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
- 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
- A-Level/GCSE
- Other EU Applicants
- Non-EU Applicants
- QQI FET Entry Routes
- Level 6/7 Progression Routes
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.
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