Author: deinform

Pharmacology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and their action on biological systems, ranging from genes and cells up to tissues and even human populations. A drug is any substance given to a human or animal with the intention of changing the state of body function: to relieve pain, treat cancer, eliminate infection or improve health. Pharmacology is also concerned with the use of drugs as investigative tools to obtain a better understanding of cellular and physiological processes in both health and disease. In the UCD Pharmacology course, students will have the opportunity to take part in drug development research.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Career opportunities for Pharmacology graduates include working in:

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Drug regulatory bodies, such as the Irish Medicines Board
  • Biotechnology sector
  • Chemical safety and toxicology

Pharmacology graduates can also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas such as drug development and biomedical science.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Pharmacology. Topics include drug kinetics in the body, drug action on body systems, treatment of disease, biomedical sciences, biopharmaceuticals and new drug development.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Pharmacology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Pharmacology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Pharmacology (includes a research project in topics such as cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, neuropharmacology and drug discovery)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Professional Work Experience

A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups

For detailed information on subject content click here

You may be interested in the following blog post: Why did I pick Pharmacology in UCD?

International Study Opportunities

International study opportunities in third and fourth years to date have included:

  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of Washington, Seattle
  • University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Testimonial

“I’m from Boston, Massachusetts, USA and fell in love with UCD following a visit to Ireland. I chose to study Science because I was passionate about research and the human body. UCD Science’s flexible curriculum allowed me to try out a range of modules in first year from Organic Chemistry to Cell Biology. I focused my second year on Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Microbiology and Physiology. Early in second year I knew I would eventually choose Pharmacology as my degree subject. I’m really interested in the research of drugs and the treatment of diseases. Student life in UCD has been so welcoming that Dublin ended up feeling like home. I now work with leading global clinical research organisation, IQVIA, as a Pharmacovigilance Operations Specialist in Dublin.”

Courtney Greene Graduate

Neuroscience

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics. Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system, directed towards understanding how cells within the nervous system interact with each other to form the brain and regulate body functions, human behaviour, memory, emotions and consciousness. The malfunction of the nervous system lies at the heart of a number of devastating and currently incurable conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Neuroscience research probes the mechanisms underlying such malfunctions, with a view to helping in the discovery of drugs to prevent or manage these disorders.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

As a Neuroscience graduate, you’ll have the opportunity to obtain employment in:

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
  • Medical research, including drug development and clinical trials
  • Hospital and university laboratories
  • Neuroscience research institutes
  • Government agencies

Neuroscience graduates also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas as diverse as biotechnology, cell biology, and biomedical and health science. Many graduates also pursue graduate medicine and graduate pharmacy courses.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Neuroscience. Topics include membrane biology, developmental neuroscience, higher cortical function, synaptic plasticity, sensory neuroscience, as well as core modules in biomolecular and biomedical science.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Neuroscience
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Neuroscience
  • Elective modules

 

Fourth Year

  • Neuroscience (includes a research project in topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, cognition and synaptic plasticity)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Professional Work Experience
A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

A limited number of Fourth Year projects are available in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark; the Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum; and in the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Frankfurt.

Testimonial

“DN200 Science allowed me tailor my degree to encompass all the aspects of science I need in order to succeed while keeping me intrigued and excited along the way. In third year, I was lucky to partake in the Erasmus Programme at the University of Nottingham which gave me a different insight into the scope of neuroscience and the opportunities it presents. UCD offering multiple opportunities to travel and learn really highlights their dedication to offering the best possible education and to encouraging us to develop as a person! In addition, I had the absolute privilege of doing a 6-month thesis project in The Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, which allowed me to work as a real scientist in a lab, something I see myself doing in the future.”

Jodie Bermingham Student

Genetics

Course Information

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

If you’re interested in why some families are more prone to disease and how to use biotechnology to produce drugs and other products, then a degree in Genetics could be for you. Genetics is the scientific study of heredity – how information is passed from one generation to the next. You’ll study developing new areas, such as personal genomics, which uses DNA sequence to determine health and ancestry. The UCD Genetics degree also covers genetic engineering and biotechnology, transgenic animals, genetically modified plants, medical genetics, molecular evolution, developmental biology, DNA fingerprinting and bioinformatics.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Most Genetics graduates work in:

  • Hospital laboratories
  • Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and genomics companies
  • Forensic science laboratories
  • Agribiotech and horticulture companies
  • Food and drink companies

Many graduates study for a higher degree (MSc/PhD), or obtain additional professional qualifications such as in Medicine and Dentistry.

MSc programmes at UCD include the areas of Biotechnology, Biotechnology and Business, and Biotherapeutics.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Genetics. Topics include evolution, genetic disease and biotechnology, as well as core modules in biomolecular and biomedical science.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Genetics
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective Modules

Third Year

  • Genetics
  • Elective Modules

Fourth Year

  • Genetics (includes a research project)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Genetics students in third year have to date studied in:

  • University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
  • University of California, Irvine, USA
  • University of Connecticut, USA
  • Queen’s University, Canada

Genetics students also have the opportunity to carry out their fourth year project at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Testimonial

“One of the things I loved about the DN200 Science course is the huge amount of flexibility. The course structure meant that I got to experience each degree subject early on, allowing me to make informed decisions on my area of interest as the course progressed. Genetics is a field at the forefront of modern biological research, looking at everything from the inheritance of traits, to the genetic basis of disease, to unravelling the evolutionary history of modern organisms. A BSc in Genetics opens a huge number of doors across the Science sector and a variety of business areas. I am now completing a PhD at the European Molecular Biological Laboratory in Germany using Structural Genetics to study the effect of ageing on human blood stem cells.”

Karen Grimes Graduate

Microbiology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject)
  • and O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

This degree focuses on the biological aspects of environmental science. It equips students with a strong background in ecology and its application to environmental assessment and management. Marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are studied through the disciplines of plant, animal and microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, global change biology, pollution biology, soil science and wildlife ecology. There’s a strong emphasis on vocational skills and links with industry. Core modules include mock environmental impact assessment, field-based sampling in Ireland and Spain, and guest lectures from environmental managers and consultants.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Environmental Biologists pursue a wide range of careers such as:

  • Fisheries managers
  • Environmental consultants
  • Habitat ecologists
  • Pollution biologists
  • Wildlife and conservation officers
  • National park supervisors
  • Technical and scientific supervisors
  • University researchers and professors

Graduate opportunities are also available for students to pursue MSc or PhD programmes. Taught MSc programmes at UCD include Applied Science (Environmental Science) and World Heritage Management.

What Will I Study

The degree reflects the integrated multidisciplinary approach required in modern environmental research and ecosystem-based management. Topics include animal diversity and evolution, wildlife and fisheries, ecology and environmental microbiology, environmental impact assessment and biodiversity. This is a sample pathway for a degree in Environmental Biology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Environmental Biology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective Modules

Third Year

  • Environmental Biology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

Environmental Biology (includes an Environmental Biology research project which is self selected to suit students’ interests.)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Students in third year have spent time at the following universities:

  • University of Auckland, New Zealand
  • University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
  • University of Melbourne, Australia

Testimonial

“I chose DN200 Science because I could try a whole range of Science subjects before I had to make a final choice. I decided on Environmental Biology as my degree as it provided a range of module options. For example, I had modules that incorporate Ecology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology. The course was largely practical based, with most modules containing lab sessions and field trips, one of which takes place in Spain and gave me a chance to carry out field work on my own project. After I graduate, I would like to do some further study and hopefully work in conservation biology.”

Niamh Quirke Student

Cell & Molecular Biology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  •  O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject)
  • and O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Cell & Molecular Biology is the study of cells and the molecules that combine to form them. This includes their physiological properties such as their structure, their interaction with the extra-cellular environment and other cells, their life cycle, division and function, and eventual death. This is done both on a microscopic and molecular level.

Cell biology researches both single-celled organisms such as bacteria, and specialised cells in organisms, such as humans and plants. Microscopy and molecular approaches are used to understand how organisms develop, how they respond to their environment and how the diseased state differs from the healthy state. Knowledge of cell biology is vital to our understanding of disease and infection and in developing new methods to combat these.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Graduates in Cell and Molecular Biology can find employment in:

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
  • Biomedical research
  • Hospital and university laboratories
  • Forensic science laboratories
  • Genetic counselling

Graduates can pursue MSc programmes in Biotechnology, Biotechnology with Business, Biotherapeutics, or apply for PhD programmes in cell signalling, membrane biology or genetics, in Ireland and abroad.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology. Topics include regulation of gene expression, molecular basis of disease, animal development, plant and animal genetics, and research methods in cell biology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Cell & Molecular Biology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective Modules

Third Year

  • Cell & Molecular Biology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Cell and Molecular Biology (includes a research project)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Students in this degree stream have the option of participating in a three month summer internship at the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok, Thailand. Students in the third year have spent time studying at the National University of Singapore.

Testimonial

“Cell & Molecular Biology draws on modules and content from organismal biology (Zoology, Plant Biology, Microbiology) and molecular disciplines (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Genetics) resulting in a wide range of module choices that allow students to tailor their degree. The capstone of the degree is a five-month research project where we gain hands-on experience of research. I developed a deep interest in the study of rare human diseases, and I am now a postdoctoral research scientist in the UCD Centre for Arthritis Research. My work focuses on identifying the genetic and biological cause of a rare paediatric auto-inflammatory condition that has been identified in a number of Irish families. The Cell & Molecular Biology degree provided a brilliant platform to set me up for my future career.”

Niamh Morgan Graduate

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