In 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

• Scientific Enquiry
• Cell Biology & Genetics
• Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biology in Action
• Life on Earth
• Linear Algebra for Science
• Calculus for Science
• Optional Science Modules
• Elective Module

Second Year

• Biomolecular Lab Skills
• Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology
• Biomolecular Sciences
• Biochemistry in Action
• Chemistry for Biology
• + modules for 2 other Science Subjects
• Elective Modules

Third Year

• Metabolism & Disease
• Proteins & Enzymes
• Regulation of Gene Expression
• Cell Signalling
• Biochemist’s Toolkit
• Molecular Basis of Disease
• Genomics & Proteomics
• Advanced Cell Biology
• Elective Modules

Fourth Year

• Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (includes a research project in diverse areas, such as protein engineering, neurochemistry, cancer studies, the regulation of gene expression, molecular immunology and endocrinology).
• Protein Structure & Analysis
• Biochemistry Research Strategies
• Advanced Cell Signalling
• Advanced Neurochemistry
• Enzyme Technology & Protein Engineering

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

You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology student describes her Study Abroad experiences.

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:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biotechnology companies
• Forensic science laboratories
• Hospital and clinical laboratories
• Food and beverage companies

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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Dr Jana Haase
UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie