Biotechnology - BSc - Technological U

The TUS Midlands Athlone BSc (Hons) Biotechnology program trains graduates for careers in biopharmaceuticals or postgraduate education. It combines molecular biology, genetic engineering, and genome sequencing to develop tools that benefit humanity and have commercial value. Graduates can work in the biopharmaceutical sector, medical technology, research, or agriculture.

Program Outline

Biotechnology – BSc (Hons) - TUS Midlands Athlone

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Honours) Degree in Biotechnology from TUS Midlands in Athlone is a three-year, full-time program designed to train graduates for careers in the biopharmaceutical sector and/or to pursue further education at the postgraduate level in specialized areas within biotechnology. The program focuses on the study and manipulation of molecules, genes, cells, and whole organisms to invent and develop tools that benefit humankind and have commercial value. It integrates the natural sciences with engineering to deliver products and services. Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving discipline centered on Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, and Genome Sequencing. Biotechnologists have made significant contributions to the "smart economy" in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, the food industry, and the environment.

Outline:

The program is structured across three years, with each year divided into two semesters. The course schedule includes a mix of lectures, laboratory sessions, and practical work.

Year 1:

Semester 1:
Biology (Year Long) - 10 credits
Chemistry (Year Long) - 10 credits
Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - 10 credits
Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long) - 10 credits
Transferable skills - 5 credits
Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies - 5 credits
Semester 2:
Biology (Year Long) - 10 credits
Chemistry (Year Long) - 10 credits
Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long) - 10 credits
Mathematics for Scientists - 10 credits
Current Scientific Issues through Team Based Learning - 5 credits

Year 2:

Semester 1:
Gene Technology 2.1 - 5 credits
Biochemistry 2.1 - 5 credits
Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1 - 5 credits
Organic Chemistry - 5 credits
Analytical Techniques 1 - 5 credits
Microbiology 2.1 - 5 credits
Semester 2:
Cell Biology - 5 credits
Gene Technology 2.2 - 5 credits
Biochemistry 2.2 - 5 credits
Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2 - 5 credits
Analytical Techniques 2 - 5 credits
Microbial Genetics - 5 credits

Year 3:

Semester 1:
Advanced Cell Biology - 5 credits
Applied Genetic Engineering - 5 credits
Quality and Compliance - 5 credits
Immunotechnology - 5 credits
Molecular Biology - 5 credits
Environmental Biotechnology - 5 credits
Semester 2:
Work Placement - 30 credits (or alternative modules)
Environmental Science and Sustainability - 10 credits
Industry Relevant Project - 15 credits
Bioethics (elective) - 5 credits

Careers:

Typical employers for Biotechnology graduates include:

Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical companies
Medical technology and medical device companies
Research institutions (Universities, Institutes of Technology, Contract research organizations, State-run research institutions)
Agriculture and crop production companies
Industries working in areas such as biodegradable plastics, biofuels, environmental monitoring, and clean-up

Further Study:

Successful graduates of this program are eligible for the Level 8 Honours program in Biotechnology within TUS.

Other:

Ireland is a leading producer of biopharmaceutical drugs, with nine out of the 10 largest biopharmaceutical companies in the world located there.
The biopharmaceutical sector is a vibrant employment market for graduates studying biotechnology courses, and most graduates go on to work in this dynamic and thriving professional environment.
The program is designed (through targeted modules and local work placement) to train graduates to pursue careers in the industrial sector.