If you’re interested in why some families are more prone to disease and how to use biotechnology to produce drugs and other products, then a degree in Genetics could be for you. Genetics is the scientific study of heredity – how information is passed from one generation to the next. You will study developing new areas, such as personal genomics, which uses DNA sequence to determine health and ancestry. The UCD Genetics degree also covers genetic engineering and biotechnology, transgenic animals, genetically modified plants, medical genetics, molecular evolution, developmental biology, DNA fingerprinting and bioinformatics.

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Genetics. Topics include evolution, genetic disease and biotechnology, as well as core modules in biomolecular and biomedical science.

First Year

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Optional Science modules
• Elective module

Second Year

• Genetics
• + 2 Other Science Subjects
• Elective Modules

Third Year

• Genetics
• Elective Modules

Fourth Year

• Genetics (includes a research project)

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: UCD Genetics student describes her first two months in her internship.

Genetics students in third year have to date studied in:

• University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• University of California, Irvine, USA
• University of Connecticut, USA
• Queen’s University, Canada

Genetics students also have the opportunity to carry out their fourth year project at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Most Genetics graduates work in:

• Hospital laboratories
• Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and genomics companies
• Forensic science laboratories
• Agribiotech and horticulture companies
• Food and drink companies

Many graduates study for a higher degree (MSc/PhD), or obtain additional professional qualifications such as in Medicine and Dentistry.

MSc programmes at UCD include the areas of Biotechnology, Biotechnology and Business, and Biotherapeutics.

• A-Level/GCSE
• Other EU Applicants
• Non-EU Applicants
• QQI FET Entry Routes
  
• Level 6/7 Progression Routes
• Mature Entry Route
• HEAR
• DARE

Associate Professor Peadar Ó Gaora
UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science
Belfield,
Dublin 4

Email: peadar.ogaora@ucd.ie