Genetics is fundamental to all areas of biological study, as genes carry the information which largely determines what we are and how we function in the environment.

The BSc Genetics will teach you to understand how genes work in individuals and populations. On this course, particular emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of genetics, but all facets are covered throughout the degree and all graduates have a strong foundation in modern genetics. 

In Year 1, students will focus on foundation knowledge for Genetics, including how genes work in individuals and populations and how cutting-edge programmes such as the Human Genome Project are revolutionising the way we tackle biological questions.

Year 2 is designed to provide fundamental background knowledge in preparation for the specialisation in Genetics in Years 3 and 4. Year 4 also includes a three-month project in the laboratory, during which time you will receive training in the use of genetic approaches to solving a contemporary question or problem in biology. These projects are based in the departments that contribute to the Genetics course.

Year 1 Modules:

Core

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics

Year 2 Modules:

Core 

• Biomolecules
• Principles of Metabolic Pathways
• Current Perspectives in Genetics
• Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 2a
• Fundamentals of Microbiology
• Principles of Microbiology
• Introductory Molecular Biology
• Introduction to Plant Biotechnology
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Vertebrate Diversity

Electives

• Fundamentals of Ecology
• Mammalian Cell and Tissue Structure
• Ecological Plant Physiology

Year 3 Modules:

Core

• Structural Biochemistry
• Cell Signalling
• Molecular Biology
• Principles of Medical Genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Literature Project on Genetics
• Population and Evolutionary Genetics
• Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biotechnology
• Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Immunology: Host Response to Pathogens
• Genetic Maniupulation of Plants
• Biostatistics I

Year 4 Modules:

• Developmental Genetics
• Research Project
• Genomics and Applications
• Genetics and Society
• Computational Biology
• Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics
• Molecular Biology and Physiology of Bacteria
• Biostatistics II

Electives (specialisation in specific areas is possible)

• Medical Microbiology
• Advanced Medical Microbiology
• Advanced Virology
• Advanced Cell Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Current Advances in Immunology

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on the modules.

Leaving Certificate entry requirements: 

H5 in two subjects, and O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.  

Special Entry Requirement:  H4 in Biology (meets the Laboratory Science requirement).  Students presenting with a 2016 (or previous) Leaving Certificate must present with a HC2 in  Biology (meets the Laboratory Science requirement).

Mature students: Applicants should apply directly through the CAO, include a statement of interest and may be called for interview. Applicants are assessed on education, life and/or relevant experience as demonstrated in the CAO application and statement of interest.   Approximately one mature place is available.

International students should visit the International Education website.

FETAC requirements.

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

Non-EU Applicants

Mature Applicants:  Application is made through the CAO and the closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.

Expected lecture hours: 288 per year (may include directed study/reading hours, depending on the module). Lectures and practicals are conducted between 9am and 6pm (Monday to Friday).

Expected lab/practical/tutorial hours: 216 per year. Year 4 also includes a three-month project, during which you receive training in the use of genetic approaches to solving a contemporary question or problem in biology. These projects are based in the departments that contribute to the Genetics degree.

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May.  Not all modules will have formal examinations.  Many modules use other types of assessment.

This is a multidisciplinary course and includes lecturing staff from a number of different departments in the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science and project supervisors from the College of Medicine and Health.