Bachelor of Science (Biopharmaceutical Chemistry)

College of Science

Course description
Why choose this course?

Biopharmaceutical Chemistry is the study of biomolecules (such as DNA, proteins and carbohydrates) and their applications as therapeutic medicine. Numerous diseases and medical conditions are caused by the improper function or the absence of a particular biomolecule. For example, some forms of diabetes result from a lack of insulin. The role of the biopharmaceutical chemist is to design and synthesise molecules that can substitute for the missing protein. The replacement molecule is often a modified protein, prepared using chemical and biotechnological methods.

Entry requirements

Minimum Grade Higher C3 in two subjects and Passes in four other subjects at Higher or Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, Maths, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Duration: 4 years

Next start date: September 2013

Entry points(2012): range 495 - 570

A Level Grades (2012): A*A*A* (A Level) & c (AS) or equivalent combination

Average intake: 10

Year 1

Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Mathematics

Year 2

Chemistry
Biochemistry
Computers in Chemistry
Pharmacology Fundamentals

Year 3

Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
Approaches to Drug Design & Discovery
Principles of Toxicology (Pharmacology)
Professional Experience Programme: a five-month placement in an industrial or academic laboratory, with the option to study abroad

Year 4

Further specialisation in Chemistry, with selected topics in Biopharmaceutical Chemistry: Protein Engineering, Proteinbased Therapeutics, Drug Development and Delivery, Glycosciences (the chemistry and biology of carbohydrates), Biotechnology, Mammalian Cell Growth and Bioprocess Monitoring
Students will also complete a research project in one of these areas

In addition to careers in industry, honours graduates will be qualified to pursue higher degrees (PhD research) in a wide range of related disciplines.

School of Chemistry
T 353 91 492480
F 353 91 494578
E peter.crowley@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/chemistry/

GY318

EU (Total): €7,492
- Tuition: €5,018
- Student contribution: €2,250
- Student levy: €224
Non-EU (Total): €13,750

Find out what all these course fees mean

Samantha White

BS (Biopharmaceutical Chemistry)

"I've always found chemistry enjoyable, and I chose to continue on studying it. Biopharmaceutical Chemistry is a new and exciting course. Whether you prefer the more academic side of chemistry or the thrilling practical side of it, Biopharmaceutical Chemistry has it all and with many job prospects in the future too! If you choose to come and study this, you will also experience the great life that NUI Galway has to offer to its students."

Undergraduate Prospectus Image