Biological and Chemical Sciences BSc (Hons) - CK402

Our Biological and Chemical Sciences degree programme is the largest and most flexible entry route for you in the Science area, with eight degree streams available through it. Our programme is carefully constructed to foster an inter-disciplinary approach across a wide range of biological, biotechnology, medical, chemical and pharmaceutical research areas.

You will study a core programme of subjects during First Year as a Biological and Chemical Sciences student. If you enjoy Biology and/or Chemistry as Leaving Certificate subjects, enjoy working in a laboratory environment and like the challenge and excitement of scientific research and development, then CK402, with its broad range of oppoortunities, may be the CAO entry route for you.

Year 1

In your first year as a Biological and Chemical Sciences student, you will study a core programme of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.

You will study a wide variety of Biology modules such as Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (BL1002), Introduction to Biological Chemistry and Microbiology (BL1003), Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (BL1004) and Biodiversity, Ecology and Environmental Biology (BL1005). You will also complete an Introduction to Chemistry (CM1000), Physics (PY1001) and Calculus for Science (MA1003).

Year 2, 3, 4

Entry to the following degree courses takes place at the beginning of Second Year:

Chemistry; Chemistry with Forensic Science; Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds; Education in Physical Sciences

For those wishing to go down the road of a Biological Science degree, you make your decision at the end of Second Year for the remainder of degree courses:

Biochemistry; Microbiology; Neuroscience; Physiology

The subjects that you will study from Second Year onwards depend upon which programme you enter from the options above. Please see the individual course information pages for details of each of these programmes. 

• Leaving Cert entry requirements: HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. At least a HC3 must be obtained in the Lab Science subject or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.

• Mature applicants should apply directly through the CAO and may be required to attend for interview. Applicants are assessed on the basis of academic and/or professional background in a science-related discipline, evidenced by exam results and their personal statement. There are seven places available for mature students through CK402.

• International Students should visit the International Education Website.

• FETAC Links Booklet (1,515kB).

EU Applicants: Application to the first year of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply on-line at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.

Non-EU applicants

This course comprises a combination of Lectures, Practicals (experiments) and tutorials/workshops

A variety of assessment methodologies are employed in CK402. Most modules are assessed by a mixture of in-term multiple choice-type questions (MCQs) and end of year written examinations. Laboratory work and practical aspects of the course are also assessed on an ongoing basis via laboratory reports etc., while homework assignments are also assessed in a number of modules.

During your First Year of study of this programme, you will be taught by experienced academic staff from across the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science that specialise in the many diverse aspects of the programme. This includes staff from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Biochemistry, the Department of Microbiology, the Department of Chemistry, the Department of Physics and the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Dr Jill Haynes

Email: j.haynes@sefs.ucc.ie

Phone: 021 490 2878