Bachelor of Science in Industrial Biochemistry

at University of Limerick

The core subjects studied include:
 

• Biochemistry (study of the structure and biological function of cellular molecules such as proteins and DNA, and how these molecules interact to form living cells)
• Industrial biochemistry (study of the applications of biological molecules for medical, industrial, environmental, agricultural or analytical purposes)
• Microbial technology (study of microbiology and the uses of bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses)
• Genetic engineering (identification, isolation, engineering and expression of genes in order to gain new insights into gene function or for the generation of gene-mediated industrial/medical products)
• Bioprocess technology (aspects of industrial-scale biotechnology manufacturing/processing)
• Analytical science (methods and techniques used to detect and quantify biological molecules/chemicals in samples, for example, measurement of hormone levels in blood or pesticide levels in water)

The programme is of four years duration.The first year (through LM123 Common Entry) provides you with the required academic foundation in:
 

• Biology
• Introductory industrial biochemistry
• Computing
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Introductory physics

The second year builds upon these fundamentals, introducing you to courses in:
 

• Biochemistry
• Microbial technology
• Bioprocess technology
• Analytical sciences

During the third and fourth years you will undertake additional specialised modules in biochemistry, genetic engineering, microbial technology, diagnostics, applied immunology and bioinformatics. In the final year a stream of elective modules allows the student to specialise in topics such as Biomaterials (new materials in the medical device industry), entrepreneurship, waste management and specialised biochemistry modules. A project, which is undertaken throughout the final year, allows students to analyse a problem in depth and, if interested in postgraduate research, gives you the opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation of a potential research topic.

During the spring semester of year 3 and the subsequent summer, a period of Cooperative Education (student placement in industry) provides experience of the practice and application of industrial biochemistry in a working environment. Such relevant industrial experience, gained either at home or abroad, has proven particularly beneficial to students seeking employment in industry after completing their studies.

By the end of this course

You will have a deep knowledge of the concepts, facts and technologies that underpin industrial biochemistry. These areas include biochemistry, microbiology, genetic engineering, biotechnology and biochemical engineering. From here you will be very well placed to gain employment directly in industry, or go on to further studies, either within Ireland or internationally.

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)

Employability skills from this degree
 

• Understanding complex biological processes
• Assembling arguments and engaging in debate
• Thinking independently and problem-solving
• Full and critical
• Critical, analytical and practical skills
• Numeracy
• Communication, presentation and IT skills
• Teamwork
• Self-management and professional development