Program Overview

Molecular Medicine: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Molecular Medicine course is a unique collaboration between the School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), and Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI). This course explores cutting-edge advances in disease diagnosis, therapy, and prevention driven by advanced bio-molecular research. Key areas of focus include cancer, neuroscience, genetic diseases, microbiology, and immunology.

Overview

Molecular medicine is the area of study that explores cutting-edge advances in disease diagnosis, therapy, and prevention driven by advanced bio-molecular research. The Molecular Medicine course shows how basic science is translated from 'theory to treatment'. This course provides students with a unique perspective on modern-day molecular medicine and an appreciation for the importance of both basic and clinical research in drug discovery, molecular diagnostics, and personalized medicine.

Course Details

• Awards: B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 545 (2024), CAO Code TR060
• Duration: 4 Years Full-Time

Admission Requirements

To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Biological and Biomedical Sciences course page. 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 Fees

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

Study Abroad and Internship Opportunities

The School of Biochemistry and Immunology awards up to two internships at the end of the third year. The awards will take the form of salaries for six weeks to work in one of the research laboratories in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology. Our students can also avail of internships in various laboratories in the US and Europe. Pharmaceutical companies have also sponsored a number of summer internships for our third-year students.

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

Many of our graduates take up a career in industrial, medical, or academic research. Some work in hospitals and commercial laboratories dealing with biotechnology, food science, pharmaceuticals, or diagnostics. In addition, because they benefit from their training in terms of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and presentation and communication skills, our graduates are in high demand in careers not directly related to biochemistry such as communications, information systems, teaching, and management, and accountancy.

Your Degree and What You’ll Study

First and Second Years

During the first two years, students intending to take molecular medicine as their final degree will take a range of modules in molecular medicine, biology, chemistry, mathematics, as well as open modules in other relevant areas common to all Science students.

Third Years

Core modules are:

• Proteins to Cells
• Nucleic Acids
• Molecular Basis of Disease
• Research Skills
• Biochemical Analysis

Fourth Years

Core modules are:

• Neurobiology and Endocrinology
• Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Disease
• Molecular Haematology and Oncology
• Microbial Diseases
• Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions
• Genomics, Metabolism and Disease
• Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics
• Cell Cycle and Cancer
• A Capstone Research Project in a subject relevant to Molecular Medicine

Research Areas

The course focuses on development skills relevant to careers in molecular diagnostics and novel therapeutics, including immunotherapies and next-generation biologics. The course content has relevance to both academia and the healthcare/pharmaceutical sector. Former graduates have gone on to study medicine, engage in postgraduate research, and pursue careers in industrial and government organizations. Opportunities also exist in hospital and commercial labs as well as in clinical biochemistry, biotechnology, food science, teaching, information systems, communications, and management.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences Programme

Biology is the study of life in all its complexity and diversity. In the Biological and Biomedical Sciences programme, we explore how life first arose; the properties that distinguish living organisms from inert matter; how living organisms function and how the vast diversity of life forms was generated; and how organisms reproduce themselves and how they interact both with each other and with the environment.

Conclusion

The Molecular Medicine: Biological and Biomedical Sciences course at Trinity College Dublin offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the molecular basis of disease and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. With its strong research focus, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative environment, this course provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research in molecular medicine and to develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in this field.