Relevant Project
  • Credits: 15
  • The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of scientists working in the Biotech industry.
• Bioethics (elective)
  • Credits: 5
  • This module introduces students to the areas of the life sciences that raise ethical and moral issues regarding human rights and animal welfare.
• Clinical Trials (elective)
  • Credits: 5
  • The way in which disease is prevented, detected and treated has been revolutionised by clinical trials.

Year 4 – Semester 1

• Analytical Biotechnology 4.1
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to introduce the major tenets of analytical biotechnology to students.
• Applied Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Credits: 5
  • This module will expand on the science of genetic disease exploring technological advances emerging from the disciplines of molecular biology and cell biology.
• Bioinformatics
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of this module is to introduce students to bioinformatics.
• Bioprocess Technology 4.1
  • Credits: 5
  • To provide the student with theoretical and practical knowledge of bioreactors, growth characteristics and uses of industrial cell lines.
• Research Methods
  • Credits: 5
  • This module focuses on the process of systematic inquiry through to the design of a research study from its inception to the final report.
• Experimental Design and Validation for Biopharmaceuticals
  • Credits: 5
  • This module will provide the learner with a solid foundation in a wide variety of statistical data analysis techniques used in biopharmaceuticals.

Year 4 – Semester 2

• Analytical Biotechnology 4.2
  • Credits: 5
  • Through this module students will learn how to apply their knowledge of analytical biotechnology in both research and industry.
• Bioprocess Technology 4.2
  • Credits: 5
  • To provide the student with a thorough understanding of the manufacture of biotechnological/biopharmaceutical products.
• Advanced Environmental Biotechnology
  • Credits: 5
  • The aim of the module Advanced Environmental Biotechnology is to acquaint students with the application of microbes and their natural capabilities to solving of modern day environmental and biotechnological problems.
• Regulatory Affairs and Legislation
  • Credits: 5
  • This aim of this module is to introduce students to current the legal and regulatory rules and compliance criteria associated with development, approval process and manufacture of medicinal products.
• Project
  • Credits: 10
  • The aim of this module is to provide the student with the opportunity to work independently to develop in-depth knowledge of research design and methodology and to carry out research.

What can you do after this programme?

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

• Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology will be academically prepared to enrol on a research degree programme (MSc/PhD) in TUS, or any other third-level institution.
• Graduates will also be qualified to undertake a variety of taught MSc programmes including the MSc Biopharmaceutical Technology and the MSc in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Analysis in TUS Midlands.
• Graduates may also apply to the Teaching Council for admission to Post Graduate in Education programmes for the teaching of second level Junior Certificate Science and Leaving Certificate Biology.

Student Testimonials

• “...the course was well structured with good labs/lectures ratio which gives you a chance to get hands on experience on theoretical part of your studies – I found this very helpful in understanding complex aspects of Biotechnology, genetic engineering, and molecular biology as well as a great opportunity to use analytical instruments. The lecturers in AIT are very helpful and approachable which makes learning easier as you’re not afraid to ask questions. After completion of undergraduate degree I was determined to continue my education at a postgraduate level and I have completed a 21 month research Master in Polymer Engineering”. Gosia Poplawska, B.Sc. Biotechnology (graduated 2013). Technical Specialist for Project Management (graduated 2013).
• “As a Biotechnology graduate, I can say that this course has given me a diverse range of knowledge on various sciences, in particular the biotechnological industry which is exponentially increasing as both the present and future in science. I was sure I wanted to do science in college, but unsure what kind of science I wanted to do, so I took the leap with Biotechnology in TUS Athlone. Throughout my four years; I was exposed to hands-on analytical techniques, which are relevant for both the pharmaceutical industry and the biopharmaceutical industry, which in turn allows for a wide range of job opportunities upon completion of the course. Personally, I have gone down the route of pharmaceutical analytics, thanks to Biotechnology at TUS Athlone, from which I received a job offer two months after completing my last exam in final year. Furthermore, my job is just a short distance from TUS Athlone, which is surrounded by many great opportunities in this field. What makes Biotechnology at TUS different from similar courses in similar universities is the guarantee of first-hand experience with important techniques that are relevant when job-seeking. While Biotechnology can be intense at times, the reward at the end is worth it! The course is also more ‘tight-knit’ than most other universities, which enhances opportunity availability and also creates great friends in your chosen career path! I am delighted to be a part of Biotechnology at TUS Athlone, and I am extremely thankful that I chose this course and I acquired fantastic guidance from the Biotechnology Faculty.” Keelin Irwin, BSc. Biotechnology (graduated 2023). Assistant Scientist at ThermoFisher Scientific, Athlone.
• “Studying Biotechnology at TUS has provided me with a lifetime of opportunities ranging from career opportunities in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medicine. Throughout my degree, I gained experiences that enhanced my communication skills and overall growth. From being a peer assisted student support leader, to volunteering with cell explorers, and presenting at conferences, each endeavour strengthened my foundation. Joining many groups and clubs helped me make friends and network. This degree gave me a profound understanding of regulatory guidelines, analytical techniques, and advanced chemistry/biology which served as really useful when job hunting. Proficiency in high-tech instrumentation such as HPLC, IR, PCR, and GC became second nature. The genetics/biological modules fuelled my passion for human genetics, leading me to a Masters in Genetic and Genomic Counselling at Cardiff University. With entry into my Master’s being competitive, the skills and networks I built at TUS played a pivotal role to becoming accepted. Without a doubt, I felt supported along the whole journey by the TUS faculty. If you’re passionate for science and have curiosity for things at a molecular-level, TUS’s Biotechnology program may be for you.” Kayli Sousa Smyth, BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022); MSc. Genetic and Genomic Counselling, Cardiff University.
• “I started my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at TUS in 2018 through 2022. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at TUS, so much so that I carried on to complete a Level 9 MSc in Biopharmaceuticals in 2023, right after my undergrad. This has brought me to New York where I am partaking in a 1-year graduate visa, and I have a position with ChemFinity Technologies as a Chemistry R&D Intern. The Biotechnology degree stands out hugely on my CV to potential employers and the variety of course material have been a credit to me throughout my career, both academic and professional. The knowledge and skills acquired are lifelong and really act a baseline for so many possibilities and opportunities in the STEM sector whether that be in Ireland or internationally. As an alumnus, I would hugely recommend the Biotechnology course to anyone interested.” Ellie McManus BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022) MSc Biopharmaceutical Technology (graduated from TUS 2023)
• “I returned to college as a mature student in 2018 to study a B.Sc. In Biotechnology at TUS. During my time at TUS, I experienced a supportive learning experience which provided me with the thorough knowledge and capabilities to secure a position as a Quality Control Analyst in Alexion Pharmaceuticals Athlone. Throughout each of the 4 years of the course there was a focused approach on subjects which prepared me for a position within the pharmaceutical industry with subjects such as microbiology and genetic engineering providing me with technical expertise for my position while subjects such as regulatory affairs and GMP afforded me the understanding required to carry out my day-to-day administrative responsibilities.” Martina Hurst. BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022). QC Analyst, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Athlone.
• “I am currently working for Avantor in their Lab Production Services (LPS) department as Team Lead on our client’s site in Dublin. My role is to manage a team of 7 and the running of 7 laboratories, looking after equipment calibration/validation and pre-study preparation work. The Biotechnology course at TUS, has given me the experience to use different types of laboratory equipment, and the opportunity to work as part of a team, which has helped me with managing a team. Having done the biotechnology degree it gives to a board range of choices in which you can take your career in any direction within the biopharma industry.” Ronan O’Toole BSc Biotechnology (graduated 2022); Team Leader, Lab Production Services, Avantor, Co. Dublin