Biotechnology, BSc (Hons), University College Cork (UCC)

About Biotechnology, BSc (Hons) - at University College Cork (UCC)

Overview

A biotechnologist takes an understanding of life science and applies it to the benefit of mankind. The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology will provide students with an excellent training in modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, food biotechnology, immunology, protein science, bioinformatics and process engineering. Students will also be expected to complete a work placement and a final year research project.

Course Details

The entry route to the BSc Biotechnology is through the general Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) entry. At the end of the degree you will have an excellent training in the life sciences with a skill set that will equip you for a career in research and/or industry.

Year 1 Modules:

Comprises core modules in the four main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. Biology modules include Microbiology, Biotechnology and Biochemistry.

Year 2 Modules:

You will begin to specialise but you will still be able to choose modules that will leave you with 3 or more degree choices at the end of the year. Core biology modules include Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Year 3 Modules:

You commit to your degree choice. In the BSc Biotechnology you will take a dedicated course of lectures and practical laboratory modules encompassing Microbiology, Biochemistry, Process Engineering and Pharmacology.

Placement:

At the end of year 3 you will carry out a 5 month (from May to October) work placement in an industry and/or laboratory that is relevant to biotechnology. The placements are organised with the support of the Careers Office in UCC.

Year 4 Modules:

You will take a dedicated set of courses in Microbiology, Biochemistry and Process Engineering. You will also undertake a supervised research project in a research laboratory in UCC.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the CK402 Biological and Chemical Sciences Programme.

Fact File

Course Code: CK402

Course Title: Biotechnology

College: Science, Engineering and Food Science

Duration: 4 Years

Teaching Mode: Full-time

Qualifications: BSc (Hons)

NFQ Level: Level 8

Costs: Full-time EU/EAA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees criteria. In 2016/2017 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165. Lab manuals/lecture hand-outs: costs vary from year 1 through to year 4 but on average costs about EUR 15 per year. Textbooks: students typically spend between EUR 50-100 per year on books.

2016 Entry Requirements: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

2017 Entry Requirements: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

Entry Points: CK402: 480 in 2016. Points may vary each year.

Closing Date: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

Course Practicalities

Expected lecture hours: Lectures are conducted between 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You will have approximately 288 lectures hours per year and these may include directed study/reading hours on the module.

Expected lab/practical hours: Your laboratory practical/tutorial hours will amount to approximately 216 per year. In Year 4 you will also complete a 6 week lab-based project in the area of Biotechnology. This will be performed under the supervision of a member of staff. The project aims to enhance your laboratory skills and critical abilities in identifying, analysing and solving problems in scientific research and to develop your skills in communicating your research.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules have formal examinations. Some modules use other types of assessment.

Modules that contain practical components also assess this aspect by reviewing laboratory reports. Some year 3 and year 4 modules include assignments, dissertations and reports as part of the assessment. The placement and the final year project will be assessed using a combination of laboratory/placement performance, written report and oral presentation.

Application Procedure

Refer toCK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

Notes about fees for this course

Costs: Full-time EU/EAA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees criteria. In 2016/2017 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165. Lab manuals/lecture hand-outs: costs vary from year 1 through to year 4 but on average costs about EUR 15 per year. Textbooks: students typically spend between EUR 50-100 per year on books.

2016 Entry Requirements: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

2017 Entry Requirements: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

Entry Points: CK402: 480 in 2016. Points may vary each year.

Closing Date: Refer to CK402, Biological and Chemical Sciences

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.

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