BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIn this degree subject, you will explore life at the molecular level. This will enable you to pursue a career in biomedical and biomolecular science. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology explores the chemistry of living organisms and cells. It involves the study of the molecules that play a role in the function of the cell and the molecular basis for changes in the cell and tissues that can lead to disease. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology forms the foundation for understanding all biological processes and occupy a central position in modern biological and biomedical research.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology is one of the degree subjects available through the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in the common entry Science course.
Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. This is a sample set of modules that a Biochemistry & Molecular Biology student could study each year in UCD.
First Year
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
For detailed information on subject content click here
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Students in their third year have spent time in Germany, United Kingdom and USA in universities such as Ruprechts- Karls-Universität, University of Edinburgh, University of California, San Diego, and University of Chicago. Students in their fourth year have spent time in the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Graduates in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology can find employment in:
Graduates are eligible to apply for a range of MSc programmes in Ireland and abroad, in areas such as biotechnology, imaging and microscopy and molecular medicine. Graduates can also pursue a PhD in universities in Ireland and abroad in areas such as medical research, drug development and biomedical science.
“I chose to specialise in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology because it answered a lot of the questions that I had about how cells work. The course provided me with an understanding of proteomics, metabolism, and immunology. It also gave me an insight into how and why disease occurs, whilst highlighting that a fundamental understanding of cell biochemistry is critical in treating and curing disease. I received a scholarship to undertake a summer research project on Alzheimer’s Disease. My final year thesis on Type 2 Diabetes was immunology-based. Since graduating, I have received a PhD Scholarship from Breakthrough Cancer Research to pursue a research project on Oesophageal Cancer.”
Maitiú Ó Murchú, Graduate
Dr Jana Haase
UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: askscience@ucd.ie