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NUI Galway

Biotechnology

Your course
This MSc aims to provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in biotechnology. Through tutorials, lectures, assignments and a research project, the course focuses on the development and application of biological processes in research, commercial and industrial settings. The programme is suitable for applicants who have a primary degree in Biological Sciences and wish to develop a career in a sector of high employment.

Core modules:
MSc Biotechnology research and/or work experience: Five-month research project. Frontiers in Biotechnology: Tutorials introducing transferable skills and recent advances in biotechnology. Current Methodologies in Biotechnology: Laboratory techniques fundamental to biotechnological research. Introduction to Business: Concepts of marketing, management and accountancy including student development of a biotechnology business plan. Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology: Understanding the dynamics and kinetics of drug interactions in the body. Protein Technology: Includes industrial scale-up of protein production, proteomics and glycobiology. Diagnostic Biotechnology: A comprehensive overview of immunological and molecular diagnostics. Optional modules (choose two): Advanced Industrial Processes; Applied Concepts in Pharmacology; Scientific Writing; Immunology; Quality Management Systems for Biotechnology; Introduction to Programming for Biologists.

Entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements
Candidates must hold at least a Second Class Honours, Level 8 (or equivalent international qualification) primary degree in Science or a related subject, with a strong background in Biological Sciences. For applicants whose native language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 6.5 is required, with not less than 6.5 in any one component. Selection is based on academic record, previous relevant experience and a personal statement. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interview.

Duration

12 months (full-time); 24 months (part-time).

Careers or further progression

Career opportunities
A wide range of career options exist for graduates of this programme, such as employment in pharmaceutical industries, diagnostic services and academic research. Furthermore, this programme is a springboard to PhD research opportunities. Our recent graduates have found employment with Abbott, Allergan, ICON Clinical Research, Norbrook Laboratories and Pfizer. They are pursuing careers in manufacturing, quality assurance, product development and research, as well as in the broader sectors of sales, marketing and regulatory affairs.

Further enquiries

Dr Mary Ní Fhlathartaigh
T: +353 91 495 323
E: a mary.nifhlathartaigh@nuigalway.ie

Comment

3 GOOD REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
1. Choice of industrial or research focused.

2. Five-month laboratory project providing the opportunity to build research and development expertise while being a member of a scientific research team.

3. Shortlisted for national Postgraduate Science Course of the Year Award 2016.

Application date

WHEN TO APPLY:
Assessment of applications will commence on June 2, 2017. Candidates should ensure that all documentation for their application is submitted before this date.