Biology & Environmental Science - Biological & Biomolecular Science - Negotiated Learning

MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

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

MSc Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learning) offers a unique opportunity to gain core technical, methodological and innovation skills. It is a flexible offering where an academic staff member will advise you on the taught module choices based on your objectives and career goals.

A range of taught modules is currently available from the following specializations:
- 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 student's requirements.

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.

Programme Outcomes
- Ability to both manage and quantitatively analyse all data obtained from various modern biological research techniques.

- Ability to collaborate with other scientists and engage in activities as part of a research team.

- Ability to design and conduct biological experiments, critically interpret data and professionally report on findings.

- Ability to perform a wide range of biologically relevant practical laboratory techniques to a high degree of proficiency.

- Understanding of how to effectively communicate your own research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

- Understanding the key principles of biomolecular and biological science at an advanced level.

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
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

Multi-Disciplinary
BIOL40560 Biological Imaging
GENE30040 Introduction to Programming for Biologists
CELB40160 HCS Microscopy
MICR40080 Microbial Natural Product Biosynthesis

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.

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.