Applied Biology - BSc

Course Code: US730

Level

Duration

3 Years

Department

Applied Science

CAO Points

378

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Limerick

Applied Biology is a discipline that is currently at the forefront of scientific research and technological development and underpins a number of premier industries in Ireland and internationally. These include the Healthcare and Biopharmaceutical sectors, Food industries, Biotechnology, Bioanalytical and Diagnostics, and more.

This programme allows you an opportunity to study the key areas in Applied Biology including Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Genetics, Bio-forensics, and Healthcare. You will also gain hands-on experience of state of the art laboratory techniques, merging both traditional and cutting-edge technologies in the life sciences.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Who can I contact?

Dr. Rachel Gorman
Rachel.Gorman@tus.ie

What modules will I study?

Year 1

Title: Biology (Applied)

Credits: 20
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This module introduces students to the principles and concepts underlying how biological molecules and systems function and how they underpin the Applied Biosciences.

Title: Chemistry

Credits: 15
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The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the basic theory and laboratory practice of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.

Title: Laboratory Practice

Credits: 5
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The aim of this Module is to implement good Laboratory techniques with emphasis on Health and Safety and teach the learner to problem solve scientifically.

Title: Mathematics for Biologists

Credits: 10
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This module is designed to provide the student with the necessary mathematical theories and problem-solving skills required in the domains of biological and analytical science.

Title: Physics for Biologists

Credits: 10
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This physics module is designed to introduce students to the concepts in fundamental physics that are necessary to support other core modules and to provide a comprehensive grounding in physics that is relevant to biological processes, and relevant to instrumentation for bioanalysis.
Year 2 - Semester 1

Title: Cell Biology

Credits: 5
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This module provides a review of essential cell structures and cellular and molecular processes and how they are integrated into the development and function of the eukaryotic organism as a whole. It links fundamental aspects of the biochemistry and molecular biology of plant and animal cells to provide the student with a holistic interpretation of cell biology.

Title: Chemical Analysis for Biologists

Credits: 10
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This module allows the student to appreciate the relevance and applicability of chemistry to the biosciences. By building on existing knowledge from their general chemistry course, the module allows the student to make linkages between these chemical fundamentals and the more applied aspects of biochemistry and related topics. Furthermore the module will develop the learners analytical skills to allow them to carry out laboratory techniques and generate analytical results.

Title: Classification and Cultivation of Microorganisms

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to provide student with a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology.

Title: Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Credits: 5
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This module details the structure and biological functions of the major biomolecules and applies this in its examination of fundamental biochemical processes.

Title: Maths and Statistics for Quality Control

Credits: 5
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The learner is introduced to data handling & analysis, interpretation of results, probability and quality tools with further mathematical applications in science.
Year 2 - Semester 2

Title: Applied Immunology

Credits: 5
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The immune system plays a critical role in both health and disease and increasingly forms the basis for clinical diagnostic testing as well as innovative treatment for a variety of diseases.

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of how the immune system protects us against disease and how we can utilise the special characteristics of the immune system to help develop diagnostics and medicines.

Title: Distribution and Control of Microorganisms

Credits: 10
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The aim of this module is to provide student with a basic understanding of fundamentals of Microbiology pertaining to the Distribution / Control of microorganisms in Food, Water and Public Health.

Title: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

Credits: 5
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This module will introduce the techniques involved in molecular biology and will familiarise the students with their theoretical basis and practical uses.

Title: Spectroscopy & Chromatography

Credits: 10
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This module introduces the learner to the basic principles of a range of spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques.
Year 3 - Semester 1

Title: Applied Biochemistry

Credits: 5
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This module details advanced biochemical principles and practical skills, with emphasis on their industrial applications associated with the healthcare sector. There will be a particular focus on protein biochemistry, given its critical significance in the sustained growth area of biologics/biopharmaceuticals.

Title: Applied Microbiology

Credits: 5
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This module builds on the basic practical microbiological skills to provide the learner with the knowledge base and skill set relevant to employment in the pharmaceutical, analytical biologics, food and public health sectors.

Title: Bioanalytical Techniques

Credits: 5
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This module will provide the student with a knowledge and understanding of Analytical Techniques as it applies to the Biosciences. The student will gain laboratory expertise in key Bioanalytical techniques.

Title: Food Science and Biotechnology

Credits: 10
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This module will allow students gain a knowledge of food science focusing on food chemistry and food biotechnology, legislation pertaining to food and its labelling, and the technical skills and know-how to analyse food samples.

Title: Quality Assurance & Regulations

Credits: 5
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The aim of this module is to introduce the student to quality assurance & regulations within science-based organisations.
Year 3 - Semester 2

Title: Work Placement

Credits: 30
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This module involves the learner taking a six to eight-month work placement with an TUS-approved Industrial partner.

The learner will gain valuable work experience in a relevant industry such as a Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Hospital, Food, Environmental, Bioprocessing, Pharmaceutical, Forensic or Analytical sector.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Graduates of the programme who meet the minimum criteria for progression may also progress to the one year add-on Level 8 Honours Degree in Bioanalysis & Biotechnology.

What are the career prospects?

The programme offers you diverse employment opportunities in key growth areas within the Life Sciences. As a graduate in Applied Biology you will have excellent career prospects and employment opportunities in a range of sectors such as the Biotechnology, Food, Healthcare, Environmental, Bio-Pharmaceutical and more.

More Information

Who is the programme suited to?

This programme is designed for students who have a keen interest in Biology and who wish to pursue successful careers in the Life Sciences. You will have small class sizes, dedicated lecturers, and gain hands-on experience of state of the art technologies in Applied Biology.