Program Overview
Overview of the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences program is a four-year, full-time course that leads to a Moderatorship B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of biological systems, from the molecular to the ecosystem level.
Structure of the Program
The program is structured into four years, with the first two years providing a foundation in the core concepts of biology, including cell structure and composition, genetics and evolution, molecular biology, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, ecosystems, and environmental biology. Students also acquire mathematical, statistical, and computational skills and study the history, philosophy, and ethics of science.
In the third and fourth years, students specialize in one of the 11 subjects offered in the program:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
- Human Genetics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Zoology
The fundamental concepts of each discipline are presented in core modules, while students also select from a variety of modules from allied disciplines that enhance understanding of their chosen discipline and encourage interdisciplinary thinking and research.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Leaving Certificate: H6 or O4 Mathematics, and H4 in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science.
- GCSE: Grade B/6 Mathematics
- Advanced GCE (A-Level): Grade C in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science.
- International Baccalaureate: SL Grade 5 Mathematics, and HL Grade 5 in two of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics/Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Computer Science.
Certain subject combinations are not permitted, including Physics/Chemistry with Physics or Chemistry, Agricultural Science with Biology, and Applied Mathematics with Mathematics.
English Language Requirements
All applicants to Trinity College Dublin 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, please refer to the Trinity College Dublin website.
Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences program is designed to foster and develop a student's capability for independent thought and effective communication, an ability to continue their education independently, and to act in a responsible manner. These attributes are a preparation for a career in science and medicine, as well as related areas where a scientific education is beneficial, such as patent law, forensic science, education, management, business, industry, communication, and policy making.
Research Areas
The program provides students with the opportunity to engage in research projects in Trinity College Dublin or in a research laboratory in another university, research institute, or hospital. The research areas include:
- Biochemistry
- Botany
- Environmental Science
- Genetics
- Human Genetics
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Zoology
Students can also experience the wide range of knowledge and investigation available throughout the university by choosing from a range of Trinity's electives. In the fourth year, students pick from a selection of modules on advanced topics within their discipline. They will also undertake a research project in Trinity or in a research laboratory in another university, research institute, or hospital.