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University College Dublin

Biotechnology

Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
The MSc in Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and focuses on broadening your knowledge and understanding of the current technologies and processes in the biotechnology industry, including approaches being applied to further advance the discovery and design of new and highly innovative biotech and pharmaceutical products and technologies. 

Modules on food and environmental biotechnology,

Industrially relevant expertise in facility design and bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials

Academic or industry lab project of significant benefit to previous programme graduates.

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:

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

Course Description
Biotechnology encompasses all aspects of the industrial application of living organisms and/ or biological techniques. It is a collection of technologies that capitalise on the attributes of cells and biological molecules, such as DNA, to work for us. The primary biotechnology activity carried out in Ireland is research and development. Ireland has experienced massive growth across the biotechnology sector including food, environmental and pharmaceutical industries in the last decade. Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Merck, BristolMyers Squibb and Genzyme, with seven of the 10 world blockbuster pharmaceuticals made here. The MSc in Biotechnology is taught by leading academics in the UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science and focuses on broadening your knowledge and understanding of the current technologies and processes in the biotechnology industry, including approaches being applied to further advance the discovery and design of new and highly innovative biotech and pharmaceutical products and technologies. It also provides modules on food and environmental biotechnology, as well as industrially relevant expertise in facility design, bioprocess technology, regulatory affairs and clinical trials.

Entry requirements

Candidates are expected to have an upper second class honours grade or international equivalent in a Biology or Chemistry primary degree. This includes a degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Medicinal Chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology or with proven relevant industrial experience will be considered for places.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Duration

1 year full-time.

Number of credits

Careers or further progression

Career Opportunities
This advanced graduate degree in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with employers and therefore is recognised and valued by them.
A key feature is the opportunity to carry out a project in industry which will allow graduates to develop connections with prospective employers, thereby enhancing chances of employment on graduation. You will also have the opportunity to become part of a network of alumni in the field of Biotechnology.

Prospective employers include:

Abbott; Allergan; Amgen; Baxter Healthcare; Beckman Coulter; Biotrin International Ltd.; Boston Scientific; Elan Corporation; Eli Lilly and Co.; Celltech; Glaxo SmithKline; Icon Clinical Research; Johnson & Johnson Ltd.; Kerry Group Plc.; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Quintiles; Sandoz; Serology Ltd.

Further enquiries

Contact Name: Cormac Murphy
Contact Number:+353 (0)1 716 2131

Subjects taught

Stage 1 - Core

MSc Biotech Project BIOC40120
Drug Develop & Clinical Trials BIOC40160
Pharmacology and Drug Development BIOC40170
Professional Career Development BIOC40180
Bioprocessing Laboratory CHEN40090
Recombinant DNA Technology MICR40010
Microbial and Animal Cell Products MICR40020
Emerging Issues in Biotechnology MICR40100
Environmental Biotechnology MICR40140
Regulatory Affairs in Science PHAR40240

Stage 1 - Option

Biomedical Diagnostics BIOC40110
Medical Device Technology BIOC40130
The Business of Biotechnology and Science BMOL40120
Biological Imaging BMOL40180
Multicellular Systems BMOL40190
Food Biotechnology MICR40130
Environmental Biotechnology MICR40140

Comment

Features.
The UCD MSc Biotechnology programme has a global, multidisciplinary perspective with contributions from national and international academics and experts.

Students share their firsthand practical experience with other MSc students and professionals from a diverse range of countries and backgrounds and this creates a dynamic learning environment. You will have the opportunity to work with industrial practitioners and to carry out a project in industry.