Fact File

Course Outline

The MRes in Biochemistry and Biosciences (formerly named MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology) is the first scientific, research-intensive course of its kind in Ireland and aims to recruit highly-motivated, enthusiastic students with an interest in research. With internationally-recognised researchers in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and with affiliated centres and institutes, the MRes combines a 12-month full-time (24 months part time) research project with select taught modules to enhance each student’s individual skill set.

Note: There are two entry points in the same academic year to this programme: September and January.

A research project can be undertaken in the areas of bioanalysis, bioinformatics, proteomics, cancer biology, cell signalling, gene expression, trafficking, molecular genetics, neurobiology, RNA, translational control, or synthetic biology. A strong focus on development of presentation and writing skills required for a successful research career, including research proposal writing, general and transferable skills in laboratory techniques and safety, research ethics and integrity, information literacy and science communication.

The MRes in Biochemistry and Biosciences is comprised of an orientation and induction week, elective modules, attendance at seminars and a research project and dissertation. Students will participate in a university-wide research induction event, complete a laboratory health and safety training session, and meet with the MRes coordinator and team to discuss their research student learning plan, including selection of modules.

Modules

Students must take 20 credits from the following list of modules. 15 elective modules take place in semester 1 (total 80 credits), 9 elective modules take place in semester 2 (total 50 credits) and 4 elective modules take place in semester 3 (total 35 modules).

• ML6005 Molecular Techniques in the Life Sciences (5 credits)
• BC6004 Scientific Research Planning and Proposals (5 credits)
• PG6001 STEPS - Scientific Training for Enhanced Postgraduate Studies (5 credits)
• PG6009 Graduate Information Literacy Skills (5 credits)
• PG6015 An Introduction to Research Integrity, Ethics and Open Science (5 credits)
• ST6013 Statistics and Data Analysis for Postgraduate Research Students (10 credits)
• BC5005 SkillsBET-BioPharma - Skills Based Education and Training in BioPharmaceutical Sciences (5 credits)
• BC5006 Technical and Professional Skills Training for Employment in the BioPharma Workplace (15 credits)
• BC6001 Cell and Molecular Biology (5 credits)
• PG6014 Scientific Outreach and Communication (5 credits)
• PG6020 Business Research Skills (10 credits)
• PG6021 English for Postgraduate Studies - Upper-Intermediate: B2+ (5 credits)
• PG6022 English for Postgraduate Studies - Advanced: C1+ (5 credits)
• PG6024 Qualitative Research Inquiry (5 credits)
• PG6027 Going Public: Publishing Research in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (5 credits)
• PG6029 Skills in Public Engagement of Science (5 credits)
• PG6030 Reproducible Research Practices (5 credits)
• PG7014 Creativity and Innovation for Research Students (5 credits)

Seminar Series

As part of the MRes, students will attend research seminars in the School of Biochemistry and Biosciences. Presented by both external and internal speakers, you will hear about the latest research developments from experts in their fields.

Research Project and Dissertation

The largest component of the MRes degree is the research project.  Students will select or design a project, together with your supervisor, and begin your research in week two.  Work on your project will be compiled into an MSc dissertation. 

By completing the MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, students will gain invaluable experience in all aspects of research – from hands-on, practical skills to experimental design, planning and project-management.  Students will be a working independently, but also collaboratively within a selected research group within the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.  The MRes is designed to give you the best start for your scientific research career.

Entry and Eligibility

Candidates must:

• possess an honours primary degree (minimum 2.1 honours or equivalent) in the biological sciences, medicine or pharmaceutical sciences.
• be approved by the MRes coordinator and programme team, including the Head of the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

The number of places is limited and decisions on entry to the programme will be made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in his/her primary degree and interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from two academic referees.

English Language Requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements available here.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements, please find our grades comparison by country here. 

International/non-EU applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information, please contact the International Office.

Industry-based applicants

Applicants based in industry, can apply to undertake a 2 year part time MRes . The decision on entry to the programme will be assessed by the programme director and the Head of School, on a case by case basis.  The decision on entry will be include the proposed project compatibility, the candidate’s performance in his/her primary degree and interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from two academic referees.

Skills and Careers Information

The MRes in Biochemistry and Biosciences is designed to give students a research-intensive experience but at a degree level lower than a PhD. Taught modules are focused on generic and transferable research skills, rather than discipline-specific knowledge. There is an emphasis on data analysis, interpretation, problem-solving and time- and project-management. Students also develop skills in presenting and writing science, posing a research question and development of a research proposal.  Students completing the MRes in Biochemistry and Biosciences will be competitive to secure funding, obtain a PhD position or enter directly into employment within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical sectors. 

Fees and Costs

• EU Fees: €5,900 and €5,000 Bench Fee

• Non-EU Fees: €15,433 and €5,000 Bench Fee

How Do I Apply

1. Choose Course

Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to two courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online

Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a non-refundable €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Professional Master of Education (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

• Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
• Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline

Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details. 

5. Rounds

For courses that are in the rounds system (Irish and EU applicants), please check the rounds closing dates here.

Questions on how to apply?

Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Alternatively, please contact us at: mresbiochem@ucc.ie