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Biotechnology (MSc, full-time or part-time)

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Course Overview

WINNER Postgraduate Science Course of the Year Award 2016 #HEAwards

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‌This MSc aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a research project, the course focuses on the development and application of biological processes in research, commercial and industrial settings. The programme is suitable for applicants who have a primary degree in Biological Sciences and wish to develop a career in a sector of high employment.

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Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via The Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC). Relevant PAC application code(s) above.

Selection is based on academic record, previous relevant experience and a personal statement. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

A variety of different assessment types are included, such as continuous assessment assignments, written examinations, essays and a research project thesis.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) primary degree in Science or a related subject, with a strong background in Biological Sciences. For applicants whose native language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 is required, with not less than 5.5 in any one component.

Additional Requirements

Duration

1 year, full-time
2 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2018

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

8–10 (full-time); 1–2 (part-time)

Closing Date

 Please view the offer rounds website.

Next start date

September 2018

NFQ level

9

Mode of study

Taught

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

PAC code

GYS04, full-time
GYS05, part-time

Course Outline

Key Features of this course include:
  • Emphasis on developing biotechnology and business skills
  • Choice of industrial or research focussed streams
  • Small group tutorials
  • Five-month laboratory project providing the opportunity to build research and development expertise while being a member of a scientific research team
Core modules:
  • MSc Biotechnology research and/or work experience: Five month research project.
  • Frontiers in Biotechnology: Tutorials introducing transferable skills and recent advances in biotechnology.
  • Introduction to Business: Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy including student development of a biotechnology business plan.
  • Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: Understanding the dynamics and kinetics of drug interactions in the body.
  • Protein Technology: Includes industrial scale-up of protein production, proteomics and glycobiology.
  • Diagnostic Biotechnology: A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics.
Optional modules (choose two):
  • Advanced Industrial Processes: This module is designed to develop an awareness of microbial technologies and their applications to biotechnology.
  • Applied Concepts in Pharmacology: This module introduces students to autonomic pharmacology and drug discovery and development.
  • Scientific Writing: This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the process of scientific publication (writing and reviewing articles).
  • Immunology: This module is delivered with emphasis on the clinical value of manipulating the immune system as well as the clinical implications of immunological dysfunction.
  • Quality Management Systems for Biotechnology: Quality management systems essential for the efficient and safe running of commercial and industrial biotechnology enterprises are taught in this module.
  • Cell & Molecular Biology: Advanced Technologies: This module outlines the fundamentals of cell & molecular biology.
  • Current Methodologies in Biotechnology: Laboratory techniques fundamental to biotechnological research.

*Please note that the curriculum information is subject to change from year to year.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

A wide range of career options exist for graduates of this programme, such as employment in pharmaceutical industries, diagnostic services and academic research. Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities. Our recent graduates have found employment with Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories, Regeneron and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as in the broader sectors of sales, marketing and regulatory affairs.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€6,815 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Tuition

€6,591 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Student levy

€224 p.a. 2017/18

Fees: Non EU

€13,750 p.a. 2017/18
For further infomation on postgraduate funding and scholarship opportunities see here

Find out More

Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh
T +353 91 495 323
E mary.nifhlathartaigh@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/microbiology/mscbiotech.html

What Our Students Say

Liam

Liam Higgins |   Microbiology Technician at Aqualab

The MSc. in Biotechnology at NUI Galway gave me the opportunity and confidence needed to move ahead in my career. I completed the course in 2013 and gained employment within one month; working as a microbiology technician. A beautiful and atmospheric campus setting, along with classmates from different academic backgrounds and very helpful and approachable lecturers make this programme a stimulating and worthwhile experience. For my research project I was based in the Genetics and Biotechnology Lab, which allowed me the opportunity to learn from and work with passionate scientists whose encouragement and dedication inspired me greatly. The theoretical knowledge coupled with the practical skills acquired from this programme allowed for the comfortable transition from academia to industry. Completing the MSc. in Biotechnology will open a range of career opportunities and I highly recommended it.
Mr John

Mr John Kilmartin |   Senior Regulatory Affairs Director in Medtronic

We have had a number of visits from the MSc Biotechnology programme here in Medtronic, all of the participants have been really engaged and one of the graduates has joined my team in the Regulatory affairs dept. We are delighted with her progress and contribution to the company.

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