Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences

This course will appeal to those with a keen interest in science and in how research and technology can impact on human health. It is training scientists at the interface of science and medicine. You will learn how scientifically driven investigations can advance our knowledge of disease prevention, detection and treatment and translating these into clinical utility.

The course will immerse you in modern medical and biological sciences and focus on the application of scientific developments. BHLS offers students a unique opportunity to complete a research project with a Principal Investigator in a biomedical research area that interests you and an opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed publications.

The small course size enables students from this course to form close friendships and strong connections for life. The flexible, modular structure of this degree allows you to specialise in the areas of investigative biomedical science that interest you, particularly in the later stages of the degree.

First Year

You will take modules in:

Clinical Human Anatomy • Translational Research • Basic Tissues & Early Development • Genetics Cell Biology You will also start to learn about translational research and the influence of science and medicine on society.

Second & Third Year

You will continue with modules in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology. You will also start to integrate modules focusing on specific diseases and disease processes, in order to learn more about the development of new, more effective means of diagnosing, treating and preventing illness.

Supporting modules include:

Neuroscience • Cardiac Biology • Vascular Biology • Renal Biology • Endocrine Biology • Pharmacology • Biochemistry • Microbiology • Genetics & Proteomics • Mechanisms of Disease • Central Nervous System Diseases • Introduction to Research • Journal Club Laboratory Skills • Biostatistics • Bioinformatics

Fourth Year

You will build skills in biomedical research through interactions and research rotations with international researchers in a range of disease areas. These are undertaken within the School of Medicine and its affiliated teaching hospitals. The degree will develop your fundamental knowledge in the translation of scientific discovery into clinical utilisation.

You will take modules in:

Cloning, Gene Therapy & Stem Cells • Advanced Neurochemistry • Drug Discovery & Development • Clinical Biomarkers • Genetics, Disease & Behaviour

You will have the opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed abstracts and publications, and to present at national and international meetings.

You will experience an innovative mix of learning methods including lectures, small group tutorials, research projects and laboratory-based learning.

Assessment methods include end-of-trimester exams, continuous assessment, report writing and oral presentations.

You may apply to study abroad for either a semester or a year through the Erasmus programme or on a non-EU exchange. UCD has over 200 Erasmus partners in Europe and an increasing number of non-EU exchange agreements with universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan and elsewhere.

Please visit the Erasmus section by clicking on the UCD Global website

The majority of graduates follow careers in biomedical research, undertaking MSc and PhD higher degrees. They also have a high success rate for entry to Graduate Entry Medicine and pursue opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as other areas allied to health.

• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
• HEAR Entry Route

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

• Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

• Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

• Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
• Life Below Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

Non-EU Undergraduate Fee information can be found here.

UCD offers a number of competitive undergraduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD undergraduate degree programme. For information on Undergraduate Scholarships, please see the UCD International Scholarships webpage.