Course Summary
Did you ever wonder how diseases are diagnosed in hospital labs or where insulin comes from that diabetics use? Did you know that many modern day drugs for the likes of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis are produced using biological systems? Biomedical Science is principally focused on the diagnosis and therapeutic treatments for detection and prevention of medical disorders. Through study of the science underpinning the origins, diagnosis, and treatment of medical conditions, graduates of this programme are equipped with highly sought after knowledge and skills.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
This 4 year programme gives graduates access to the latest industry innovations and advancements, teaching them skills needed to gain employment in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device industries in Ireland and abroad.
Innovative teaching methods are used on the programme, including the use of social networking, game-based learning, industrial workshops and visits to target industries and employers. We also recognise the importance of transferable skills such as data presentation, information-sourcing and scientific-technical writing which allows students to broaden their employment possibilities.
YEAR ONE
The first year focuses on developing student’s core scientific skills and building a foundation of knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Students are also introduced to the basics of Medical Biotechnology and its uses.
YEAR TWO
Students’ knowledge and technical skills in the biological field are developed as the programme progresses and they are introduced to areas such as Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Medical Devices.
YEAR THREE
Students study cell culture and the medical device industry. There is also a work placement in either an industrial or a research setting at the end of year three.
YEAR FOUR
In the final year, focus moves to the biopharmaceutical industry and its role today. Students also complete a research project on a specific area of interest.
WORK PLACEMENT
There is a work placement available in the summer of year 3 in an industrial or research setting.
SPECIAL FEATURES
In year 4, students also gain training experience at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) in Dublin, which gives them key skills and competencies for working in the Biopharmaceutical industry.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
A science subject at Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for this course.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme work across many bio-based industries including biopharmaceutical, diagnostics, and medical devices. They gain roles as technologists, instrumentation scientists, process technicians, cell culture scientists,s and protein and drug analysts.
Employability is extremely high from this degree. Graduates get jobs in the Northwest with companies such as Abbott Diagnostics, Allergan, Coca Cola, Charles River Laboratories, Hollister, and Abbvie. While many enter the industry as basic grade scientists, it is noted that many gain promotion within a short time (e.g. 2yr.).
Many graduates also pursue a Level 9 Masters of Science or Level 10 PhD doctorate in research at ATU Sligo or in other higher education institutions.
Further Study
Students who successfully complete this degree may go on and study and MSc or PhD by research or a full-time MSc in Bioprocessing (ATU Sligo).
Testimonials
"This course helped me develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the Medical Biotechnology field. The content was very relevant and with lots of real-life applications. I really enjoyed the small class size and interactions with my lecturers."
Kevin Colonna
Did you know?
We also offer a Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science
In year four, students gain training experience at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT). NIBRT is based in Blackrock in Dublin, and is an expert training centre for Biopharmaceutical Companies in Ireland and worldwide. Students undertake a training course that gives hands-on experience of what it's like to work in a BIopharmaceutical facility, enhancing your employability with biopharma companies.
Sligo is home to some of the world's largest pharma companies which include Abbott & Abbvie. Our students and graduates have a strong track history of securing both work placement and permanent employment.
Our courses have a strong lab and practical element which allows students to build their competencies and skills from year one. Lab skills students develop include microbiology, molecular biology and DNA analysis, Cell Culturing and Medical Diagnostics.
If topics such as
- how do you develop and diagnostic kit to diagnose a disease (such as COVID-19)
- 'How do you develop and build a medical device
- How do you use somatic cell therapy to treat a disease' interest you
this could be the course for you!
Alumni
Course Format
Semester 1
| LEARNING THROUGH SCIENTIFIC ENQUIRY | 5 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE 1 | 5 |
| BIOLOGY 1 | 5 |
| PHYSICS 1 | 5 |
| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1 | 5 |
| CHEMISTRY 1 | 5 |
Semester 2
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE 2 | 5 |
| INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY | 5 |
| CHEMISTRY 2 | 5 |
| PHYSICS 2 | 5 |
| BIOLOGY 2 | 5 |
| INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2 | 5 |
Semester 3
| BIOCHEMISTRY 1 | 10 |
| BIOETHICS | 5 |
| MICROBIOLOGY | 5 |
| BIOMATERIALS AND MEDICAL DEVICES | 5 |
| ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES | 5 |
Semester 4
| MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | 10 |
| MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENCE 3 | 5 |
| PROCESS MICROBIOLOGY | 5 |
| MEDICAL IMMUNOLOGY | 5 |
| MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY | 5 |
Semester 5
| MEDICAL DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES | 10 |
| STATISTICS FOR SCIENTISTS | 5 |
| RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE | 5 |
| PROTEIN BIOTECHNOLOGY | 5 |
| ANIMAL CELL CULTURE | 5 |
Semester 6
| BIOPHARMACEUTICAL FACILITIES AND UTILITIES | 5 |
| MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY | 5 |
| IMPLANT BIOCOMPATIBILITY | 5 |
| ADVANCED THERAPY MEDICINAL PRODUCTS | 5 |
| LEGISLATION, QUALITY AND AUDITING SYSTEMS | 5 |
| Immunodiagnostics | 5 |
Semester 7
| CELL CULTURE PROCESSING | 10 |
| MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY PROJECT | 10 |
| MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY PROJECT | 10 |
| INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT AND CASE STUDIES | 5 |
| RECOMBINANT CELL ENGINEERING | 5 |
| MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS | 5 |