Biology - Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation

Course Outline
Our MSc Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation (MSc MCB) programme is a unique multidisciplinary master's programme aimed at highly motivated students with an interest in biomedical research and its applications. This course considers, amongst other areas, the nature of cancer biology; genetics; infection and immunity; molecular neuroscience; biotechnology; and entrepreneurial thinking.

We will provide you with a truly interdisciplinary educational experience by combining advanced discipline-specific training with core scientific research, technical expertise, and business skills.

Course Practicalities
Discipline-specific lectures mostly take place from Monday to Wednesday and are designed to fit in with lectures offered by the College of Business and Law. You are expected to attend seminars in the Schools of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience as advertised. The six-month research project is full-time starting in April.

Taught modules are examined by formal written examination and continuous assessment. The research dissertation for the six-month research project must be submitted by the end of the first academic year of registration for examination by internal and external examiners.

Why Choose This Course?
A distinctive feature of the MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation programme is that, as well as the science-based modules, you will receive formal innovation and technology commercialisation training through modules from the College of Business and Law at UCC. Consequently, you will acquire not only excellent research and technical skills but also valuable business development and commercialisation skills for life science innovation projects.

Connected Curriculum

Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between disciplines such as biology, chemistry, medicine, technology, biotechnology, law, and business.

This MSc Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation programme is a full-time programme that runs for 12 months from the date of first registration. The course consists of lectures, tutorials, hands-on workshops and a research dissertation based on individual research.

Students take 90 credits in total: 45 credits from the core module list together with a 5-credit elective module. The remaining 40 credits are attached to the Molecular Cell Biology Research Dissertation (ML6001).

Core Modules

IS6306 Technology and Business Planning (5 credits)
MG6705 Marketing for Technology Entrepreneurs (5 credits)
ML6002 Biological and Clinical Perspectives of Human Disease (10 credits)
ML6003 Scientific Communication of Current Topics in Molecular Cell Biology (5 credits)
ML6004 Cell and Molecular Biology (10 credits)
ML6005 Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences (5 credits)
ML6006 Human Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering Techniques (5 credits)
Elective Modules (choose one module)

IS6032 Venture Capital and Private Equity - Evaluating Early Stage Investments (5 credits)
IS6307 Creativity and Opportunity Recognition (5 credits)
LW6104 Principles of Intellectual Property Law (5 credits)
Research Module

ML6001 Molecular Cell Biology Research Dissertation (40 credits)
Details on course content and modules can be found in the Postgraduate College Calendar (Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation).

Project details

The theme of your project is chosen in conjunction with internationally-renowned research groups from the Schools of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Microbiology, and the Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience. Research fields include cancer biology; infection and immunity; and molecular neuroscience. These themes will inform your six-month project based on individual research and the results will contribute to your dissertation.

The project allows you to gain invaluable hands-on, practical experience in experimental design together with implementation and data interpretation. You will develop a wide array of transferable skills, including written and verbal communication skills; data recording practice; analysis and presentation skills; and critical evaluation skills of published material. In addition, you will learn to project-manage and work collaboratively and independently.

Modules

Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar

You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

Applicants must possess a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) or equivalent in the biological sciences, medicine or pharmaceutical sciences. Graduates with a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on a case-by-case basis provided there is substantial and relevant experience and subject to the approval of the Director of the MSc Programme in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation.

Decisions on selection to the programme will be made on the basis of your performance in your primary degree, your personal statement and possibly an interview with the following criteria considered:

academic qualifications (in a relevant academic discipline)
research experience and focus
quality of the personal statement
recommendation letters from two academic referees.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. We strongly encourage you to complete these sections as this information will support your application.

Additional information required will include the following:

Please enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held.

Please detail your research interest(s).

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please upload a detailed CV.

Please add the name and email address of two academic referees.

Deposit

Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 on acceptance of their place.

1 year full-time.

Skills and Careers Information
Our graduates work in a wide array of fields, and recent positions include technology transfer officer within higher education institutions and national agencies; R&D project manager; commercialisation manager within a life science start-up; and development manager within the pharmaceutical sector. The course also equips students with the skills required to develop a start-up venture. You are also ideally positioned to enter into a PhD programme at UCC or internationally.