Bsc (Hons) in Industrial Biochemistry

Key Points

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Are you interested in life sciences and want to go deeper? Would you like to understand how living things function, evolve and function at the molecular level? Do you want to prepare for a future where molecular biology will be at the center of human activity? Then this course could be for you.

The B.Sc. In Industrial Biochemistry is a degree program in biotechnology. It focuses on the study of living cells (or components of living cells) and the medical / industrial applications of these substances. It is designed to prepare you for a career in the biotech and allied industries and has a very strong employment history.

Examples of traditional biotechnological processes include the use of microorganisms to produce alcohol or antibiotics. Examples of more modern biotechnological processes include the use of genetic engineering to produce protein-based drugs or “biopharmaceuticals” (eg, insulin or interferons), genetically modified plants that are resistant to drought or pesticides, or transgenic animals that display some new feature, like faster growth.

The core subjects studied include:

Biochemistry (study of the biological structure and function of cellular molecules such as proteins and DNA, and how these molecules interact to form living cells)
Industrial biochemistry (study of the applications of biological molecules for medical, industrial, environmental, agricultural or analytical purposes)
Microbial technology (study of microbiology and uses of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses)
Genetic engineering (gene identification, isolation, engineering and expression to gain new insights into gene function or for the generation of gene-mediated medical / industrial products)
Bioprocess technology (aspects of industrial scale biotechnology manufacturing / processing)
Analytical science (methods and techniques used to detect and quantify biological molecules / chemicals in samples, for example, measurement of hormone levels in blood or pesticide levels in water)

Program structure

YEAR 1

Semester 1

General Chemistry 1
Biology 1
Science Mathematics 1
Laboratory calculations
Introduction to Biosciences and Environment
Introduction to Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry
Introduction to scientific calculations

Semester 2

YEAR 2

Semester 3

Microbial technology 1A
Biomolecules
Organic Chemistry 2A (1)
Analytical Chemistry 1st
Science Mathematics 3

Semester 4

Industrial Biochemistry 1
Introduction to quality management
Proteins and DNA
Analytical Chemistry 2nd
Science Mathematics 4

YEAR 3

Semester 5

Bioprocess Engineering 1
Microbial Technology 2
Genetic engineering
Analytical Chemistry 3
Security and industry

Semester 6

Cooperative education

year 4

Semester 7

Bioprocess engineering for biochemists
Biochemistry Project 1
Bioinformatics
Chemometrics

Elective:
Waste management 1
Business training
Biomaterials 1

Semester 8
Industrial Biochemistry 2
Immunology and DNA diagnostic techniques
Biochemistry Project 2
Cell biochemistry

Elective:
Waste management 2
Small Business Consulting
Biomaterials 2

During the spring semester of year 3 and the summer thereafter, a period of Cooperative Education (student placement in industry) provides experience of the practice and application of industrial biochemistry in a work setting. This relevant industrial experience, gained at home or abroad, has proven to be particularly beneficial for students seeking employment in industry after completing their studies.

Employability skills of this degree

Understand complex biological processes
Build arguments and participate in debates
Think independently and solve problems
Complete and critical
Critical, analytical and practical skills
Arithmetic
Communication, presentation and IT skills
Team work
Self-management and professional development

Admission requirements

Applicants will require a baccalaureate degree officially translated into English.
IELTS 6.0 or higher (or internationally recognised equivalent).
TOEFL 580 (paper-based) or 90 (online).
UL has approved the use of the Duolingo English Test (DET) as a temporary measure for 2021/2 admission (due to test center closures). The minimum requirement will be a DET score of 110. An interview may be required along with this for certain programs.

Applicants must possess at the time of enrolment the prescribed Certificate of Completion (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: two H5 (Higher Level) grades and four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language and English.

Additionally, applicants must have a minimum grade of O3 / H7 in math and a grade of H4 in any of the following: Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry.