BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

Bachelor of Science (Honours)Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science
Code:
WD002 BIO
Delivery:
Full Time
Level:
8
Campus:
Cork Road
Duration:
4 years
Credits:
240 ECTS
ENTRY ROUTE FROM WD002

What is the BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science course?

The BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science is a four year honours degree course, which can be chosen within the WD002 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) Common Entry Route.This course is designed to train you to work in the areas of biopharmaceutical, biomedical, and/or food related industries. The course will also train you for progression to furtherstudy such as postgraduate research and/or the Professional Master of Education (PME).

Why is Level 8 Molecular Biology and Biopharmaceutical Science important?

Industry needs suitably qualified graduates with hands-on practical experience to be part of exciting developments in the field of biopharmaceutical and related sciences. New advances in biotechnology use microorganisms as well as other cell types to produce drugs and other useful products. The nature of such work requires scientists who understand cellular processes and how they can be controlled. This four year degree is designed to train you in processes such as analytical testing, advanced molecular biology techniques, microbiological analyses, biopharmaceutical technology and cell culturing techniques which are important skills required to work in biopharmaceutical, biomedical, food and related industries.

What subjects will I study?

Year 1 of this programme will give you a solid foundation in both the theoretical knowledge and basic lab skills in biology, chemistry and physics.   As you progress through years 2, 3, 4 of the programme you will gain specialist scientific skills in areas such as microbiology, molecular biology, pharmaceutical biotechnology, cell culturing, pharmacology as well as quality management which are key skills for your future career.

What are the unique features of your course?

You will spend a lot of time learning key practical skills by working in WIT laboratories.  In addition to molecular biology and biopharmaceutical skills our close links with industry ensure that you will be exposed to other current industry techniques especially in the area of quality management and regulatory affairs and compliance. 

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Good Laboratory Practice & Core SkillsCell Biology and Biochemistry
Introduction to ICT for ScientistsPhysics for Scientists
Introductory Biology IntroMathematics for Scientists
Introductory ChemistryPhysical and Organic Chemistry
Introductory PhysicsChoose two of the following electives:
Introductory Mathematics*Introduction to Modern Physics
*Plant Biology
*Introduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science
*Introduction to Food Science
*Science & Society
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Laboratory Data Analysis & PresentationApplied Maths for Scientists
Microbiology 1Biochemistry
Organic Chemistry & BiomoleculesChromatographic and Electrophoteric Techniques
Scientific Enquiry in BiologyEnvironmental Monitoring
Spectroscopic TechniquesFood Microbiology
Statistics for ScientistsMicrobial Biotechnology and Genetics
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Chromatographic Method Development & ValidationWork Placement
Protein Chemistry and Enzymologyor
Molecular Biology and GeneticsStudy Abroad
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Total Quality Management
Applied Immunology
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Applications of Microbiology with BiostatisticsAdvanced Quality Methodologies
Cell Factories and Mammalian Cell CulturingBiopharmaceutical Technology
DNA Technology and BioinformaticsMolecular Biology and Medicine
Regulatory Affairs and CompliancePhysiology and Pharmacology
Research Methodology and Literature Review Research Project

Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science:

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science on the CAO:

The entry route for this programme is from WD002 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option WD002 BIO (Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose WD002 GEN.

At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science:

What career opportunities will I have?

There are many career opportunities, for instance you could become a:

  • Laboratory Analyst (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biopharmaceutical & Analytical Science)
  • Team Leader (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biopharmaceutical & Analytical Science)
  • Senior Scientist (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biopharmaceutical & Analytical Science)
  • Development Scientist (Technical Services)
  • Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst)                                                  
  • Quality Control Coordinator (QC Coordinator)
  • Technical Lead (Responsible for acquisition of new products/drugs)
  • Postgraduate Researcher (MSc or PhD)

What follow on study options are available?

After completion of the level 8 programme you will be eligible to apply for relevant postgraduate programmes.   WIT has a range of successful and well-funded research projects in a variety of biological areas. In addition to a career in industry or research you will be suitably qualified for progression to the Professional Master of Education. 

Research at WIT

WIT lecturing staff teaching on this course are active in a range of successful and well-funded research projects in a variety of biological areas. Current research interests are in molecular biology, molecular ecology, biomedical science, microbiology and biochemistry. There are active collaborations with national and international universities, research institutes and commercial organisations.

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