Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

In this degree subject, you will explore life at the molecular level. This will enable you to pursue a career in biomedical and biomolecular science. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology explores the chemistry of living organisms and cells. It involves the study of the molecules that play a role in the function of the cell and the molecular basis for changes in the cell and tissues that can lead to disease. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology forms the foundation for understanding all biological processes and occupy a central position in modern biological and biomedical research.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is one of the degree subjects available through the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in the common entry Science course.

Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Cell Biology & Genetics • Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry • Biomedical Sciences • Biology in Action • Life on Earth • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module

Second Year
Biomolecular Lab Skills • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Biochemistry in Action • Chemistry for Biology • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Metabolism & Disease • Proteins & Enzymes • Regulation of Gene Expression • Cell Signalling • Biochemist’s Toolkit • Molecular Basis of Disease • Genomics & Proteomics • Advanced Cell Biology • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Biochemistry Research Project (includes a research project in diverse areas, such as protein engineering, neurochemistry, cancer studies, the regulation of gene expression, molecular immunology and endocrinology) • Protein Structure & Analysis • Biochemistry Research Strategies • Advanced Cell Signalling • Advanced Neurochemistry • Enzyme Technology & Protein Engineering

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Students in their third year have spent time in Germany, United Kingdom and USA in universities such as Ruprechts-Karls-Universität, University of Edinburgh, University of California, San Diego, and University of Chicago.

Students in their fourth year have spent time at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Graduates in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology can find employment in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, forensic science laboratories, hospital and clinical laboratories, and food and beverage companies.

Graduates are eligible to apply for a range of MSc programmes in Ireland and abroad, in areas such as biotechnology, imaging and microscopy and molecular medicine. Graduates can also pursue a PhD in universities in Ireland and abroad in areas such as medical research, drug development and biomedical science.

Students have an opportunity to undertake an industry research placement for 6 months commencing in the Summer following Third Year (i.e. June-December). Assessment is based on a thesis, oral presentations and a laboratory report.

Students in recent years have completed internships in companies such as MSD or in placements in hospital labs. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route
• University Access

Dr Jana Haase
UCD School of Biomolecular and
Biomedical Science
askscience@ucd.ie

"I chose to specialise in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology because it answered a lot of the questions that I had about how cells work. The course provided me with an understanding of proteomics, metabolism, and immunology. It also gave me an insight into how and why disease occurs, whilst highlighting that a fundamental understanding of cell biochemistry is critical in treating and curing disease. I received a scholarship to undertake a summer research project on Alzheimer’s Disease. My final year thesis on Type 2 Diabetes was immunology-based. Since graduating, I have received a PhD Scholarship from Breakthrough Cancer Research to pursue a research project on Oesophageal Cancer."

Maitiú Ó Murchú, Graduate