Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Applying biology to improve the quality of human life.

Biotechnology is making significant contributions to the global society. By studying the components of living cells, we can learn how to control, fix and modify them to our benefit. This knowledge is already leading to the creation and manufacture of products that help in the diagnosis and treatment of disease (e.g. the production of antibiotics, insulin, and other genetically engineered medicines such as safer recombinant vaccines), and the provision of services to areas like healthcare, food, agriculture, energy and the environment.

A biotechnologist finds new and innovative solutions to problems encountered in society or finds better, more acceptable ways of doing and producing things. Biotechnologists need a good fundamental grasp of the biochemistry underlying biological systems, and a good knowledge of the exciting innovations occurring in genetics, immunology and bioinformatics. To understand how solutions go on to a commercial industrial scale, you will also need a good understanding of the underlying physical and chemical engineering principles pertaining to living cells.

About You:

If you have an inquisitive and analytical mind, if you are interested in the basic sciences and if you have a competency in mathematics, then you should thrive in Biotechnology.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see How to Apply section), the following requirements apply: OB3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS OC3 or HD3 in one of physics, chemistry, biology, physics with chemistry, agricultural science.

Course Structure:

By studying a wide range of scientific and engineering subjects you will gain the necessary skills to succeed in the emerging technology-driven biotech industry.

At the start of your course you will be introduced to the basic sciences, mathematics and computing. As you progress you will discover more comprehensive areas of biotechnology, ranging from genetics and process engineering to immunology and gene cloning. In third year, specialist areas are introduced, while in fourth year there is a strong emphasis on choice, with students selecting from a wide range of subjects. In addition, in Year Three, you will have the opportunity to work in industry as part of our paid Industrial Training (INTRA).

Science courses at DCU provide an ideal opportunity to acquire hands-on experience, not only at the laboratory bench, but also in meeting the challenges associated with ongoing creative research projects. Here you will be able to explore your true potential through practical work - much of which counts towards your final mark. There is also a significant research project in your final year.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Longest established biotechnology course in Ireland.
• Modern course integrating emerging new technologies.
• Multidisciplinary academic staff all within the School of Biotechnology.
• Opportunities to do an INTRA placement abroad in third year.

International Students
Non-native English speakers who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course.This course will help you achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course. It will also help you to adjust to the culture of Irish university learning. See www.dcu.ie/IFC for full details of the IFC course.

Career Prospects:

Because of the multidisciplinary nature of this degree, you will have the qualifications and flexibility to work in a wide range of biotechnology-related areas, both at home and abroad. It is a fast-growing area and careers will present themselves in brewing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, fine chemical manufacture and waste treatment, to name a few. Within these diverse industries you could find yourself in production, quality control, research and development or sales and marketing.

This course is also suitable for those who ultimately wish to pursue a career in teaching, as it is recognised by the Teaching Council to teach the subjects mathematics, biology and computer studies (see www.teachingcouncil.ie for further details).

Postgraduate opportunities are also available.

What Our Graduates Say
"No one told me biotechnology was going to mean a great job and a fascinating journey around the world. To date I have worked on Alzheimer's disease and cancer (with Elan), diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases. Science will change the world."
Ena Prosser, Director, Enterprise Ireland, Biotechnology Directorate, Dublin, 1987 graduate

"I started the course with a keen interest in genetics and left with an unexpected but equal interest in engineering."
Aileen Gill, Technical Specialist, Schering-Plough, Innishannon, Co. Cork, 2003 graduate

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OB3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS Grade OC3 or HD3 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE B Mathematics plus GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology

FETAC Level 5
Students must present the following award with the standards specified for modules associated with that award

CASLT Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques
Distinctions in 5 modules including 4 from the following modules:
C20011 Chemistry
C20006 Biology
C20048 Physics
C20139 Mathematics
C20033 Laboratory Techniques
and
Student must have attained a minimum of pass in C20139 Mathematics

Transfer Applications
Holders of Higher Certificate/National Certificates or Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/ National Diplomas with Merit or Distinction may be admitted into the second year. Because of the special nature of the second year of the programme, which has Process Engineering as a major component, candidates cannot be considered for direct entry into the third year. Suitable candidates may be required to attend for interview.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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