Program Overview

Human Health and Disease

The Human Health and Disease degree trains students for work in the field of biomedical research. It brings to life the fascinating connections between structure and function in the human body and explores the health and disease continuum in detail, including teaching on how medical therapies act to treat or even prevent disease.

Overview

This course will suit you if you are interested in human biology and want to gain an in-depth, scientific understanding of the structure and function of the human body in health; the signs and symptoms of disease; the molecular basis of disease and cutting-edge therapeutics in treating disease.

Course Details

• Awards: B.Sc. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information:
  • CAO Points: 578 (2024)
  • CAO Code: TR056
• Number of Places: 35 Places
• Duration: 4 Years Full-Time

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate:
  • H4 in Biology
  • H4 in one of Physics, Chemistry, or Physics/Chemistry
• Advanced GCE (A-Level):
  • Grade C in Biology
  • Grade C in one of Physics or Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate:
  • HL Grade 5 in Biology
  • HL Grade 5 in one of Physics or Chemistry
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The degree is structured around three main interconnecting themes, namely:

• Basic human biology
• Applied biomedical science
• Transferable skills and Trinity graduate attributes

First and Second Year Modules

You will study the structure and function of the human body from a ‘molecule to man’ perspective through lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes in cell biology, biochemistry, physiology and anatomy (including dissection). Modules based on critical thinking, problem-based learning, presentation skills and research and statistics will further contribute to the development of a core skillset.

Third and Fourth Year Modules

In the third and fourth years, a combination of modules which cover the nature, classification, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease are taken. Disease is considered from the basic molecular level through to its context in society in terms of research and public health priorities and correlates. Delivery of clinically focused material by specialist clinicians is included.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

The course emphasises the crucial links between the basic and applied biomedical sciences and addresses how advances in both are translated into improvements in patient care and the health of the wider population. The skills developed during this course make graduates ideally suited to a broad range of career opportunities. Graduates of Human Health and Disease are well-placed to pursue postgraduate M.Sc. degrees in a wide range of biomedical sciences, Ph.D. research leading to careers in biomedical research, and for graduate entry to study Medicine. Career prospects also include employment in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and in health promotion, education and policy.

Research Areas

Project topics are varied and have included a focus on:

• Cancer biology
• Neuroscience
• Tissue engineering
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Autoimmune disease
• Epidemiology and public health research

Assessment

Individual and group-based continuous assessment of laboratory work, group project work and scientific writing skills accompany semesterised examinations.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Conclusion

The Human Health and Disease degree at Trinity College Dublin offers a comprehensive education in biomedical sciences, preparing students for a wide range of career opportunities in research, healthcare, and industry. With its strong focus on transferable skills, research experience, and cutting-edge knowledge, this program equips graduates to make a meaningful impact in the field of human health and disease.