Course Summary
Biomedical Science is the scientific study of conditions, disease, their causes, diagnosis and treatments. This course gives graduates contemporary skills in biomedical science, making them highly employable in the diagnostic, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries in Ireland and abroad.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
This 3 year programme offers students a foundation in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics and also exposure, to innovative new processes and technologies used in the medical device industry today.
Unique and interactive teaching methods are used on the programme, including the use of social networking, game-based learning, industrial workshops, and field visits to target industries and employers. We also recognize the importance of transferrable skills such as data presentation, information-sourcing and scientific-technical writing, expanding their knowledge and understanding of the sector.
YEAR ONE
The first year focuses on developing students’ core scientific skills and building a foundation of knowledge in the scientific disciplines of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Students are also introduced to the basics of Biomedical Science and its applications.
Year TWO
Students knowledge and technical skills in the biological field are developed as the programme progresses and they are introduced to Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Medical Devices and their Biomedical Applications in year two.
YEAR THREE
The final year sees students study cell culture applications, immunodiagnostics and the medical device industry. There is also a work placement in either an industrial or a research setting.
PROGRESSION
Students who successfully complete this degree are eligible to enter the fourth year of the BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology.
WORK PLACEMENT
There is a work placement in industry or research in the summer of Year Three for students. This helps students prepare for the professional working environment.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 7 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
A science subject at Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for this course.
Career Opportunities
Graduate Destinations
Graduates from this programme work across many biomedical based industries including diagnostics, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals. They gain roles as technologists, lab and process assistants, instrumentation scientists, cell culture scientists and protein and drug analysts. There are also a number of non-lab based jobs critical to the drugs industry such are regulation and quality control and assurance.
We have a number of companies in the North west which our graduates have found employment. These include Abbott and Abbvie plants in Sligo, Charles River and Hollister in Ballina in Mayo and Abbott and Randox in Donegal. Apart from these, many of our graduates get employment in smaller companies and county councils.
Graduates may alternatively progress to the final year of the BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology Following this, graduates can also continue on to M.Sc. or doctoral studies.
Further Study
Students who successfully complete this degree are eligible to enter the Fourth year of the BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology
Testimonials
Graduate Story
“As a mature science student, I embarked a new career path when I enrolled in this Medical Biotechnology degree course. Every student I met during my time in Sligo helped me develop my new career as a scientist in one way or another. Now I’m working with AbbVie, Ireland’s number one bio-pharmaceutical company.”
Tara Saunders,
BSc, Medical Biotechnology Pharmacovigilance & Medical Information Specialist Ireland and Malta, AbbVie Limited.
Did you know?
Students who successfully complete this degree are eligible to enter the fourth year of the BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology
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.
This Level 7 Biomedical Science is the same in content as the first 3 years of the BSc (Hons) Medical Biotechnology
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!
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOLOGY 1 | 05 |
| CHEMISTRY 1 | 05 |
| PHYSICS 1 | 05 |
| Mathematics for Science 1 | 05 |
| Information Technology 1 | 05 |
| Essential Skills for Scientists | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOLOGY 2 | 05 |
| PHYSICS 2 | 05 |
| CHEMISTRY 2 | 05 |
| Mathematics for Science 2 | 05 |
| Information Technology 2 | 05 |
| INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOCHEMISTRY 1 | 10 |
| MICROBIOLOGY | 05 |
| Bioethics | 05 |
| Analytical Techniques | 05 |
| BIOMATERIALS AND MEDICAL DEVICES | 05 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Mathematics for Science 3 | 05 |
| Molecular Biology | 10 |
| MEDICAL PHARMACOLOGY | 05 |
| MEDICAL IMMUNOLOGY | 05 |
| PROCESS MICROBIOLOGY | 05 |
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Animal Cell Culture | 10 |
| STATISTICS FOR SCIENTISTS | 05 |
| MEDICAL DEVICE TECHNOLOGIES | 05 |
| Research Development and Communication for Biomedical Science | 05 |
| PROTEIN BIOTECHNOLOGY | 05 |