Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Stage 2 (BBC2)

Biochemistry & 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. 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. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Biochemistry & 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 • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Biochemistry in Action • Chemistry for Biology • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Metabolism & Disease • Proteins & Enzymes • Regulation of Gene Expression • Cell Signalling • Biochemist’s Toolkit • Molecular Basis of Disease • Genomics & Proteomics • Advanced Cell Biology • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Biochemistry Research Project (includes a research project in diverse areas, such as protein engineering, neurochemistry, cancer studies, the regulation of gene expression, molecular immunology and endocrinology) • Protein Structure & Analysis • Biochemistry Research Strategies • Advanced Cell Signalling • Advanced Neurochemistry • Enzyme Technology & Protein Engineering

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.

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.

Students in their third year have spent time in Germany, United Kingdom and USA in universities such as Ruprechts-Karls-Universität, University of Edinburgh, University of California, San Diego, and University of Chicago.

Students in their fourth year have spent time at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

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 companies such as MSD or in placements in hospital labs. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year. Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

Graduates in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology can find employment in pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, forensic science laboratories, hospital and clinical laboratories, and food and beverage companies. Graduates are eligible to apply for a range of MSc programmes in Ireland and abroad, in areas such as biotechnology, imaging and microscopy and molecular medicine. Graduates can also pursue a PhD in universities in Ireland and abroad in areas such as medical research, drug development and biomedical science.

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.

This programme is a graduate programme and applicants must possess an undergraduate degree or relevant experience in the area of toxicology/pharmacology.

If English is not your native language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes. 

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.

"I chose to specialise in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology because it answered a lot of the questions that I had about how cells work. The course provided me with an understanding of proteomics, metabolism, and immunology. It also gave me an insight into how and why disease occurs, whilst highlighting that a fundamental understanding of cell biochemistry is critical in treating and curing disease. I received a scholarship to undertake a summer research project on Alzheimer’s Disease. My final year thesis on Type 2 Diabetes was immunology-based. Since graduating, I have received a PhD Scholarship from Breakthrough Cancer Research to pursue a research project on Oesophageal Cancer."

Maitiú Ó Murchú, Graduate