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Cell & Molecular Biology

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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Cell & Molecular Biology is the study of cells and the molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) that combine to form them. This includes their physiological properties such as their structure, their interaction with the extracellular environment and other cells, their life cycle, division and function, and eventual death. You will learn about single-celled organisms such as bacteria, and more specialised cells in animals and plants. Experiential learning using microscopy and numerous cutting edge molecular approaches will help you to understand how cells in organisms develop, how they respond to their environment and the molecular changes that underpin diseased cells. This training will equip you to tackle important global challenges, such as understanding the molecular basis of diseases and innovating novel therapeutic approaches to combat them. If you are looking to develop a broad knowledge of biomolecular sciences, encompassing the molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry of cells, then this is the degree subject for you.

About This Course

Cell & Molecular Biology is the study of cells and the molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) that combine to form them. This includes their physiological properties such as their structure, their interaction with the extracellular environment and other cells, their life cycle, division and function, and eventual death. You will learn about single-celled organisms such as bacteria, and more specialised cells in animals and plants. Experiential learning using microscopy and numerous cutting-edge molecular approaches will help you to understand how cells in organisms develop, how they respond to their environment and the molecular changes that underpin diseased cells. This training will equip you to tackle important global challenges, such as understanding the molecular basis of diseases and innovating novel therapeutic approaches to combat them. If you are looking to develop a broad knowledge of biomolecular sciences, encompassing the molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry of cells, then this is the degree subject for you.

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

Cell & 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. 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 Cell & 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 • Principles of Cell & Molecular Biology • Scientific Communication • Chemistry for Biology • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Scientific Writing for Biology • Plant Cell Biology • Genetics • Working with Biological Data • Advanced Cell Biology • Developmental Biology • Hot Topics in Cell & Molecular Biology • Cell Biology of Disease • Elective Modules 

Fourth Year
Research Project or Critical Literature Review (in diverse areas such as cancer biology, drug delivery, genetic analysis and molecular imaging) 

Biological Imaging • Cell Biology of Cancer • Biomedical Diagnostics • Programmed Cell Death • Cell Biology of Ageing • The RNA World • Human Genetics & Disease 

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 Cell & Molecular Biology have the option of participating in a three-month summer internship at the National Science and Technology Development Agency, Bangkok, Thailand. 

Students in third year have spent a trimester studying abroad in the USA, Australia and Canada at universities including University of California, University of Melbourne and McGill University.

Graduates in Cell & Molecular Biology can find employment in areas such as pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, biomedical research, hospital and university laboratories, forensic science laboratories, and genetic counselling. Graduates can pursue MSc programmes in Biotechnology, Biotechnology with Business, Biotherapeutics, or apply for PhD programmes in cell signalling, membrane biology or genetics, in Ireland and abroad.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year. Students in recent years have completed internships at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland. Students have also completed research bursaries in UCD Research labs. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year. 



More information about the internship module and application process.


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 2 Core Modules
BMOL20060 Biomolecular Lab Skills 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
CELB20060 Principles of Cell & Molecular Biology Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
CHEM20090 is a CORE MODULE for students who wish to progress with any subject in the BBB stream. Students registered to, or who have taken, both CHEM20080 and CHEM20100, are not required to take CHEM20090. Students who are unable to register to CHEM20090 should contact the Science Office.
CHEM20090 Chemistry for Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
BIOL30040 Scientific Writing for Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CELB30110 Plant Cell Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GENE30010 Genetics and Recombinant DNA Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
BIOL30030 Working with Biological Data Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CELB30090 Advanced Cell Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CELB30100 Developmental Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
CELB30120 Hot Topics in Cell and Molecular Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
BMOL30030 Regulation of Gene Expression Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
BMOL30040 Receptor-mediated cell signalling Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
CELB30130 Cell Biology of Disease Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
ZOOL30030 Evolutionary Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
BMOL30050 Genomics and Proteomics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
BOTN30130 Plant Biotechnology & Entrepreneurship Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
GENE30020 Genome Structure and Evolution Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)3 of:
Students select three option modules from the list below
GENE30030 Genetic Basis of Disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students select either the Research Project (BIOL40360) or the Critical Literature Review (BIOL40870). For students selecting BIOL40360, this 20 credit project module is spread over two trimesters, but about 10 credits worth of work is expected to be done in Autumn. For students selecting BIOL40870, this 15 credit critical literature review is spread over two trimesters, but about 10 credits worth of work is expected to be done in Autumn. Students should bear this in mind when selecting option modules and balance their workload across trimesters.
BIOL40360 Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students select either the Research Project (BIOL40360) or the Critical Literature Review (BIOL40870). For students selecting BIOL40360, this 20 credit project module is spread over two trimesters, but about 10 credits worth of work is expected to be done in Autumn. For students selecting BIOL40870, this 15 credit critical literature review is spread over two trimesters, but about 10 credits worth of work is expected to be done in Autumn. Students should bear this in mind when selecting option modules and balance their workload across trimesters.
BIOL40870 Critical Literature Review 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  15
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
BIOL40560 Biological Imaging Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
CELB40040 Cell Signalling in Plants Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
CELB40190 Advanced Cancer Cell Biology and Genetics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
ZOOL40040 Molecular Phylogenetics - Powers and Pitfalls Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
ZOOL40300 Epithelial Transport in Animal Physiology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
BIOL40760 Biomedical Diagnostics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
CELB40030 Programmed Cell Death in Plants Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
CELB40180 Cell Biology & Genetics of Ageing Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
CELB40200 The RNA World Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
GENE40040 Model organism genetics: a modern experimental approach Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
GENE40050 Human Genetics & Disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who select BIOL40360 from List A should take 8 option modules from List B. Students who select BIOL40870 from List A should take 9 option modules from List B. Please note that students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered by the School to the module.
GENE40090 Epigenetics Spring  5

"I am from Wisconsin, USA and came to UCD as the common entry course allowed me explore my love of Science. With regular events and over a hundred clubs and societies, UCD has a thriving community. You will run into friendly faces no matter where you are on campus. I have recently graduated from Cell & Molecular Biology. In my final year, I wrote my thesis on urea protein transporters in a brain with Alzheimer’s Disease to characterise the disease pathology; a perfect example of how Cell & Molecular Biology delivers students with an extensive number of opportunities to undertake exciting research."

Georgianna Xistris-Songpanya, Graduate

I chose Cell & Molecular Biology as my degree subject after gaining experience in a UCD Research Lab over the summer of second year. It is amazing to have the opportunity to apply what you are learning in class. All our lecturers are actively researching and are teaching the cutting edge of science. It is so cool learning about the novel areas of research. My practicals are all interesting and my favourite this year were the ones from my Plant Cell Biology module. For example, we used a gene gun to shoot DNA into an onion and the next week we were able to visualise the fluorescently transformed cells.
Kate Duffy, Student

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Cell & Molecular Biology:

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 Cell & Molecular Biology:

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