Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc in Biochemistry

The BSc in Biochemistry is a four-year undergraduate degree program offered by the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork. Biochemistry is concerned with structures and processes at the cellular and subcellular levels, addressing how cells solve the problems of life at the molecular level.

What is Biochemistry?

Biochemistry arose from other disciplines, including organic chemistry, microbiology, and physiology, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It has made enormous contributions to life-science research, regularly featuring in Nobel Prize lists for Medicine, Physiology, and Chemistry.

Pathway to a BSc in Biochemistry

Entry to Biochemistry is via Biological and Chemical Sciences CAO code CK402. The points required to enter CK402 vary each year and can be viewed on the Central Application Office (CAO) website. There are approximately 200 places on Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Program Structure

A student pursuing an honors degree in Biochemistry will complete:

• Year 1: Biological and Chemical Sciences
• Year 2: Biological Sciences
• Year 3 and Year 4: Biochemistry

Career Insights and Graduate Profiles

Graduates of the BSc in Biochemistry have gone on to pursue various careers, including research, industry, teaching, and further education. Some have also pursued graduate entry into medicine, physiotherapy, and pharmacy.

Graduate Profiles

• Dr. Kathy (Barriscale) Walsh: Graduated with a first-class honors degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in Cancer Biology from UCC.
• Jamie Byrne: Graduated with a second-class honors degree in Biochemistry and went on to complete a Master's in Biotechnology.
• Laura Fine: Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and secured a graduate position in the biopharma industry.
• Colm Doyle: Graduated with a first-class honors degree in Biochemistry and pursued a PhD in Medical Science at the University of Cambridge.
• Martina Foudy: Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and completed a Master's in Biotechnology.
• David Hardwicke: Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and pursued an ESTEEM Masters Program at the University of Notre Dame.
• Elizabeth Hinchy: Graduated with a first-class honors degree in Biochemistry and pursued postgraduate research in Biological Science at the University of Cambridge.
• Aonghus McCarthy: Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and pursued Graduate Entry Medicine at University College Dublin.
• Elaine O'Brien: Graduated with a first-class honors degree in Biochemistry and pursued an MSc in Biotechnology.
• Daniel Nyhan: Graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and pursued an MSc in Diagnostic Radiography.

Skills and Expertise

On completion of the BSc in Biochemistry, graduates will:

• Have a solid foundation and understanding of human and animal biochemistry at the biomedical level.
• Be proficient in a broad range of biochemistry laboratory techniques and research methods.
• Be able to design, implement, and evaluate scientific investigations.
• Be able to assess, interpret, and present scientific data.
• Be able to analyze and critically appraise research literature in biochemistry and biomedical fields.
• Be able to work effectively, ethically, and professionally as an individual and in teams and multidisciplinary settings, with the capacity for leadership and innovation.

Program Administration

• Programme Director: Dr. Sin嶧d Kerins
• Programme Administrator: Pamela Daly

School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The School is located at University College Cork and offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in biochemistry and related fields.

University College Cork

University College Cork is a registered charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority. It is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students.