In Biochemistry and Molecular Biology you will study life at the molecular level. The programme is aimed at students who wish to understand the building blocks of living things and how they assemble together to generate life. It is a highly research driven subject and so you will acquire the knowledge and practical skills required to examine and quantify a wide range of biological systems. The subject is ideal for those who want to work at the molecular level of biology and have not yet decided in which area they wish to specialize. Our graduates have strong problem solving and analytical skills, and are highly valued employees in a wide range of occupations. They make important contributions to biomedicine and biotechnology. In your degree a research based learning environment is achieved through a combination of individual and group work, formal lectures, and hands-on lab based practical classes. Assessment is by a combination of end of term examinations and continuous assessment. We provide students with a flexible learning environment that students can adjust to satisfy their personal learning objectives. There are core programme modules as well as optional modules which allow you to select modules which fulfill your training needs and help you achieve your personal career objectives. In second year, general laboratory skills are acquired while in 3rd year each module has a practical component. In 4th year students can undertake a research project under the guidance of an experienced research scientist. These research scientists are experts in a wide range of biochemical areas including drug development, protein structure and function, as well as diseases such as cancer, diabetes, depression and cardiovascular disease. They will help familiarize students with current/modern biochemical research. Graduates will be able to communicate research findings through written and oral presentation. Our graduates will also be familiar with a range of powerful technologies that are highly valued in research and industry.
- School
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Dr Jana Haase
- 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 3: 50
Stage 4: 60
Curricular information is subject to change.
In this degree students will explore life at the molecular level. This will enable them to pursue a career in biomedical and biomolecular science.
If you are interested in doing an Internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest now (in Stage 3).
See full details www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/
1 - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology graduates should have a deep understanding of the fundamental biochemical processes in all living organisms and the ability to undertake biochemical research.
2 - Graduates will have the ability to undertake biochemical research in drug discovery, microbiology, neuroscience, medicine, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, sports medicine, nutrition and agriculture.
3 - Be proficient in a wide range experimental techniques used for studying living organisms at the molecular level.
4 - Have the ability to read, understand and critically assess state of the art biomolecular research and apply it to current research questions.
5 - Have the Biochemical skills required to function as a key resource for the biotechnology and biotherapeutic industries, hospital laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and modern research laboratories.
6 - Develop a clear understanding of metabolism and also how changes in the transcriptome, metabolome and proteome affect health and disease.
7 - Have the knowledge required to understand and develop new treatment strategies for diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
8 - Acquire many transferable skills: Analytical, communication, research, problem solving, numerical, written, observational, planning, organizational, computational. All good preparation for any career.
9 - The ability to communicate their research findings in written format, as well as by informal and formal oral presentations.
10 - Development of interpersonal and teamwork skills required for collaborative research.
11 - Statistical analysis and generation of data sets, graphical presentations and data interpretation. Utilisation of online resources.
12 - Students will be inquisitive, enthusiastic, questioning and have acquired ethical awareness and an appreciation of scientific integrity.
2 - Graduates will have the ability to undertake biochemical research in drug discovery, microbiology, neuroscience, medicine, pharmacology, veterinary medicine, sports medicine, nutrition and agriculture.
3 - Be proficient in a wide range experimental techniques used for studying living organisms at the molecular level.
4 - Have the ability to read, understand and critically assess state of the art biomolecular research and apply it to current research questions.
5 - Have the Biochemical skills required to function as a key resource for the biotechnology and biotherapeutic industries, hospital laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and modern research laboratories.
6 - Develop a clear understanding of metabolism and also how changes in the transcriptome, metabolome and proteome affect health and disease.
7 - Have the knowledge required to understand and develop new treatment strategies for diseases such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
8 - Acquire many transferable skills: Analytical, communication, research, problem solving, numerical, written, observational, planning, organizational, computational. All good preparation for any career.
9 - The ability to communicate their research findings in written format, as well as by informal and formal oral presentations.
10 - Development of interpersonal and teamwork skills required for collaborative research.
11 - Statistical analysis and generation of data sets, graphical presentations and data interpretation. Utilisation of online resources.
12 - Students will be inquisitive, enthusiastic, questioning and have acquired ethical awareness and an appreciation of scientific integrity.
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.
In this degree, you will explore life at the molecular level. This will enable you to pursue a career in biomedical and biomolecular science.
The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology programme aims to explore and understand every aspect of the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level. The combination of these subjects into one degree programme unites the molecular approach of Chemistry with the breadth and diversity of Biology. Both use varied and powerful experimental techniques to examine living organisms, their component parts and molecules that play a role in the function of the cell.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology occupy a central position in modern biological research. The degree programme covers a wide range of topics including the structural biology of proteins and enzymes, biotechnology, bioinformatics and proteomics, structure-based drug design, molecular endocrinology, cell signalling, the molecular basis of disease and genetic information processing.
The Biochemistry & Molecular Biology programme aims to explore and understand every aspect of the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level. The combination of these subjects into one degree programme unites the molecular approach of Chemistry with the breadth and diversity of Biology. Both use varied and powerful experimental techniques to examine living organisms, their component parts and molecules that play a role in the function of the cell.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology occupy a central position in modern biological research. The degree programme covers a wide range of topics including the structural biology of proteins and enzymes, biotechnology, bioinformatics and proteomics, structure-based drug design, molecular endocrinology, cell signalling, the molecular basis of disease and genetic information processing.
You will graduate with a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology that will have equipped you with the skills required to pursue a career in any avenue of modern biomolecular research. You will be expected to be able to obtain positions in a wide range of industrial and academic facilities including the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, forensic science and clinical laboratories.
In addition, you may pursue careers in teaching, publishing and management. A degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is also good preparation for entry into professions such as medicine.
Dr. Jana Haase,
UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research
Belfield,
Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 6754
Email: jana.haase@ucd.ie
Web:www.ucd.ie/horizons
Stage 3
Students take eight core modules and at least two options. Students must take a minimum of 50 credits of programme modules (core and options). Students may choose 10 credits from elective modules or alternatively, choose additional option modules to complete Stage 3.
If you are interested in doing an Internship as part of Stage 4, you must indicate your interest now (in Stage 3). See full details www.ucd.ie/science/careers/internships/students/
Stage 4
Students must take a minimum of 60 credits of modules (core and options) from within the BSc programme. Students take 5 core modules and one module from Set A.
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 3 Core Modules |
BIOC30010 | Metabolism and Disease | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BIOC30090 | Proteins and Enzymes | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BMOL30030 | Regulation of Gene Expression | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BMOL30040 | Receptor-mediated cell signalling | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BIOC30030 | Biochemist's Toolkit | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BMOL30020 | Molecular basis of disease | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
BMOL30050 | Genomics and Proteomics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
CELB30090 | Advanced Cell Biology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
BMOL30090 | Immunology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
MEIN30240 | Bioinformatics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
NEUR30080 | Neuromuscular and Membrane Biology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
STAT20070 | Data Modelling for Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
CHEM30190 | Chemistry of Biomolecules | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
GENE30030 | Genetic Basis of Disease | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
GENE30040 | Introduction to Programming for Biologists | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
MICR30020 | Microbial Cell Factory | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - A)2 of: Students should select 2 modules this from list: |
PHAR30050 | Experimental and therapeutic strategies in molecular pharmacology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
BIOC40070 | Protein Structure and Analysis | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
BIOC40080 | Biochemical Research Strategies and Problem Solving | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
BIOC40030 | Advanced Cell Signalling | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
BIOC40060 | Advanced Neurochemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
MICR40070 | Enzyme Technology and Protein Engineering | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of: Students taking BMOL40090 (Research Project Erasmus, Copenhagen) OR BMOL40200 (Industry Research Project) are exempt from BIOC40070 (Autumn core module), but must take BIOC40080. |
BIOC40090 | Biochemistry 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 BIOC40070 (Autumn core module), but must take BIOC40080. |
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 BIOC40070 (Autumn core module), but must take BIOC40080. |
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 BIOC40070 (Autumn core module), but must take BIOC40080. |
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 BIOC40070 (Autumn core module), but must take BIOC40080. |
BMOL40400 | Core Techniques in Biomolecular and Biomedical Science | Autumn | 15 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BIOC40230 | Biochemistry Career Skills | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BMOL40410 | Advanced Immunology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
NEUR40080 | Molecular and Cellular Biology of Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BIOC40220 | Hot topics in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BMOL30100 | Leading Teams in the Scientific Enterprise | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BMOL40050 | Advanced Cancer Biology and Pharmacology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
BMOL40340 | Regenerative therapeutics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
GENE40030 | Advanced Mechanisms of Gene Regulation | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
MICR40040 | Microbial Pathogenicity | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
MICR40080 | Microbial Natural Product Biosynthesis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
MICR40090 | Systems Biology of Microorganisms | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
NEUR40010 | Molecular Neuroimmunology (UG) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
PHAR40040 | Emerging therapies: Cloning, gene therapy and stem cells | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of: Students taking BIOC40090 must take 3 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400 must take 4 modules from Set B. Students taking BMOL40090 or BMOL40200 must take 3 modules from Set B in the Spring trimester. With the exception of students taking BMOL40100 or BMOL40400, student may not take more than 2 option modules in the Autumn trimester. |
PHAR40160 | Drug Discovery and Development II | Spring | 5 |
See the UCD Assessment website for further details
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 |
|||