Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

College of Science

What our lecturers say

What our lecturers say
Biotechnology

What our students say

What our students say
Studying Biotechnology

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 provides a focused and closely mentored course in an area with real opportunities for the future. 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.

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 2013

Entry points(2012): range 445 - 605

A Level Grades (2012): AAB (A-Level) & b (AS) or equivalent combination

Average intake: 22

Course outline

Year 1

  • Biotechnology I
    • Biotechnology concepts module
    • Biotechnology skills module
    • Language module in French or German
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
    • Statistics and probability modules
    • Introduction to bioinformatics module

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

Find out what all these course fees mean

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."

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