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Genetics

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If you are interested in why some families are more prone to disease and how to use biotechnology to produce drugs and other products, then a degree in Genetics could be for you. Genetics is the scientific study of heredity – how information is passed from one generation to the next. You will study developing new areas, such as personal genomics, which uses DNA sequence to determine health and ancestry. The UCD Genetics degree also covers genetic engineering and biotechnology, transgenic animals, genetically modified plants, medical genetics, molecular evolution, developmental biology, DNA fingerprinting and bioinformatics.

About This Course

If you are interested in why some families are more prone to disease and how to use biotechnology to produce drugs and other products, then a degree in Genetics could be for you. Genetics is the scientific study of heredity – how information is passed from one generation to the next. You will study developing new areas, such as personal genomics, which uses DNA sequence to determine health and ancestry. The UCD Genetics degree also covers genetic engineering and biotechnology, transgenic animals, genetically modified plants, medical genetics, molecular evolution, developmental biology, DNA fingerprinting and bioinformatics.

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

Genetics 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 Genetics 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 and Biotech • Principles of Genetics • Chemistry for Biology • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules 

Third Year
Regulation of Gene Expression • Genetics • Bioinformatics • Data Modelling for Science • Evolutionary Biology • Genomics & Proteomics • Genome Structure • Genetic Basis of Disease • Optional Modules • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Research Project • Genetic Basis of Behaviour • Gene Regulation • Model Organism Genetics • Human Genetics & Disease • Population Genetics • Epigenetics 

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.

Genetics students in third year have studied in The Netherlands, USA and Canada in University of Amsterdam, University of California Irvine, University of Connecticut, and Queen’s University Canada. 

Genetics students also have the opportunity to carry out their fourth year project at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Most Genetics graduates work in hospital laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and genomics companies, forensic science laboratories, agribiotech and horticulture companies, and food and drink companies. 

Many graduates study for a higher degree (MSc or PhD), or obtain additional professional qualifications, such as in medicine and dentistry.

MSc programmes at UCD include the areas of Biotechnology, Biotechnology & Business and Biotherapeutics.

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 Teagasc and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

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
BMOL20090 Molecular Genetics and Biotech Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
BMOL20110 Biomolecular Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
GENE20020 Principles of Genetics Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 1 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 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must select one option from this list. Students may find some of their required modules preselected if they are core modules for another subject.
BIOL20060 Scientific Communication Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students must select one option from this list. Students may find some of their required modules preselected if they are core modules for another subject.
BMOL20070 Biomolecular Lab Skills 2 Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
BMOL30030 Regulation of Gene Expression Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GENE30010 Genetics and Recombinant DNA Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
MEIN30240 Bioinformatics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
STAT20070 Data Modelling for Science Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
ZOOL30030 Evolutionary Biology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
BMOL30050 Genomics and Proteomics Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GENE30020 Genome Structure and Evolution Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
GENE30030 Genetic Basis of Disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
BMOL30040 Receptor-mediated cell signalling Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
BMOL30090 Immunology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
GENE30060 Undergraduate Research 1 Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
BMOL30020 Molecular basis of disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
BOTN30130 Plant Biotechnology & Entrepreneurship Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
CELB30090 Advanced Cell Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
CELB30100 Developmental Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
CHEM30190 Chemistry of Biomolecules Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
GENE30040 Introduction to Programming for Biologists Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Students select 2 modules
GENE30070 Undergraduate Research 2 Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40070 Genetic Basis of Behaviour Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40030 Advanced Mechanisms of Gene Regulation Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40040 Model organism genetics: a modern experimental approach Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40050 Human Genetics & Disease Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40080 Population Genetics Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
GENE40090 Epigenetics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project, Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from Trimester 1 core modules in their respective disciplines.
BMOL40090 Research Project (Erasmus) 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  25
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project, Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from Trimester 1 core modules in their respective disciplines.
BMOL40200 Industry Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  25
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project, Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from Trimester 1 core modules in their respective disciplines.
GENE40060 Genetics Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project, Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from Trimester 1 core modules in their respective disciplines.
BMOL40100 Biomolecular Sci Research Proj Autumn  15
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project, Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from Trimester 1 core modules in their respective disciplines.
BMOL40400 Core Techniques in Biomolecular and Biomedical Science Autumn  15
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
BMOL40410 Advanced Immunology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
CELB40190 Advanced Cancer Cell Biology and Genetics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
NEUR40080 Molecular and Cellular Biology of Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
ZOOL40040 Molecular Phylogenetics - Powers and Pitfalls Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
BIOC40030 Advanced Cell Signalling Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
BMOL40050 Advanced Cancer Biology and Pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
BMOL40340 Regenerative therapeutics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
CELB40180 Cell Biology & Genetics of Ageing Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
CELB40200 The RNA World Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
MICR40090 Systems Biology of Microorganisms Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking GENE40060 must take 2 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 2 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. Students who take CELB40190 in the Autumn trimester, cannot take BMOL40050 in the Spring trimester.
PHAR40040 Emerging therapies: Cloning, gene therapy and stem cells Spring  5

Genetics was by far my favourite subject because it is such a fundamental area of study for all of biology. Modules offered to you in Genetics range from studying microbial genetics, evolution and phylogenetics, human genetics and disease, and my personal favourite, plant genetics. Another aspect of this course that was very appealing to me is that you can do a mix of “wet lab” practical work, and bioinformatics, so you develop a wide range of up-to-date skills for further research or industry work. I am now pursuing a PhD in plant genetics in UCD.

Grace Pender, Graduate

I have had a lifelong passion for science, so choosing to study Science at UCD was the perfect choice for me. Genetics was by far my favourite subject because it is such a fundamental area of study for all of biology. Modules offered to you in Genetics range from studying microbial genetics, evolution and phylogenetics, human genetics and disease, and my personal favourite, plant genetics. Another aspect of this course that was very appealing to me is that you can do a mix of “wet lab” practical work, and bioinformatics, so you develop a wide range of up-to-date skills for further research or industry work. I am now pursuing a PhD in plant genetics in UCD, and I use the skills and knowledge I obtained from my undergraduate degree every day. 

Grace Pender, Graduate

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Genetics:

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 Genetics:

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