利莫利克大学

Why study Bioscience at UL?

The Bioscience degree merges studies of cell biology, molecular biology, and immunology with a focus on molecular medicine. Ireland is one of the leading international locations for the Life Science industry, which spans biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, medical devices and biotechnology and the degree is designed to align with these areas. The course includes specialist guest lectures by members of the external BioPharma community giving the students a state-of-the-art insight into this exciting field.

What you will study

Students will undertake specific modules in the area of chemistry, biology, maths and physics in the first year. Subsequently, the Bioscience programme will provide you with a strong foundation in the understanding of biochemical systems and microbial technology. With tailored contributions from industry speakers, the degree specific modules will instruct students on host-microbe interactions, immunobiology, new therapeutic approaches, cell biology & cancer, and advance molecular biology – ‘omics’ & bioinformatics.

Core modules include:

Microbiology and immunology – an introduction to the components of microorganisms and the host immune systems and how they interact

Cell communication and regulation - covers basic cell structure, the principles of the cell cycle and cell division, the control of living processes by genetic mechanisms, and cell communication systems

Cell and molecular biology of the immune system - examines the principles of self and non-self-recognition and how these mechanisms are involved in immunity and how aberrant self- regulation contributes to allergy and autoimmunity

Current trends in biotechnology and regenerative medicine – presents concepts such as ‘cell-on-a-chip’ technologies, tissue regeneration, new medicines, and new molecular analysis techniques.

Pharmacology and drug development – presents the biology behind drug target choice, drug screening techniques and the different classes of drugs, including protein based drugs.

Cancer mechanisms, therapeutics and molecular medicine – examines cell cycle controls in relation to cancer biology, and use of modern molecular technologies in targeting cancer and other diseases.

Advanced cell and molecular biology – examines cellular structures (organelles, cytoskeleton, molecular motors), key cellular processes (trafficking, motility, apoptosis), systems biology of organisms and extracting meaningful data from large data sets

Host microbe interactions – presents the key strategies microbes use to establish both beneficial and non-beneficial interactions with the host and the impact of these on health.

Career Prospects

Bioscience is extremely important to Ireland’s economy and its future growth. Graduates of the programme will be well positioned to gain employment in Ireland’s rapidly growing high tech Life Science industry.

Follow-On Study

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.