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Biotechnology with Biopharmaceutical Science – BSc (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 400

  • Campus: Moylish, Limerick City

  • years: 4


Course Overview

The aim of this 4-year level 8 ab initio programme is to provide graduates with an Honours degree in Biotechnology with an emphasis on Biopharmaceutical Science.

It meets the growing demand of the Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical sectors for highly skilled graduates with specialist training in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomolecular Techniques, Mammalian Cell Culture, Bioanalysis, Bioprocessing, Quality Management and Data Analytics.

This programme is designed for students who have a keen interest in Biology and who wish to pursue successful careers in the Life Sciences and in particular the Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical industries. You will have small class sizes, dedicated lecturers, and gain hands-on experience of state of the art technologies in Biotechnology.

Graduates of this programme may have careers in Biopharma Manufacturing, Process Science, Quality Control, and Research and Development in a range of Bio- Industry sectors. You may also continue your studies and undertake a Masters or Ph.D programme in Biology-related disciplines in Ireland or abroad.

Contact Details

Dr. Mary Morrin

Email: Mary.Morrin@tus.ie

Dr. Ann Murphy

Email: Ann.Murphy@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Biology (Applied)

    Credits: 20

    This module introduces students to the principles and concepts underlying how biological molecules and systems function and how they underpin the Applied Biosciences.

  • Chemistry

    Credits: 15

    The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the basic theory and laboratory practice of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.

  • Physics for Biologists

    Credits: 10

    This physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics that are necessary to support other core modules and to provide a comprehensive grounding in physics that is relevant to biological processes, and relevant to instrumentation for bioanalysis.

  • Laboratory Practice

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this Module is to implement good Laboratory techniques with emphasis on Health and Safety and teach the learner to problem solve scientifically.

  • Mathematics for Biologists

    Credits: 10

    This module is designed to provide the student with the necessary mathematical theories and problem-solving skills required in the domains of biological and analytical science.

  • Maths and Statistics for Quality Control

    Credits: 5

    The learner is introduced to data handling & analysis, interpretation of results, probability and quality tools with further mathematical applications in science.

  • Cell Biology

    Credits: 5

    This module provides a review of essential cell structures and cellular and molecular processes and how they are integrated into the development and function of the eukaryotic organism as a whole. It links fundamental aspects of the biochemistry and molecular biology of plant and animal cells to provide the student with a holistic interpretation of cell biology.

  • Chemical Analysis for Biologists

    Credits: 10

    This module allows the student to appreciate the relevance and applicability of chemistry to the biosciences. By building on existing knowledge from their general chemistry course, the module allows the student to make linkages between these chemical fundamentals and the more applied aspects of biochemistry and related topics. Furthermore the module will develop the learners analytical skills to allow them to carry out laboratory techniques and generate analytical results.

  • Classification and Cultivation of Microorganisms

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide student with a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology.

  • Fundamentals of Biochemistry

    Credits: 5

    This module details the structure and biological functions of the major biomolecules and applies this in its examination of fundamental biochemical processes.

  • Applied Immunology

    Credits: 5

    The immune system plays a critical role in both health and disease and increasingly forms the basis for clinical diagnostic testing as well as innovative treatment for a variety of diseases.

    The aim of this module is to provide an overview of how the immune system protects us against disease and how we can utilise the special characteristics of the immune system to help develop diagnostics and medicines.

  • Distribution and Control of Microorganisms

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to provide student with a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology pertaining to the Distribution / Control of microorganisms in Food, Water and Public Health

  • Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the techniques involved in molecular biology and will familiarise the students with their theoretical basis and practical uses.

  • Spectroscopy & Chromatography

    Credits: 10

    This module introduces the learner to the basic principles of a range of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.

  • Bioananalytical Techniques

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the student with a knowledge and understanding of Analytical Techniques as it applies to the Biosciences. The student will gain laboratory expertise in key Bioanalytical techniques.

  • Applied Microbiology

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the basic practical microbiological skills acquired in Level 6 to provide the learner with the knowledge base and skill set relevant to employment in the pharmaceutical, analytical biologics, food and public health sectors.

  • Biopharmaceutical Science

    Credits: 10

    This module provides an overview of the evolution of Pharmaceuticals to Biopharmaceuticals. The Biochemistry and Biotechnology of current Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnological processes will be reviewed.

  • Quality Assurance & Regulations

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce the student to quality assurance & regulations within science-based organisations.

  • Topics in Biotechnology

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to some novel and different aspects of Biotechnology with regard to areas such as Food Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology and Environmental/Green Biotechnology.

  • Work Placement

    Credits: 30

    This module involves the learner taking a six to eight-month work placement with an TUS-approved Industrial partner.

    The learner will gain valuable work experience in a relevant industry such as a Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Hospital, Food, Environmental, Bioprocessing, Pharmaceutical, Forensic or Analytical sector.

  • Bioanalysis

    Credits: 5

    The sucessful learner will have an in depth knowledge of Advanced Bioanalytical Techniques and their applications to the Biological Sciences.

  • Bioanalytical Method Validation

    Credits: 5

    This module will allow students gain a detailed knowledge of method validation, with a particular focus on bioanalytical methods. In additional students will gain a practical knowledge of method validation by participating in a group based validation project.

  • Biomolecular Techniques

    Credits: 10

    This module will allow students gain a detailed knowledge of scientific and technological advances in biomolecular techniques, with a particular focus on molecular biology and protein chemistry/proteomics. Particular focus will be given to how these techniques underpin developments in bioanalysis and biotechnology and associated industrial and commercial sectors.

  • Bioprocessing

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the key theoretical and process design concepts relating to the production and properties of biomolecules of industrial importance using microbial and mammalian cells.

  • Biotechnology

    Credits: 5

    This module will allow students gain a detailed knowledge of the scientific and technological advances in cell biology and bioprocessing, functional genomics and biotechnology and how these topics underpin production of recombinant biopharmaceuticals.

  • Data Analytics

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with knowledge and practical application of statistical concepts for data driven analytic methods.

  • Mammalian Cell Culture

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to equip students with the practical skills to culture and manipulate mammalian cells as well as studying the theory of mammalian cell culture and the properties and behaviour of the cells at the molecular level.

  • Project Management & Research

    Credits: 5

    This non‑laboratory based module allows the student build-on and develop their project management, scientific writing and critical evaluation skills in order to comprehensively review the literature available in their chosen project area and produce a written literature review.

  • Quality Management

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide the learner with knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques employed in quality managment.

  • Research Project

    Credits: 10

    In this module the student will conduct a major project and prepare a dissertation. During this the student will use their practical skills in a research context to conduct an investigation in a chosen specialist area in a competent, organised manner, critically evaluate results and deliver them in a presentation and interview and in a clear, concise thesis.

What can you do after this programme?

Employment and career opportunities are available in key growth areas including the Biotechnology, Biopharmaceutical, Bioanalytical and Healthcare sectors. Typical jobs include Process Scientist, Bioanalyst, Biotechnologist, Production Specialist, Microbiologist and Molecular Biologist.  Graduates may work in Regeneron, Pfizer, BMS, Edwards Lifesciences, MSD, Johnson & Johnson, Beckman Coulter, Serosep and BD Medical.

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere.

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