Biotechnology at University College Cork

A biotechnologist takes an understanding of life science and applies it to the benefit of mankind. The BSc (Hons) Biotechnology will provide students with an excellent training in modern biotechnology, including molecular biology, food biotechnology, immunology, protein science, bioinformatics and process engineering. Students will also be expected to complete a work placement and a final year research project.

The entry route to the BSc Biotechnology is through the general Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) entry. At the end of the degree you will have an excellent training in the life sciences with a skill set that will equip you for a career in research and/or industry.

The BSc Biotechnology is the only degree outlet from CK402 that offers a placement.

The BSc Biotechnology offers an unique combination of modules from Microbiology, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Pharmacology and Process Engineering. 

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The BSc Biotechnology incorporates a mandatory 5 month industrial placement at the end of Year 3.

Skills and Careers Information

What can I do after I graduate with a BSc Biotechnology?

The BSc Biotechnology is ideal for you if you have a broad interest in the application of life science. The BSc Biotechnology will also equip you with a skillset that is very popular with employers e.g. critical thinking, data analysis, the ability to communicate ideas and independent thinking. These transferrable skills are useful in a wide range of career fields, even outside of science.

Occupations associated with BSc Biotechnology

The biotechnology industry is a major source of employment in Ireland and particularly in the Cork region. Indeed most of the worlds top companies in Pharma and Biotechnology (e.g. Janssen, DePuy, Pfizer, GSK, MSD, Novartis) have research/manufacturing facilities in the Munster area.

Industry: quality control/assurance, project leaders, research and development

Academia: research (towards MSc and/or PhD), lecturer

What are our graduates doing?

The BSc Biotechnology is a new programme in UCC (starting 2016) and we have worked closely with our industry partners to ensure that our graduates will be very attractive to the Biotechnology sector in Ireland and abroad. BSc Biotechnology graduates will also have an excellent degree in the life sciences and will therefore be well-equipped to undertake post-graduate research (either MSc or PhD).