Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biotechnology

Program Overview

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Biotechnology (TU889)

Overview

Biotechnology is a dynamic field that combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering to drive innovation and address global challenges. It utilises biological systems to create groundbreaking new products and technologies in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental protection.

Why Choose Biotechnology?

• Interdisciplinary Expertise: Biotechnology provides students with knowledge across multiple scientific domains, including biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering.
• Innovative Research: Biotechnology students engage in cutting-edge research, exploring novel technologies that shape society and drive significant advancements.
• Addressing Global Challenges: Biotechnology plays a crucial role in solving pressing global issues such as disease, hunger, and environmental pollution.
• Thriving Career Prospects: The biotechnology industry is experiencing rapid growth, leading to high demand for graduates.
• Ethical Engagement: Biotechnology raises ethical questions related to genetic engineering and cloning.
• Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Biotechnology offers fertile ground for entrepreneurship.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can choose to study abroad for a semester or year, undertaking a work placement or project.

Work Placement

A period of industrial placement takes place during Year 3.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
• Minimum Grade in Maths: O4/H7
• Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7
• Other Grade Requirements: At least O4/H7 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry, or Biology.

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: CASFX / 5M5267 Food Science or CASLT / 5M3807 Laboratory Techniques
• Additional Requirements: DISTINCTION(S) REQUIRED: 5 DISTINCTIONS FROM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MODULES

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

• Minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency: 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Career Opportunities

Biotechnology has a significant impact on various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, food processing, brewing, the environment, chemicals, and waste valorisation. Examples of career opportunities include:

• Bioprocess Scientist
• Bioinformatics Specialist
• Sales/Marketing/Technical Representative
• Research Scientist
• Cell Culture Technician
• Biomanufacturing Technician
• Quality Control Specialist
• Microbiologist
• Agricultural, Biopharma, and Food

Sample Timetable

A sample timetable is available, subject to change.

Module Listing

• Year One
• Year Two
• Year Three
• Year Four

Semester 1

• Computer Applications and Digital Skills [Mandatory]
• Environmental Management of Biotechnology Industries [Mandatory]
• Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry [Mandatory]
• Introductory Physics for Sciences and Health [Mandatory]
• Mathematics for Pharmaceutical Scientists [Mandatory]
• Principles of Cellular Biology [Mandatory]

Semester 2

• Introduction to the Biotechnology Sector [Mandatory]
• Critical Thinking for Biotechnology and Related Industries [Mandatory]
• Mathematics for Pharmaceutical Scientists [Mandatory]
• Principles of Systems Biology [Mandatory]
• Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry [Mandatory]
• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [Mandatory]
• Introductory Microbiology [Mandatory]

Semester 1

• Microbial Biotechnology [Mandatory]
• Natural Organic Chemistry [Mandatory]
• (Bio)Pharmaceutical Industry Regulatory Affairs [Mandatory]
• Structural Biochemistry for Food and Pharmaceuticals [Mandatory]
• Food and Pharmaceutical Instrumentation I [Mandatory]
• Statistics [Mandatory]

Semester 2

• Environmental Sustainability & the Bioeconomy [Mandatory]
• Quality Systems for Biotechnology [Mandatory]
• Microbial and Clean Room Technology [Mandatory]
• Biochemical Transformations for Food and Pharmaceuticals [Mandatory]
• Food and Pharmaceutical Instrumentation II [Mandatory]
• Statistics [Mandatory]
• Introduction to Process Technology [Mandatory]

Semester 1

• Biotechnology 1: Upstream Bio [Mandatory]
• Biotechnology 2: Downstream Processing and Enzyme Technology [Mandatory]
• Computational Biotechnology [Mandatory]
• Safety Management for Biotechnology Industries [Mandatory]
• Lean and Six Sigma [Mandatory]
• Molecular Biotechnology [Mandatory]

Semester 2

• Industrial Biotechnology Placement [Mandatory]

Semester 1

• Biorefinery and Bio-based Products [Mandatory]
• (Bio)Pharmaceutical Processing Pilot Plant [Mandatory]
• Omics for Biotechnology [Mandatory]
• Agri-food & Beverage Biotech [Mandatory]
• Advanced Analysis Techniques for Food, Beverage, Biopharma [Mandatory]
• Process Analytical Technology [Mandatory]
  • Allergen Management & Control [Elective]
  • Drug Delivery and Targeted Therapies [Elective]
  • Immunology and Diagnostics [Elective]

Semester 2

• Biotechnology Final Year Project & Dissertation [Mandatory]
• Responsible Project Management and Information Access [Mandatory]
  • Climate Change Optional module [Elective]
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship [Elective]
  • Lifecycle Nutrition [Elective]

Progression

Graduates may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil, or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide. There is a range of taught postgraduate courses (in Ireland and abroad) on aspects of biotechnology, and there may also be research opportunities for graduates on specific biotechnological topics.