Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

This course will appeal to those with a keen interest in science and in how research and technology can impact on human health. It is training scientists at the interface of science and medicine. You will learn how scientifically driven investigations can advance our knowledge of disease prevention, detection and treatment and translating these into clinical utility. The course will immerse you in modern medical and biological sciences and focus on the application of scientific developments. BHLS offers students a unique opportunity to complete a research project with a Principal Investigator in a biomedical research area that interests them and an opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed publications.

The small course size enables students from this course to form close friendships and strong connections for life. The flexible, modular structure of this degree allows you to specialise in the areas of investigative biomedical science that interest you, particularly in the later stages of the degree

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

First Year
You will take modules in:

  • Clinical Human Anatomy
  • Translational Research
  • Basic Tissues & Early Development
  • Genetics Cell Biology

You will also start to learn about translational research and the influence of science and medicine on society.

Second & Third Year
You will continue with modules in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology. You will also start to integrate modules focusing on specific diseases and disease processes, in order to learn more about the development of new, more effective means of diagnosing, treating and preventing illness. Supporting modules include:

  • Biostatistics
  • Neuroscience
  • Laboratory Skills
  • Cardiac/Vascular Biology
  • Pharmacology/Biochemistry
  • Renal Biology
  • Bioinformatics Genetics & Proteomics
  • Mechanisms of Disease
  • Endocrine, Renal and Reproductive Pharmacology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases.

Fourth Year
You’ll build skills in biomedical research through interactions and research rotations with international researchers in a range of disease areas. These are undertaken within the School of Medicine and its affiliated teaching hospitals.

The degree will develop your fundamental knowledge in the translation of scientific discovery into clinical utilisation.

You will take modules in:

  • Cloning, Gene Therapy & Stem cells
  • Advanced Neurochemistry
  • Drug Discovery & development
  • Clinical Biomarkers
  • Genetics, Disease & Behaviour.

You willl have the opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed abstracts and publications and to present at national and international meetings.

You will experience an innovative mix of learning methods, including lectures, small group tutorials, research projects and laboratory-based learning.

Assessment methods include end-of trimester exams, continuous assessment, report writing and oral presentations.

For detailed information on subject content click here.

You may be interested in the following Blog posts:  Student explanation of UCD’s Biomedical Health & Life Sciences degree programme.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The majority of graduates follow careers in biomedical research, undertaking MSc and PhD higher degrees. They also have a high success rate for entry to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes and pursue opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as other areas allied to health.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I chose to study at UCD School of Medicine due to the unique nature of the Biomedical Health and Life Sciences (BHLS) course. The BHLS course offers a multi-disciplinary learning experience encompassing aspects of both Biomedical science and Medicine. I wanted to learn about the complexities of human health and disease from top-class researchers and doctors within UCD’s state-of-the-art facilities. The BHLS course provides the skill set to bridge the gap between the clinical and research worlds providing better patient outcomes.”

Claudia Lonergan, Graduate

Contact Information

UCD School of Medicine Office C134,
1st Floor Health Sciences Centre
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Tel: +353 1 716 6633
Email: bhls@ucd.ie

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