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University College Dublin

Biological & Biomolecular Science

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) currently offers specialisations in the following areas of biological and biomolecular sciences:‌

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 diease, 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.

Entry requirements

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.

Duration

1 year full-time

Number of credits

Careers or further progression

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.

Further enquiries

Contact Name: Joanna Kacprzyk
Contact Number:+353 (0)1716 2131

Subjects taught

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):
Data Management and Interpretation
Professional Career Development
Science Writing and communication Skills
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
Regulation of Gene Expression
Cellular Architecture
Animal Development
Genetic Basis of Disease
Programmed Cell Death in Plants
Epigenetics
Genomics and Proteomics
Model Organism Genetics
Advanced Cell Biology
Genetics, Disease & Behaviour
Cell Signalling in Plants
Genetic Basis of Behaviour
Development Plant Genetics
Molecular Phylogenetics
Membrane Trafficking
Epithelial Transport in Animal Physiology

Microbiology & Infection Biology
Ecological and Environmental Microbiology
Microbial Cell Factory
Microbial Physiology
Microbial Diversity and Growth
Applied Microbiology
Skills in Microbiology
Microbial Pathogeneticity
Foodborne Pathogens
Bioprocessing
Enzyme Technology and Protein Engineering
Natural Product Synthesis

Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology
Metabolism and Disease
Biochemist's Toolkit
Proteins and Enzymes
Advanced Cell Signalling
Biological NMR
Protein Structure and Analysis
Biochemical Research Strategies
Regulation of Gene Expression
Genomics and Proteomics
Enzyme Technology and Protein Engineering
Natural Product Synthesis

Comment

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

This is a flexible programme where the students can design and control their training experience

Offers specialisations in Genetics & Cell Biology, Microbiology & Infection Biology, Biochemistry & Synthetic Biology

The modules are delivered by research active academic staff with worldwide reputation

Application date

Deadline Rolling *

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

Course fee

MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science (F104) Full Time
EU fee per year - €7915
nonEU fee per year - €24800

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.