Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

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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 subject. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from and if a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree subject 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

UCD Science Office
You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:

• Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.
• Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).

"I have always had a passion for science. This degree subject has enabled me to study chemistry in a practical and fascinating way through focusing on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. During my time at UCD, I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with my peers and become class representative for my course. The elective modules offered within this degree have helped me explore my interest in coding alongside biochemistry, allowing me to obtain a structured elective in the Introduction to Computer Science that will be displayed on my UCD transcript upon graduation."

Sorcha McGuinness, Student