Biochemistry (BSc (Hons))

University College Cork

Ireland, Cork

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Home/Ireland/Cork /University College Cork/Biochemistry (BSc (Hons))

University College Cork

Ireland , Cork

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

CK402

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines9-Sep-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 23,000 / year

Next Intake 9-Sep-2024

Biochemistry (BSc (Hons))

About

Why Choose This Course

My BSc in Biochemistry was an essential part of my acceptance onto a PhD programme in cancer research at Oxford University.

Fiona Cahill

Graduate

Find Out More

I found the biochemistry course very rewarding, particularly in my final year when I was given the opportunity to undertake my own research project. My BSc in Biochemistry was an essential part of my acceptance onto a PhD programme in cancer research at Oxford University.

The School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is highly active in research, which gives you access to a wide range of cutting-edge expertise.

Undergraduate students in Biochemistry have the opportunity to engage in research first hand through an independent research project in their final year. Masters and PhD research opportunities for Biochemistry graduates are excellent.

Biochemistry graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities and have a wide choice of career options in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical, environmental monitoring and medical diagnostic areas.

A degree in Biochemistry is an excellent foundation for all careers relating to human health and is a very appropriate foundation degree for graduate medicine.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

While there is no work placement incorporated into this course, the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology facilitates you in finding summer laboratory work at the end of Year 3. In addition, in Year 4, each student carries out an independent research project in a biochemistry research laboratory, which our students find to be one of the highlights of the course.

Skills and Careers Information

BSc Biochemistry provides you with a broad scientific knowledge and research skills. You also gain transferable skills including: team-work, communication, writing, presentation, problem-solving and analytical skills.

Biochemistry graduates work in a broad range of areas. Biochemists work in companies and research laboratories in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostic areas. Biochemists also work in the education sector as teachers and lecturers.

Job opportunities are plentiful, salaries are competitive and career development opportunities are good. A large number of BSc graduates opt for further training through MSc and PhD degrees, as this enhances job opportunities and career development prospects.

Requirements

Refer to CK402

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. 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.

To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page.

Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.

Fees and Costs

The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138. Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK402.

EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.

Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.

QQI FET/FETAC Applicants: See our QQI FET/FETAC Applicants page.

Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.

All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.

In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

BSc Biochemistry is the study of living organisms, particularly the human body, at cellular and sub-cellular levels and is an excellent stepping stone for entry into medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.

Core subjects are cell biochemistry and biology, genetics, biotechnology, metabolism and protein science, with an emphasis on understanding normal and disease states. The lecture course is supplemented by practical classes, where you learn the principles and methodology of research.

The School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology is highly active in research. Final-year research projects are carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories, under the supervision of internationally recognised researchers. BSc Biochemistry provides you with a solid foundation in research, analytical approaches and critical thinking.

Biochemistry graduates have excellent career prospects in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnological industries and in the broad biomedical research area, including drug development and disease diagnoses. BSc Biochemistry is recognised by the Teaching Council.

Refer to CK402 for more details on modules.

Students select one degree stream (depending on choice of Year 1 Electives) from:

Applied Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds, Chemistry with Forensic Sciences, Science Education (Chemistry or Biology Route), Microbiology, Neuroscience, Physiology

The subjects you will study from Year 2 onwards depend upon which programme you enter from the options above. Please see the individual course information pages for details of each of these programmes.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of the Programme Modules.

Disciplines

Science

Engineering and Food Science

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Recognised Qualification

Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS 1 Year at Bachelor degree level from a recognised university with competitive grades in specific relevant subjects

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum average of 90% in Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree level.

International Baccalaureate

English Program Requirements

English Language Requirements (for Non-Irish EU applicants)

Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

UCC Language Centre Pre-sessional Programmes

These programmes are available to assist students who:

Have not achieved their required level of English for acceptance onto their undergraduate or postgraduate programme
Feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

Find out more about the Language Centre's Pre-Sessional Programmes.

Career

Expected lecture hours: Biochemistry lectures are held in the mornings between 9am and 1pm. There are approximately 8-12 lectures per week.

Expected lab/practical hours: Laboratory practical classes are in the afternoons between 2pm and 6pm. There are approximately three laboratory classes per week. Final year research projects are a major component of final year and generally span a full semester.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

EUR 23,000 / year

How to Apply

1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC;
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.