Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

Course Overview

Biotechnology is the application of biology for the benefit of humanity and the environment. It harnesses living organisms to provide foods and medicines, and for tasks such as cleaning toxic waste or detecting harmful substances. Biotechnology has roots in food and agriculture, using yeast to make beer and bread, and lactic acid bacteria to make cheese. Modern technologies such as genetic engineering make biotechnology a major part of Ireland’s economic future in biopharmaceuticals, biomedicine, agriculture, the food industry and the environment.

Our BSc Biotechnology is a science-focused and closely mentored course with strong career opportunities and an international outlook. Alongside core knowledge of modern biology, the BSc Biotechnology degree provides tailored training in communications, business and languages skills. Students complete individual projects in research laboratories on campus in their fourth year, and have the opportunity to undertake placements in industry in Ireland, or research laboratories across Europe.

Programme Flyer

English Gaeilge

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Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, a third language, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any one other subject recognised for entry purposes.

Placements – Employability training - Career opportunities - Mentoring

The BSc in Biotechnology equips students with a unique range of capabilities and practical experience that sets them up for a successful career in Biotechnology. This includes business and language skills, employability training and placement experience that complements their foundation knowledge of biology.

Placements: Biotechnology at Galway is the only undergraduate degree with guaranteed placement opportunities in either ERASMUS research labs in Europe, or in Biopharma/MedTech companies in Ireland. This experience enables students to mature and grow in confidence, and particularly stands out when graduates are looking for a job.

BSc Biotechnology placement opportunities- Industry and ERASMUS

Employability training: Our students are given tuition in general Transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving, work etiquette, communication, resilience and critical thinking. Students also receive instruction in CV, social media preparation and interview skills oriented toward Biotech-related jobs. Together with Career awareness training on company structure, career options and industry vocabulary this makes our students more employable and well-prepared for a fruitful career.

The advanced skills and employability for Biotechnologists class achieve their employability award

Career opportunities: Ireland’s Biotechnology sector is booming and is projected to grow over the next five years. Biotechnologists find rewarding careers across Ireland’s ‘smart economy’ including biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, healthcare, and the environment, as well as in academic and industry research. Our graduate’s science knowledge and skills also opens doors to areas such as management, education, medicine and marketing.

BSc Biotechnology class on graduation day

International perspectives: The combination of international placements, language training and rubbing shoulders with international classmates means Biotechnology graduates have a unique international perspective and set of skills on their CV.

BSc Biotechnology placement students meet up in Amsterdam

Mentoring: Our programme prides itself in being one of University of Galway’s best mentored, with individual support and attention given to every students from first year orientation to graduation day and beyond.