MSc Biological and Biomolecular Science
Academic Year 2020/2021
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.
Programme Outcomes
Understanding the key principles of biomolecular and biological science at an advanced level.
Ability to perform a wide range of biologically relevant practical laboratory techniques to a high degree of proficiency.
Ability to design and conduct biological experiments, critically interpret data and professionally report on findings.
Ability to collaborate with other scientists and engage in activities as part of a research team.
Understanding of how to effectively communicate your own research findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Ability to both manage and quantitatively analyse all data obtained from various modern biological research techniques.
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.
Biological & Biomolecular Science
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.
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.
Duration
1 year full-time
Number of credits
90
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
What modules can I take?
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
Application date
How to apply?
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Biological & Biomolecular Science (Negotiated Learn) FT (F104)
Duration
1 Year
Attendance
Full Time
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 - € 8170
nonEU fee per year - € 25600
***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.
Enrolment and start dates
Next Intake: 2020/2021 September
Remember to mention gradireland when contacting institutions!
Comment
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.
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F102,X439,F080