WHAT WILL I BE ABLE TO DO WHEN I FINISH THE COURSE?

Industry and Research Institutes are increasingly looking for a wide range of specialised skills from their employees. This courses is specifically designed to produce highly employable graduates for the Biosciences industry but with additional skills in Bioforensics. Graduates will be able to work in the Biosciences sector and in a broad range of research areas in the Biological Sciences.

WHAT FOLLOW-ON STUDY OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

It is expected that up to one quarter of graduates of the course will take up postgraduate research positions both at IT Carlow, in other Institutes of Technology and Universities in Ireland and abroad and in research institutes such as Teagasc to complete either their MSc or PhD. Graduates will also be eligible to apply to study on taught MSc courses.

WHAT EXEMPTIONS WILL I RECEIVE?

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WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I STUDY?

The first two years of these courses will provide students with a basis in the biology and chemistry of living organisms, physics, biocomputing and analytical techniques. Students will also be introduced to Biotechnology and its applications in Bioforensics. This will allow them to continue to explore life at a molecular level in year three and the Biosciences module will advance students bioanalytical skills applicable in the Biotechnology, and Bioforensic industries. Sourcing and presenting Scientific information skills will also be developed in third year to prepare students for their fourth year research project. The fourth year of this course is designed to broaden the options of the students, providing them with an overall basis in Biotechnology, Genetics, Immunology, and Diagnostics and to develop additional skills in Bioforensics.

WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

(A) Leaving certificate (CAO) applicants are required to have achieved a minimum of six subjects with at least two at higher level grade C3 or higher and four other subjects at least grade D3 at ordinary level. Subjects must include English or Irish and Mathematics at ordinary level grade D3 or higher.
Mature applications are welcome and will be assessed on an individual basis.
(B) Graduates of a relevant Bachelor of Science degree e.g. Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology-Food Quality Management (CW117) are eligible to progress into this course at year 3.

SPECIAL FEATURES

This course has a high practical input culminating in the fourth year research project module. The course has a strong emphasis on current Bioforensic and analytical processes and highlights their application in the Bioforensic environment. In addition, the course includes a mandatory industrial placement allowing students to apply their skills in a practical real world environment. Many of our graduates will go on to successful
careers with companies hosting work placements.
The course has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind and provides three exit points to students
End of year 2 Higher Certificate in Science-Applied Biology
End of year 3 Bachelor of Science in Biosciences
End of year 4 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biosciences with Bioforensics