Bachelor of Science BSc in Biotechnology

BSc in Biotechnology

Course Overview

  • 1

    Year

  • 7

    Level

  • US731

    CAO Course Code

  • Add-on

    Course

Why take this course?

Biotechnology explores biological systems (cells and organisms) to discover new ways to benefit humankind and the environment. Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biology to create products and processes within areas such as food, agriculture, the environment and medicine. The concept of biotechnology has been around for a long time; bread, alcohol and cheese making, for example, all involve microbial fermentation to make desirable products. However, in the last 20 years, with the emergence of genetic engineering, genome mapping and a much better understanding of how DNA, RNA and proteins function together, biotechnology has revealed new and better approaches to solving many of the problems that face humanity. Biotechnologists have already discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants.

Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving area with many opportunities and challenges, which is making significant contributions to the “smart economy” in areas such as health care, agri-business, the food industry and the environment. As a scientific discipline, biotechnology is a blend of genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and nanotechnology, with a strong component of computer technology – all of these disciplines are explored as part of this programme.

What will I experience?

​The degree in biotechnology at TUS Midlands is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation of scientific knowledge, understanding and skill to build a career as a biotechnologist.

The student experience will include the following:

• Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.

• Highly qualified lecturers with a broad range of research, teaching and industrial experience.

• A comprehensive hands-on training in basic and advanced laboratory skills, and in the operation of scientific equipment.

• Opportunities to develop soft skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, problem solving, time and project management, numeracy skills and computer literacy.

Additional Information

​For additional information about this add-on undergraduate programme, please contact:

Head of Department: Dr. Carmel Kealey, Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Tel. +353 (0)906468081; e-mail: carmel.kealey@tus.ie

Programme Coordinator: Dr. Donal Eardly, Tel. +353 (0)90 6468075 e-mail: donal.eardly@tus.ie

Course Details

Course Duration:
1 Year
Registration Closing Date:

Online applications for this programme for the academic year 2022-2023 commencing in September 2022 are accepted from March 1 - June 1, 2021

How to apply to this programme at AIT:

ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM

Course Commencement Date:

​September 2022

CAO Course Code:
US731
Course Award:
Bachelor of Science
Course NFQ Level:
Level 7
Department:
Dept of Life & Physical Sciences
Minimum Entry Requirements:

Level 6 – Higher Certificate in Applied Science. (US662) or an equivalent Level 6 qualification achieved from another third level institution. Students commence their studies at Year 3 of AL730.

Student Testimonial

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Gosia Poplawska, BSc, MSc, Abbott Diagnostics

"The course was well structured with a good ratio of labs and lectures and lots of time to use analytical instruments. The lecturers are very approachable and you’re not afraid to ask questions. I continued my education to postgraduate level"

Course Structure

Year 3

​Semester 5:

Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Advanced Cell Biology, Genetic Engineering, Forensic Science, Quality Control and Experimental Design

​Semester 6:

Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Advanced Cell Biology, Genetic Engineering, Bioethics, Occupational Regulatory Affairs

Careers & Opportunities

Career Prospects

Typical areas of employment include: biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries, research organisations (academic and industrial), food and drinks manufacturing. Roles for biotechnology graduates include quality assurance and quality control technical, manufacturing technologist, biochemist analytical scientist, microbiologist and process engineer.

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