Biological & Biomolecular Science

MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

The programme provides students with an exciting prospect of studying and researching in the interdisciplinary fields of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and biodata analysis. Guidance from expert faculty is provided to tailor a programme that will meet the anticipated requirements of the student's objectives and career goals.

Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor suitable programme

Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)

Genetics & Cell Biology: investigates cellular signalling, architecture, imaging, trafficking and transport, genetic basis of disease, model organisms, epigenetics, etc.

Microbiology & Infection Biology: investigates mechanisms of pathogenic micro organisms, host response to infection, immunopathologies, host-pathogen interactions, development of diagnostics, applied microbiology, etc.

Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology:investigates metabolism and disease, protein-protein interactions, cell signalling, protein structure and analysis.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

This programme is suited for students who require flexibility to broaden their understanding of biological and biomolecular science. Several innovative specialisations are available from a carefully chosen range of modules, with guidance provided from expert faculty to tailor a programme that will meet the

Vision and Values Statement
This unique course offers a flexible programme of study that is designed to provide excellent research and training opportunities that are tailored to each individual student. This course combines developing a range of core, biologically relevant practical skills with the opportunity to undertake a specialised area of taught study negotiated by the student. In completing this course, all students obtain substantial experience in practical laboratory skills, research teamwork, data management, quantitative data analysis and scientific communication. Potential areas for specialized, negotiated study are cell biology & genetics, microbiology & infection biology, and biochemistry & synthetic biology. Multiple teaching approaches from our dedicated, expert academic staff facilitate student development throughout this one-year course. After successfully completing this programme, students are well qualified to face challenging opportunities in any area of biomolecular, biological and pharmaceutical science and have a wide range of career options.

No Modules to display for this Course

Negotiated Learning is a process where a student and academic discuss the components of a qualification required to meet the student's stated goals. In the context of this MSc programme, students will discuss which 40 credits of taught components are appropriate, relating to their current strengths and weaknesses, and their future career goals in industry or academia. The MSc in Biological and Biomolecular Science is the first of its kind offered in Ireland by Negotiated Learning.

Core Laboratory Research Skills (30 credits across three semesters): including techniques such as RT-PCR, Western Blotting, and imaging studies. Research skills modules will be conducted in a dedicated Research Skills lab in the UCD Conway Institute and the new facilities in the O'Brien Centre for Science.

Core (taught) Professional Skills Modules (20 credits)

BIOL40540 Data Management and Interpretation
BMOL40150 Career Development Scientists
BIOL40550 Science Writing and communication Skills
BIOL40390 Quantitative Tools for the Life Sciences
Optional Taught modules (40 credits)

involves selecting one of the following specialisations and selecting specific modules within these that meet the student's learning objectives (indicative module list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change)
Genetics & Cell Biology

GENE30010 Genetics and Recombinant DNA
CELB30130 Cell Biology of Disease
CELB40190 Advanced Cancer Cell Biology and Genetics
ZOOL40300 Epithelial Transport in Animal Physiology
CELB30090 Advanced Cell Biology
CELB30100 Developmental Biology
CELB40030 Programmed Cell Death in Plants
CELB40180 Cell Biology & Genetics of Ageing
CELB40200 The RNA World
GENE30020 Genome Structure and Evolution
GENE30030 Genetic Basis of Disease
GENE40040 Model organism genetics: a modern experimental approach
GENE40050 Human Genetics & Disease
Microbiology & Infection Biology

MICR30030 Microbial Physiology
MICR30040 Microbial Diversity and Growth
MICR30070 Skills in Microbiology
MICR40050 Microbiology of Foodborne Pathogens
MICR40150 Host Pathogen Interaction (online)
MICR30020 Microbial Cell Factory
MICR30060 Pharmaceutical and Food Microbiology
MICR40040 Microbial Pathogenicity
MICR40060 Microbial and Mammalian Cell Bioprocessing
ENVB40480 Applied Microbial Ecology
Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology

BIOC30010 Metabolism and Disease
BIOC30090 Proteins and Enzymes
BIOC40070 Protein Structure and Analysis
BIOC40080 Biochemical Research Strategies and Problem Solving
BIOC30030 Biochemist's Toolkit
BIOC40160 Drug Development & Clinical Trials
BIOC40220 Hot topics in Biochemistry
MICR40070 Enzyme Technology and Protein Engineering
Multi-Disciplinary

BIOL40560 Biological Imaging
GENE30040 Introduction to Programming for Biologists
CELB40160 HCS Microscopy
MICR40080 Microbial Natural Product Biosynthesis
BIOL40840 Applied Bioinformatics

This programme is intended for applicants who have at least an Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) degree, or the international equivalent, in a life science or chemical science. Examples of an appropriate BSc subject include, but are not restricted to, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Immunology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Students meeting the programme's academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD's Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master's Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.

How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:

MSc Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learn) FT (F104)
Duration 1 Years
Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full-time.

Careers & Employability
This programme will enable you to choose from a wide range of careers and areas of postgraduate study. This multi-disciplinary course provides a solid grounding for careers in industry, health and research, such as Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Microbiology, Process Control, Technical Transfer, Research and Development, and Regulatory Affairs, Scientific Editor or Writer, Lab Technician or Analyst roles.

An academic staff member will advise you on a specialisation and module choices based on the opportunities you hope to unlock.

student's requirements.