Key Info
Biological and Chemical Sciences (Common Entry)
Are you interested in Science? Would you like to understand how living things work, evolve and function at the molecular or cellular level? Are you interested in a career that can really make a practical contribution to helping address the challenges that presently face the world, for example, the discovery of new drugs to fight disease, inventing new materials for biomedical devices, developing greener systems to protect the quality of our environment? Do you want a challenging career and one tailored to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of employers? Then this programme might be for you.
Why Study Biological and Chemical Sciences at UL?
This entry route is designed to provide you with a gateway to better choice if you’re unsure which area you’d like to study. You can avail of a broad common first year which will introduce you to various topics in Biological and Chemical Sciences. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise for the remaining 3 years of your degree programme. At UL, you get to try before you decide.
Science requires a fundamental understanding of the key areas of biology and chemistry and the LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick offers prospective students an opportunity to develop a core competency in both scientific areas in their first year at University. LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences is a gateway from Year 2 to a degree in either:
BSc Industrial Biochemistry OR
BSc Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry OR
BSc Biomedical Science (after completing years 2 and 3 in Bioscience)
Having selected LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences you will be requested to rank the 4 degree options in order of your preference during Semester 2. In the event that a programme is over-subscribed, places will be allocated based on UL exam performance.
Choose your preferred degree pathway from one of the following four options;
The B.Sc. Industrial Biochemistry 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 you for a career in biotechnology and allied industries, and has a very strong employment record.
The B.Sc. Environmental Science will provide you with a strong scientific understanding of environmental issues at local, national and global level and will give you a full knowledge of technological and management methods available to help improve the quality of our environment.
In the B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical & Industrial Chemistry fundamental and applied aspects of organic, inorganic, physical, analytical chemistry and materials chemistry are covered as well as key chemical engineering topics. These programmes will qualify you for employment in a variety of professional careers in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.
With the B.Sc. in Biosciences degree the emphasis is on cell biology and molecular medicine. Ireland is one of the leading international locations for the Life Science industry, which spans biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices and biotechnology. Biosciences is extremely important to Ireland’s economy and its future growth.
The degree would provide an excellent foundation for students considering application to graduate entry medical school or to a post-graduate career in Bioscience/Life Sciences area.
Underpinning the LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences programme are two very important student facilities. The first is access to the Science & Maths Learning Support Centres which offers all students an opportunity to further enhance their scientific and mathematical knowledge in the core scientific areas. Secondly, in all of the subsequent degree options outlined above, industrial work experience over an eight month period is provided through a relevant work placement as part of the Cooperative Education programme. There are many benefits to this programme for the student including the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to the work environment as well as developing many important skills including teamwork, problem- solving and communication skills. It also provides the student with very valuable work experience which increases their future graduate employment prospects.
Learn more about our courses and upcoming events
What you will study
Students entering the programme will undertake specific modules in the areas of chemistry, biology, maths and physics. As the subsequent degree programme choices focus heavily on biology or chemistry (or a combination of both), the biology and chemistry subjects taken in LM123 are designed to facilitate students in developing a fundamental competency in these areas. In conjunction with these core scientific modules, there will also be an interesting set of modules designed to give students a clear understanding of the key areas and content of the subsequent degree programme options of industrial biochemistry, pharmaceutical & industrial chemistry, biosciences and environmental science.
Year 1 | Semester 1 | Credits | Semester 2 | Credits | |
CH4701 |
General Chemistry 1 |
6 |
BY4102 |
Biology for Biosciences |
6 |
BY4001 |
Biology 1 |
6 |
CH4102 |
Organic Chemistry 1 |
6 |
MA4601 |
Science Mathematics 1 |
6 |
PH4142 |
Introduction to Physics |
6 |
CH4021 |
Laboratory Calculations |
3 |
MA4602 |
Science Mathematics 2 |
6 |
ER4011 |
Introduction to Environmental and Biosciences |
3 |
CH4031 |
General Chemistry 2 (Inorganic) |
3 |
CH4051 |
Introduction to Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry |
3 |
CH4041 |
General Chemistry 2 (Physical) |
3 |
CS4131 |
Introduction to Scientific Calculations |
3 |
Entry requirements
CAO points history |
487*
|
---|---|
Minimum grades |
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. |
Subject requirements |
In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade O3/H7 in Mathematics and a Grade H4 in any one of the following: Agricultural Science, Applied Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry. |
Additional considerations |
A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement. We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February. Application information for mature student applicants (PDF) QQI EntryCertain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling admission requirements for this programme. Visit the UL Undergraduate Admissions QQI site for a full list of modules. |
Non-EU Entry Requirements |
|
How to apply
Where are you applying from? | How to Apply |
---|---|
Ireland | Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. |
The UK | Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
The EU | EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. |
Non-EU country | If you are outside of the EU, you can apply for this degree here. |
Fees and funding
Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.
A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.
An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.
EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant
HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
SUSI pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
€7,362 |
EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant
HEA pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
€7,362 |
Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant
Student pays | Tuition Fees | €4,262 |
Student pays | Student contribution | €3,000 |
Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
€7,362 |
Non-EU Students
Student pays | Tuition Fees | €20,900 |
Student pays | Student Levy | €100 |
€21,000 |
Student course fees are comprised of the following components:
Student Contribution
Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.
Student Levy
All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.
Tuition Fees
These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.
Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows
-
Residency
- You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
-
Citizenship
- You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
-
Course Requirements
(all must be met)
- You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
- You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
- You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)
Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -
- Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
- EU Fee Status: You satisfy both the citizenship and residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees.
- Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.
More information about fees can be found on the Finance website
These scholarships are available for this course
Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
---|---|---|
BD Bursaries for Women in STEM | €5,000 for one year | 4 |
BD Science and Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship | €2,000 for one year | 6 |
The Roibeárd Thornton Memorial - Janssen Biologics Scholarship | €2,500 | 1 |
These scholarships are available for all courses
Title | Award | Scholarships Available |
---|---|---|
All Ireland Scholarships - sponsored by J.P. McManus | €6,750 | 125 |
Cooperative Education Award | 1 medal per faculty | |
Elaine Fagan Scholarship | €1,250 | |
Financial Aid Fund | ||
Higher Education Grants & VEC Grants | ||
Paddy Dooley Rowing Scholarship | €2,500 | |
Plassey Campus Centre Scholarship Programme | ||
Provincial GAA Bursaries Scheme | €750 | |
Stuart Mangan Scholarship | ||
The Michael Hillery and Jacinta O’Brien Athletics Scholarship | Various benefits equating to over €7,000 in value | |
UL Sports Scholarships | Varies depending on level of Scholarship | Multiple |
Your future career
The career opportunities will depend primarily on the BSc course chosen by you, typical careers are:
B.Sc in Industrial Biochemistry
Biochemist, Teacher, Quality Assurance Manager, Scientific Researcher, Patent Agent
B.Sc. in Environmental Science
Environmental Officer, Environmental Laboratory Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Auditor, Water Conservation Officer, Water Quality Scientist
B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry
Chemist, Industrial Chemist, Environmental Chemist, Chemical Process Engineering, Quality Assurance Manager.
Graduates of the programme will be well positioned to gain employment in Ireland’s rapidly growing high tech Life Science industry.
Graduates of this programme will be well positioned for careers across Biomedical Science and BioPharma, including areas such as disease diagnosis, disease intervention and treatment monitoring.