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Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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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:

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 as their degree major.

About This Course

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).


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.

Module Type Module   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 - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not achieve a H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
BIOL00010 Fundamentals of Biology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not achieve a H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
CHEM00010 Introductory Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a minimum grade of O2 or H6 in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not achieve a H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience or Physiology must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
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) Min 0 of:
Students must 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 - C) Min 0 of:
Students must 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 - C) Min 0 of:
Students must 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 - 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.
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.
ACM10090 Climate Change:Causes & Consequences 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.
CHEM20140 Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry 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

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt BLS1
Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Closed
showAudience-audienceInt SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2024
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Closed
showAudience-audienceInt BLS1
Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceInt SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN200
Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU DN200
Science
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Science: Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time

Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.
Apply