BSc Genetics and Genomics

at National University of Ireland Galway

Graduates will be uniquely trained to integrate knowledge and skills from the biological sciences with mathematical, computational and data analytic skills. This multi-disciplinary course covers a range of biological, mathematical and computer science topics:

• Medicine: the genetic basis of rare and common human diseases and how genomics uncovers genes that contribute to illness.
• Agri-bioscience: the genetic and biological origins of agriculture; food security and sustainable development.
• Microbiology: microbial genetics and key medical and environmental impacts of microorganisms.
• Evolution: evolutionary biology, including natural selection and the genetic mechanisms that shape evolution.
• Informatics:  computer programming and mathematical and algorithmic methods to solve problems in molecular genetics.
• The final year project will allow students to apply their knowledge in a research laboratory.

Students will benefit from group learning in a small class size, and will graduate with a broad range of skills including communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. These skills are called transferable because they will transfer and be useful in a broad range of careers post-graduation.

Your Course Year by Year

YEAR ONE

 •Biology 
• Chemistry: Molecular Science 
• Mathematics (Honours level) 
• Computer Science 
• Introduction to Genetics & Genomics 
• Biomedical Genomics: Research and Communication

YEAR TWO

• Genetics, Medicine & Disease 
• Molecular & Cellular Biology 
• Protein Structure & Function 
• Plant & Agribiosciences 
• Microbiology 
• Evolution 
• Mathematics (Mathematical Molecular Biology, Statistics in Data Science) 
• Biomedical Genomics: Seminars and Essays

YEAR THREE

• Molecular & Cellular Biology 
• Microbial Genomics 
• Evolutionary Biology 
• Human Genetics 
• Plant and Agricultural Genetics 
• Bioinformatics 
• Genomic Analysis 
• Research & Career Development Skills 
• Plus Electives: Developmental Biology, Applied Statistics, Programming, Mathematical Molecular Biology

YEAR FOUR

• Research Project 
• Literature Review 
• Advanced Chromosome Biology 
• Molecular & Cellular Biology 
• Biotechnology 
• Plant Genetics & Systems Biology 
• Current Topics in Biosciences 
• Medical Genomics & Bioethics 
• Plus Electives: Machine Learning and Data Mining, Information Management, Probabilistic Models for Molecular Biology, Microbial Gene Regulation

Undergraduate and mature students can satisfy matriculation registration requirements for NUI Galway by achieving certain grades in the following examinations. 
 

Leaving certificate (for EU and non-EU)

You need a pass in at least six subjects in the Leaving Certificate in accordance with College requirements with:

• Minimum Grade H5 (Higher Level) in two subjects 

• Passes in the remaining four subjects at O6/ H7 
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.
 

All subjects of the Leaving Certificate are accepted for matriculation registration purposes, with the exception of Gaeilge Bonnleibhéal (Irish Foundation Level), Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/Foundation Level and; Home Economics (General), which is recognised only for St. Angela's College, Sligo.
 

GCE and GSCE
 

You need a pass in at least six subjects in accordance with College requirements with at least:

• GCE Advanced Level: Grade C in two recognised subjects and

• GCSE Level: Grade C in four recognised subjects.
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.

English Language Requirement:

IELTS :- 6.5

TOEFL :- 88

Fees: EU
€7,408 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Tuition
€4,268 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Student Contribution
€3,000 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Student levy
€140 p.a. 2022/23

Fees: Non EU
€23,140 p.a. 2022/23

EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy** €140.  **Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI.

Career Opportunities
There is growing demand for individuals that have both an in-depth understanding of genetics and the numerical and computer skills required to investigate and interpret genomic data. This will offer our graduates opportunities in genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Work Placement
Students have the opportunity to apply for summer research studentships (e.g., from the Wellcome Trust and Health Research Board) to support eight week paid internships in university-based research laboratories in the summer between 3rd and 4th Year. This is an excellent opportunity for students to experience a research environment and learn new skills that will be useful when completing their final year research project.