Biol, Biomed, Biomol Sciences Stage 1
- School
- College of Science Administration Office
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Assoc Professor Patrick Orr
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 240
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 1: 55
Curricular information is subject to change.
Science Common Entry: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream
Science is a common entry course, leading to a BSc degree in one of 26 degree subjects. All degree subjects are organised into thematic streams. The Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream includes the following degree subjects:
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Environmental Biology
- Genetics
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plant Biology
- Zoology
Students interested in Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences and Chemistry can study both streams in First Year.
Choosing your Degree Major
In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. They must be compatible from a content and timetable perspective, such as Mathematics and Physics and a list is not available as it can change each 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 and if a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis.
Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.
Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.
As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.
Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.
As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.
Graduates work in a number of areas, depending on their degree subject. Each degree equips students with a particular skillset that may be applied to one or more industries.
For example, graduates from the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences often work in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Devices and Chemical Industry in different roles.
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).
Stage 1
Students must take 12 modules (60 credits) in Stage 1 with at least 11 modules (55 credits) selected from within the BSc programme. Core and option modules should be selected as directed in the selected subject stream(s). Additional modules may be selected from the BSc programme. Students may select a 5-credit elective module in the Spring Trimester.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SCI10010 | Principles of Scientific Enquiry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BIOL10110 | Cell Biology & Genetics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM10050 | Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Conditional Core: Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
ACM10080 | Introduction to Applied and Computational Mathematics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Conditional Core: Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
BIOL00010 | Fundamentals of Biology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Conditional Core: Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
CHEM00010 | Introductory Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Conditional Core: Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
COMP10290 | Computation for Scientists | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Conditional Core: Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
PHYC10070 | Foundations of Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Linear Algebra Students must take either MATH10290 or MATH10340 in Stage 1. MATH10340 is required for all Mathematical or Physical Science degrees. |
MATH10290 | Linear Algebra for Science | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Linear Algebra Students must take either MATH10290 or MATH10340 in Stage 1. MATH10340 is required for all Mathematical or Physical Science degrees. |
MATH10340 | Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of: Calculus Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1. |
MATH00010 | Introduction to Mathematics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of: Calculus Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1. |
MATH10310 | Calculus for Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)1 of: Calculus Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1. |
MATH10350 | Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Programme Cores Students should take at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140 and BMOL10030 in either Stage 1 or Stage 2. |
BIOL10130 | Biology in Action | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Programme Cores Students should take at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140 and BMOL10030 in either Stage 1 or Stage 2. |
BIOL10140 | Life on Earth | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Programme Cores Students should take at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140 and BMOL10030 in either Stage 1 or Stage 2. |
BMOL10030 | Biomedical Sciences: Understanding Human Disease. | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - E) Min 0 of: Biology and Mathematics Education Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2. |
MATH10410 | Mathematics & Science Education & Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - E) Min 0 of: Biology and Mathematics Education Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2. |
STAT10060 | Statistical Modelling | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
ACM10080 | Introduction to Applied and Computational Mathematics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
CHEM10040 | The Molecular World | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
CHEM20100 | Basis of Inorganic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
COMP10010 | Introduction to Programming I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
COMP10290 | Computation for Scientists | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
MATH10040 | Numbers & Functions | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHIL10160 | Critical Thinking | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10050 | Astronomy & Space Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10070 | Foundations of Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10210 | Quanta, Particles & Relativity | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10250 | Thermal Physics and Materials | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10270 | Introduction to Biophysics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
STAT10010 | Research Methods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
GEOL10050 | Earth and Humanity | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
GEOL10060 | Introduction to Earth Sciences | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
STAT10050 | Practical Statistics | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
ACM10060 | Applications of Differential Equations | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
CHEM10100 | Aspects of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
CHEM10210 | Aspects of Chemical and Environmental Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
COMP10020 | Introduction to Programming II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
COMP10060 | Computer Science for Engineers I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
GEOL10030 | Field Geology, Level 1 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
GEOL10040 | Earth, Environment and Society | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
GEOL10070 | Understanding Earth Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
MATH10320 | Mathematical Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
MATH10410 | Mathematics & Science Education & Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
PHYC10080 | Frontiers of Physics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - F) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1. |
STAT10060 | Statistical Modelling | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
CHC1 | Chemistry | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
ERC1 | Earth Sciences | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
MMC3 | Applied & Comp Maths, Fin Maths, Maths, Maths Sci & Stats | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
MMC5 | Chemistry, Mathematics & Education | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
MMC6 | Physics, Mathematics & Education | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
MMC7 | Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
MMCC | Computer Science, Mathematics & Education | ||
Stage 1 Options - Subject/Streams |
PYC1 | Physics |
See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated
Module Weighting Info
Module Weighting Info
| Award | GPA | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
| BHSCI001 | Stage 4 - 70.00% Stage 3 - 30.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
| Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
| Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
| Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |
|||