Biotechnology
Biotechnology describes how we can gain an understanding of biological processes and explores how they are exploited for beneficial and commercial purposes.
Biotechnology explores the nature of biological molecules, how they are synthesised and how they are in culture systems, using living cells. It explores all aspects of modern molecular biology including recombinant DNA technology, antibody production and uses, and animal cell culture.
It covers disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Erasmus/Study Abroad Option: Subject to availability
Placement Option: Subject to availability
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.
All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.
The requirements for each course are shown above.
* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.
The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.
Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (i.e. can be counted as one of the six subjects required - grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Points are awarded as follows:
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
Applicants can use their points allocation for the Link Modules as one of their best six subjects for the purpose of calculating points, but the Link Modules do not qualify as a subject for minimum entry requirement purposes.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Click on the 'QQI FET Applicants Information link' below for specific course entry requirements.
QQI FET General Information Link
Careers / Further progression
Options after graduation?
Graduates typically work in the biopharmaceutical area producing new drugs at the cutting edge of medical research, (for example, antibodies used to treat cancers, or vaccines to prevent cervical cancer or hepatitis B), to develop new diagnostic systems for human or animal health and to improve food production. Graduates also find career opportunities in the food science industry.
We currently offer the following postgraduate courses:
MSc Biology (Research)
MSc Immunology and Global Health (Taught)
PhD Biology
Further information
Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 200 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.
The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, tailored information sessions during Orientation/Welcome Week, academic advisors, the Student Budgeting Advice Service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.
See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you, we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
Emer Sheerin, Mature Student Officer
+ 353 1 708 3307
emer.sheerin@mu.ie
2023: 35
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
You’ll reinforce your theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial firms, and ideally a placement in a biotech company (subject to availability).
There is a transfer pathway from 1st year MH201 Science to 2nd year MH208 Biotechnology for students who have taken Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and another subject. Students must attain 60% at the end of first year. Places are limited and are based on 1st year results.
Why choose this degree?
- You’re interested in working to produce new drugs at the cutting edge of medical research (for example, antibodies used to treat cancers, or vaccines to prevent cervical cancer or hepatitis B), to develop new diagnostic systems for human or animal health and to improve food production.
- Study a range of disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
Maynooth Education
Critical Skills Option / Electives Option
Course structure
1st year
Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and 1 other Science subject (Experimental Physics or Mathematical Physics)
2nd year
Concentrate on Biotechnology, Chemistry, and 1 of the other 2 subjects you studied in 1st year
Optional 10 credit Electives or Critical Skills
3rd year
Focus mainly on Biotechnology and Chemistry
Final year
Concentrate on Biotechnology
Industry work placement (subject to availability)
Possible topics:
1st year
From cell to organism
Biological function and diversity
Chemistry
2nd year
Biotechnology processes
Cellular biotechnology
Biochemistry
3rd year
Microbiology
Molecular biology
Scientific communication
Final year
Genomics and Proteomics
Food biotechnology
Business biotechnology
Industry work placement (subject to availability)
Contact us
Maynooth University Department of Biology, Callan Building
+ 353 1 708 3843
biology.department@mu.ie
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/biology
Twitter/X: @MaynoothBiology