Scientist in laboratory
DC180

Biological Sciences General Entry

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC180
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
487
Duration
First Year Only
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5284

If you’re endlessly fascinated by how living things function and keen to make a contribution to humanity, biological sciences will appeal to you.

Overview

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By choosing this general entry course, you can discover more about molecules, cells and life, develop your scientific skills and discover different specialist study and career paths. 

During the General Entry course, you’ll study biochemistry, bioprocessing, biotechnology, genetics, cell biology and microbiology, while also completing some modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Once you successfully pass this first year, you’ll go on to one of three programmes: the BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, the BSc in Biotechnology or the BSc in Bioprocessing.  While progression into year two of BSc in Biotechnology, BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, BSc in Bioprocessing is available to all BGE students, year two programme places will be assigned to BGE students based on their year one grades (merit order).  When places for year two programmes are limited, BGE year one students will be offered one of their year two programme choices.

Overall, our biological sciences modules are designed to help address challenges relevant to the biotechnology, biopharma and related industries. They incorporate innovative ways of teaching, and you’ll learn by tackling real-world challenges, both on your own and in groups. 

Regardless of which programme you go onto, you’ll do a nine-month INTRA work placement in your third year. This is typically in Ireland's thriving biopharma industry, with employers such as Pfizer, Amgen, Biogen and MSD. Biological science grads find they are sought after as process scientists, validation engineers and quality control scientists, especially in the production of biological products, such as therapeutic drugs.

DCU People

Profile picture of Abbey Byrne
Abbey Byrne
Student

I chose Biological Sciences General Entry as I knew that I wanted to study Science. I was so excited coming into this course.


Read more about Abbey Byrne

Careers & Further Options

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Careers

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of rewarding careers, in areas outlined below

  • Postgraduate Research (PhD) and Postdoctoral Research in the Biological Sciences
  • Laboratory work in the Bioprocessing and Biopharma Industries
  • Quality Management and Regulation in Biopharma Industries
  • Bioprocess Engineering: bioprocess plant design and commissioning 
  • Technical Sales and Support
  • Teaching
  • Technical Roles in Food and and Beverage Production
  • Brewing

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Entry Requirements

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In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

GCE A Level general entry requirements can be found here: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/entry.shtml. Please note these may vary slightly for some programmes

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

 

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

 

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

No Entry Path

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Course Structure

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  • Chemistry, Biology and Physics Laboratories 
  • Chemistry
  • Professional Skills for Scientists and Engineers 
  • Physics 
  • Cell Biology and Biochemistry 
  • Microbiology and Genetics  
  • Calculus and its Applications  
  • Introduction to Biotechnology and Bioprocessing

Years 2,3 and 4 will be the modules of your chosen degree choice - Upon successful completion of Year 1 of the degree, choices are:

Fees and Funding

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Fees

Student Contribution.
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee.
€16,400 per annum

How To Apply

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Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

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