INTRA Programme BSc Genetics and Cell Biology

Overview

Since its establishment in 2004, the BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology (GCB) has addressed the training needs of science students in the post-genome era. High calibre students are particularly attracted to this degree, with a consistent high standard maintained since its inception. The focus of the GCB programme is on molecular and cellular biology with a particular emphasis on genetics and bioinformatics. As with all science degrees at DCU, practical training is at the forefront of our programme where students receive ‘hands-on’ experience in a range of techniques spanning molecular genetics, cell culture, protein manipulation, immunology and bioinformatics.

Programme Outline

The basics of theoretical and practical biology, chemistry, physics, statistics and computational biology are taught in Year 1 of the GCB degree. This ensures that all students have sufficient basic knowledge across the science disciplines before commencing more detailed topics. Year 2 sees students develop a deeper understanding of biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, cell biology and genomics and they are introduced to the basics of bioinformatics and instrumentation. In Year 3 the emphasis switches to training in advance of INTRA placements (up to eight months, February to September). Students study six modules that build on their laboratory experience developed in Years 1 and 2.

Work Areas 

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme will strengthen the marketability of students, who will have the ability to work in a variety of areas: 

• Microbiological analysis 
• Recombinant DNA cloning 
• Protein expression and purification 
• Biochemical analysis 
• Bioinformatics 
• Molecular biology 
• Food processing 
• Quality control/assurance 
• Animal cell culture 
• Microbiological Analysis 
• Immunological analysis 
• Molecular genetics/genomics 
• Environmental analysis 

INTRA Internship 

In Year 3, students from BSc Genetics and Cell Biology complete an eight month INTRA internship.

Course Modules

If you would be interested in hiring from this programme, please get in touch.