Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
College of Science
Key facts
Entry requirements
Minimum HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any other subject recognised for entry purposes.
Duration:
4 years
Next start date: September 2012
Entry points(2011): 415
A Level Grades (2011): A*AA (A-Level)
Average intake: 22
Course overview
Biotechnology is the application of biology for the benefit of humanity and the environment. It harnesses organisms to provide foods and medicines, and for tasks such as cleaning toxic waste or detecting harmful substances. Biotechnology has roots in food and agriculture, using yeast to make beer and bread, and lactic acid bacteria to make cheese. New technologies such as genetic engineering have enabled modern biotechnology to become an important part of the 'smart economy' in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, the food industry and the environment.
This programme ensures students benefit from a focused and closely mentored course. Alongside core knowledge of modern biology, the Biotechnology degree provides tailored training in languages, business and communication skills. Students also complete individual projects in research laboratories on campus in their fourth year.
Course outline
Year 1
- Biotechnology I
- Biotechnology concepts module
- Language module in French or German
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Year 2
- Biotechnology II
- Bioscience concepts and communication module
- Language module
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
Year 3
- Biotechnology III
- Business planning module
- Language module
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
- Possibility of summer laboratory placement
Year 4
- Individual laboratory research project
- Topical scientific literature review
- Biotechnology IV, comprising modules in
- Biochemistry
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Biotechnologies
- Applications of Biotechnology
Further education
Biotechnology graduates frequently pursue advanced training and research in PhD, Masters and Graduate Diploma programmes at universities in Ireland and abroad, spanning areas as diverse as biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science and immunology.
Find out more
The College of Science
T 353 91 495 482
F 353 91 494 578
E biotechnology@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/biotechnology/
CAO code
GY304
Fees for this course
EU (Total): €7,492
- Tuition: €5,268
- Student contribution: €2,000
- Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,750
Current Students
Josh Taylor
BSc (Biotechnology)
"Biotech has small classes so we get to know each other very quickly, and we also get to interact more with our lecturers. I like the variety of subjects, and having a language makes us stand out compared with other science graduates. The placement gives us a great opportunity for getting experience."
Downloads


