Bachelor of Science in Bioscience

at University of Limerick

Having studied a broad common first semester, students will undertake specific modules in the area of chemistry, biology, maths and physics. Subsequently, the Bioscience programme will provide you with a strong foundation in the understanding of biochemical systems and microbial technology. With tailored contributions from industry speakers, the degree specific modules will instruct students on host-microbe interactions, immunobiology, new therapeutic approaches, cell biology & cancer, and advance molecular biology – ‘omics’ & bioinformatics.

Core modules include:
 

• Microbiology and immunology – an introduction to the components of microorganisms and the host immune systems and how they interact
• Cell communication and regulation - covers basic cell structure, the principles of the cell cycle and cell division, the control of living processes by genetic mechanisms, and cell communication systems
• Cell and molecular biology of the immune system - examines the principles of self and non-self-recognition and how these mechanisms are involved in immunity and how aberrant self- regulation contributes to allergy and autoimmunity
• Current trends in biotechnology and regenerative medicine – presents concepts such as ‘cell-on-a-chip’ technologies, tissue regeneration, new medicines, and new molecular analysis techniques.
• Pharmacology and drug development – presents the biology behind drug target choice, drug screening techniques and the different classes of drugs, including protein based drugs.
• Cancer mechanisms, therapeutics and molecular medicine – examines cell cycle controls in relation to cancer biology, and use of modern molecular technologies in targeting cancer and other diseases.
• Advanced cell and molecular biology – examines cellular structures (organelles, cytoskeleton, molecular motors), key cellular processes (trafficking, motility, apoptosis), systems biology of organisms and extracting meaningful data from large data sets
• Host microbe interactions – presents the key strategies microbes use to establish both beneficial and non-beneficial interactions with the host and the impact of these on health.
• The course includes significant laboratory based training and an independent research project. In addition the student will be placed in industry for eight months, giving real-world experience and an introduction to the BioPharma/industrial community.

Entry Requirements for applicants from India:

Standard XII examinations of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Metro State Boards or Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), with first-division/class standing and a minimum average grade of 70%.  
 

• A language other than English and Mathematics must be taken as a subject up to Grade X.
• Where there is a specific subject requirement for a specific programme (e.g. Math, Physics, French, etc.), a minimum grade of 70% in that subject at Grade XII is required. 

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
 

1. Residency
    
   • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
      
2. Citizenship
    
   • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
      
3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    
   • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
   • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
   • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

Career Prospects

Bioscience is extremely important to Ireland’s economy and its future growth. Graduates of the programme will be well positioned to gain employment in Ireland’s rapidly growing high tech Life Science industry or pursue further study in fields such as molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology or immunology.