• » Bachelor of Science in Bioscience

    Programme Title  Bachelor of Science in Bioscience
    CAO Code  LY817
    LYIT internal code  
    Duration  3 Years ab initio
    Standard Code Places:  26
    National Framework Level  7
    Award Type  Major
    Awarding Body  LYIT, under Delegated Authority from HETAC
    Is this Programme for Me?
    Bioscience involves the study of living organisms - how humans, plants, animals, and microbes function and interact with their environment. Bioscientists use their knowledge of Biology and Biological Techniques to develop products and improve human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment. New technologies in bioscience which include biotechnology are applied in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, environmental analysis and in the food industry.
    A degree in Bioscience could lead to a very satisfying and worthwhile career. One of the main areas of Bioscience, Biotechnology, helps to improve life by its contributions to genetics, to the diagnosis and treatment of disease, to the development of drugs, to agricultural improvements, and to the environment. Biotechnologists have been involved in sequencing the human genome, and in the identification of genetic links in diseases such as arthritis and some cancers. This type of information can be used to identify high risk patients and to develop appropriate treatments. Students on this programme are trained in analytical skills and in modern techniques of biological analysis and biotechnology. They also gain an understanding of environmental issues and the regulatory situation in regards to monitoring environmental parameters.
    The B.Sc. in Bioscience is a three-year programme, during which extensive time is spent in a range of well-equipped laboratories. The first year of this programme provides a thorough grounding in all aspects of science as well as including modules on study and communication skills and information technology. The first year is common with other programmes in the science department and this allows potential students the option of changing their specialisation up to the end of their first year. In the second year students on this programme study a range of biological topics including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Nucleic Acids (the molecules of which our genes are made) as well as modules such as Instrumental Analysis which teach the practical techniques involved in analysis of biological materials. In the third year of the programme students study advanced topics including Industrial Microbiology for Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices, Immunoassays, and DNA Technology as well as continuing to extend their skills in modern analytical techniques used in biotechnology and in the pharmaceutical and food industries. The final year also includes modules on research methods and statistical analysis and on quality assurance. At all stages practical and theoretical aspects of the modules offered will be integrated. Every effort is made to provide a learning environment in which the students' enthusiasm for their subject is fostered and their intellectual, personal, and practical skills developed.
    Minimum Academic Entry Requirements
    Grade D3 or higher in at least five ordinary level subjects at Leaving Certificate, including Maths and either Irish or English, or an equivalent qualification.
    • FETAC applicants click FETAC
    • Applicants presenting non-Irish exams as a basis for entry, please check the IOTCEF listing to search for the entry relevant to your country
    • Applicants who are interested in taking selected modules only from this programme and/or those interested in studying this programme in a part-time mode, click Part-time Study
    What will I have to study?
    Year/SemesterModulesMandatory/
    Elective    		No of creditsClass hours per week
     1/1  Cell Biology Mandatory  5  5
     Chemistry 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Physics 1 Mandatory  5  4
     Learning & Communication Skills for Scientists Mandatory  5  3
     Laboratory Safety & Health Mandatory  5  4
     Mathematical Skills for Science Mandatory  5  4
     1/2  Animal & Plant Biology Mandatory  5  5
     Chemistry 2: Fuels, Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry Mandatory  5  5
     Physics 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Calculus Skills for Science Mandatory  5  4
     Exploring Science Mandatory  5  4
     Information Technology for Science 1 Mandatory  5  3
    The modules taken in Semesters 1 and 2 are common to all courses in Science
     2/3  Biochemistry Mandatory  5  5
     Microbiology 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Ecosystems Mandatory  5  5
     Information Technology for Science 2 Mandatory  5  3
     Instrumental Analysis 1 Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematical Methods 1 for Science Mandatory  5  3
     2/4  Water Analysis Mandatory  5  5
     Microbiology 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Mathematical Methods 2 for Science Mandatory  5  3
     Anatomy & Physiology Mandatory  5  3
     Instrumental Analysis 2 Mandatory  5  5
     Nucleic Acids Mandatory  5  3
     3/5  Protein Chemistry Mandatory  5  5
     Spectrometric Methods Mandatory  5  5
     Mammalian Cell & Tissue Culture Mandatory  5  4
     Research Skills Mandatory  5  3
     Statistics Mandatory  5  3
     Chromatographic & Electrophoretic Techniques Mandatory  5  5
     3/6  Quality Assurance Mandatory  5  3
     Industrial & Clean Room Microbiology Mandatory  5  5
     Environmental Analysis Mandatory  5  5
     Scientific Literature Project Mandatory  5  3
     Immunoassays Mandatory  5  5
     DNA Technology Mandatory  5  5
    Learning Outcomes
    Learning outcomes of this programme include the following. The graduate will
    • Have a knowledge of the biochemical, microbiological and environmental concepts of Bioscience
    • Understand basic biological concepts associated with Bioscience
    • Understand the principles of instrumental techniques required for the analysis of biological samples
    • Have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and information technology
    • Be aware of health and safety issues associated with a science laboratory
    • Be able to analyse and evaluate existing and emerging technologies in Bioscience
    • Have an understanding of the concepts of Biochemical and Microbiological Analysis and Biotechnology Applications.
    • Understand the principles and have practical experience in Environmental Analysis, Immunoassays, Spectrometric Methods, Electro analytical Techniques and Chromatographic Techniques for the analysis of biological samples
    • Have an appreciation of the application of statistical methods in Quality Control
    • Be familiar with research methods and be able to communicate research results in written and oral format.
    • Be able to demonstrate the role quality has in industry and understand the principles and implementation of Total Quality Management, Good Laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing Practise
    Are there follow-up Programmes Available?
    On successful completion of this programme learners may progress to an Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) in Bioanalytical Science at LYIT.
    Graduates from this programme may also pursue further studies at other Universities in Ireland or abroad. Acceptance on any programme is at the discretion of the college to which the candidate applies.
    Career Opportunities
    Current forecasts for Bioscience graduates in Ireland are excellent. Graduates from this course could take up a number of positions in industry and in particular the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and environmental sectors. There are currently about 60 Irish-based biotechnology companies, employing an estimated 4,000 people and biotechnolgy is regarded as a priority area by agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland. When Science Foundation Ireland was established in 2003, it identified biotechnology as a key area for investment and research. High-profile biotechnology employers in Ireland include Allergen, Wyeth BioPharma, Schering Plough, Genzyme and Megazyme. The pharmaceutical industry is flourishing in Ireland - it is the country's biggest exporter and one of its major employers.
    The B.Sc. in Applied Bioscience is broadly based and opens the door to a wide range of interesting careers. Holders of this degree find employment not only in the biotechnology sector, but also in pharmaceutical, food, chemical and water industries, and in state laboratories and agencies. They may also be employed as technicians in academic and research institutions.
    This course begins in September each year. How to Apply
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
    • Contact: Dr Anne Nelson Head of Department of Science, Letterkenny Institute of Technology by
    • E- Mail: anne.nelson@lyit.ie
    • Telephone: (074) 918 6302