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

Biology, Mathematics & Education

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 5 Years (BSc 4 years & MSc 1 year)
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

Special Entry Recommendations
We recommend that all students in Biology & Mathematics Education should have a minimum Grade H3 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics, or equivalent.

Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

If you’re interested in biology and mathematics, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study biology and mathematics, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you’ll gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.

The four-year BSc in Biology, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you are fully qualified to teach post-primary Biology and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level and Science to Junior Certificate Level.

 

Key Facts:
The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.

Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

On completion of the BSc, students have guaranteed entry to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education, provided they have achieved a GPA of 3.08. This is equivalent to a 2.1 Honours.

Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils.

During the last two years of the course, students are assigned year-long placements at two different post-primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling, etc. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for Biology, Mathematics & Education.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Education
  • Chemistry & Physics
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Education
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Biology
  • Mathematics
  • Education
  • School Placement – one placement in a post-primary school, and one placement as a third-level tutor.

Fourth Year

  • Education
  • School Placement
  • Mathematics

Fifth Year

  • Education
  • School Placement
  • Research Project

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“I have always had an interest in Mathematics and a curiosity for the world around us. The DN200 Science course, therefore, really appealed to me as it allowed me to explore a diverse range of modules in first and second year before deciding on a degree path. I chose to specialise in Biology, Mathematics & Education as I am passionate about teaching and love the idea of studying science and education in an integrated manner. I also enjoy getting involved around campus and have made some amazing friends through volunteering with the Science Society and the Maths Sparks programme. In fact, the wide range of opportunities, amazing facilities and level of engagement and support from the academic staff make coming to UCD the best decision I ever made.”

Emily Lewanowski-Breen Student

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