Our News
2017 UCC Spring Open Day
The UCC Open Day held over two days, 16 and 17 May 2017, offers a fantastic opportunity to prospective students to find out more about facilities and course details before making a decision on what to study.
Biochemistry student ambassadors, Aisling Flood, 4th year Biochemistry; Naomi Hanrahan, 4th year Biochemistry and Dan Nyhan, also 4th year Biochemistry were on hand to answer questions relating to Biological and Chemical Sciences, and the Biochemistry degree outlet. They were supported by academic staff from the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology who visited the stand at regular intervals.
Dr Paul Young, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC together with Dr Collette Hand, Department of Pathology, UCC handed out information and dealt with queries from prospective students regarding the joint UCC/CIT Biomedical Science degree.
Naomi Hanrahan, a soon-to-be Biochemistry graduate, gives us an insight into the kinds of questions she was asked frequently at the two open days. Naomi says ‘Receiving advice from a relatable figure who has similar interests can often be a defining moment in making up your mind about what the next right step is to make.’
How many points do you need for Biochemistry?
‘Biochemistry is a degree outlet from Biological and Chemical Sciences which was 480 points in 2016.’
Do you have to be good at Maths to study Biochemistry?
‘No I wouldn’t think so, but it makes it easier.’ I described friends who did ordinary maths in secondary school but still got on well in Biochemistry.
Do you have to study Biology and Chemistry to do Biochemistry?
‘No you do not, but again, it would make first year easier. However, if you only have one science, be it physics, biology or chemistry, there are a number of different Pal programs and special aids you can avail of which give a bit of extra time and help with any topics you may be struggling with. The School want you to do well, so if you want to do well and put in the effort they will be more than happy to assist you.’
What are the main jobs you could get after studying Biochemistry?
'Many Biochemistry graduate find employment in pharmaceutical companies. There are many research options as well. A lot of different masters allow you to change or specialise in many different areas such as chemistry, microbiology, biomedical science, nutrition etc. There would also be roles in food companies.'
The School would like to thank our Staff and student ambassadors and especially, Naomi, for contributing to this report and for making our participation in this event such a success.
Aisling Flood and Naomi Hanrahan, both 4th Year Biochemistry students talk to secondary school students about Biochemistry at the UCC Open Day.
School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology ambassador and Fourth Year Biochemistry student, Aisling Flood, talking to Leaving Certificate students at UCC Open Day about the BSc in Biochemistry.
School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology stand at UCC Open Day 2017.
College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS) section in the Western Gateway Building, UCC at UCC Open Day 2017.
Secondary School students interested in studying Biochemistry discuss their future at the Biochemistry and Cell Biology stand at UCC Open Day 2017.
Secondary School students interested in studying Biochemistry discuss their futures with Biochemistry student ambassadors, Aisling Flood and Naomi Hanrahan, at the Biochemistry and Cell Biology stand at UCC Open Day 2017.