Bachelor of Science in Industrial Biochemistry

General Information

The B.Sc. in Industrial Biochemistry is a degree programme in biotechnology. It focuses upon the study of living cells (or components of living cells) and the medical/industrial applications of such substances. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the biotechnology and allied industries, and has a very strong employment record.

Examples of traditional biotechnological processes include the use of microorganisms to produce alcohol or antibiotics. Examples of more modern biotechnological processes include the use of genetic engineering to produce protein based drugs (e.g. interferons), engineered plants, which are drought or pesticide resistant or transgenic animals displaying some novel characteristic, such as faster growth.

The core subjects studied include:

• Biochemistry (study of the structure and biological function of cellular molecules such as proteins and DNA, and how these molecules interact to form living cells)
• Industrial biochemistry (study of the applications of biological molecules for medical, industrial, environmental, agricultural or analytical purposes)
• Microbial technology (study of the biology and uses of bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses)
• Genetic engineering (identification, isolation, engineering and expression of genes in order to gain new insights into gene function or for the generation of gene-mediated industrial/medical products)
• Bioprocess technology (aspects of industrial-scale biotechnology manufacturing/processing)
• Analytical science (methods and techniques used to detect and quantify biological molecules/chemicals in samples, for example measurement of hormone levels in blood or pesticide levels in water)

In addition to these a number of other relevant subjects are also undertaken, including computing, chemistry, maths and bioinformatics.

Course Structure

The programme is of four years duration.The first year provides the student with the required academic foundation in:

• Biology
• Introductory industrial biochemistry
• Computing
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Introductory physics

The second year builds upon these fundamentals, introducing the students to courses in:

• Biochemistry
• Microbial technology
• Bioprocess technology
• Analytical sciences

During the third and fourth years the students undertake additional modules in biochemistry, genetic engineering, microbial technology, diagnostics, applied immunology and bioinformatics. In the final year a stream of elective modules allows the student to specialise in topics such as;

• Research Methods
• Biomaterials. (New materials in the medical device industry).
• Plus entrepreneurship and business options

A project, which is undertaken throughout the final year, allows a problem to be analysed in depth and also gives the student interested in postgraduate research the opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation of a potential research topic.

During the spring semester of year 3 and the subsequent summer, a period of Cooperative Education (student placement in industry) provides experience of the practice and application of industrial biochemistry in a working environment. Such relevant industrial experience, gained either at home or abroad, has proven particularly beneficial to students seeking employment in industry after completing their studies.

In addition to academic pursuits, students of industrial biochemistry have ample opportunity to pursue a full range of social activities.They may join a wide range of clubs and societies and have access to unrivalled sporting facilities and other University-based facilities such as the University concert hall.

For further details, log on to www.ul.ie/~ces

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).

In addition applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate or an approved equivalent: Grade C3 in Higher Level Mathematics and a Grade D3 in a Higher or Ordinary Level paper in any one of the following: Physics,Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics, Technology, Biology,Agricultural Science.
OR Grade B3 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices) and Grade C3 in one of the following Higher Level papers:Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science, Biology.

Students can also enter this programme of study via the Science Choice degree LM117.A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme have established a strong reputation with employers, both nationally and internationally.While many of our students go directly into employment after graduating, some continue their studies at postgraduate level, gaining masters degrees or doctorates in a range of subject disciplines. Ultimate job destinations are varied, and include:

• The pharmaceutical sector (production,QC, R&D, regulatory affairs, sales and marketing)
• The diagnostics sector (production,QC, R&D, regulatory affairs, sales & marketing)
• The medical devices sector (production,QC, R&D, regulatory affairs, sales & marketing)
• The brewing industry
• The industrial enzyme/ natural products industry
• Food/dairy companies (R&D,QC, production)
• Clinical biochemistry (e.g. hospital/private testing labs)
• Scientific civil service
• Teaching/lecturing
• University/government research
• Technical (scientific) writing/editing
• Patent Office