| Code | MT871 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
| CAO Points | 2024: 556 |
Course Outline
Biomedical Scientists work in partnership with doctors and other health healthcare professionals in investigating samples of tissue and body fluids in order to diagnose diseases and monitor patient treatments.
Biomedical Science is a continually changing dynamic profession and involves the study of diverse areas of medical science including biochemistry, microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology, and transfusion science. It provides training in cutting-edge technologies to facilitate the investigation of disease and medical research.
You will have access to all the UCC and MTU facilities during this course, attending lectures, tutorials, and practical classes in both colleges. You will obtain detailed knowledge of the theory, principles, and application of methods in biomedical science and you will also learn to appreciate the importance of the medical scientist in providing a quality pathology service within a healthcare system. Importantly, you will learn how to assess, evaluate, and interpret clinical laboratory tests and results with a view to aiding in clinical diagnosis. A mixture of laboratory work, lectures, tutorials, and written and practical exams, will ensure that you are ready for the many different roles in medical laboratories.
Year 1 Modules
- BM1001 Introduction to Biomedical Science I (5 credits)
- BM1002 Introduction to Biomedical Science II (5 credits)
- BM1003 Cell Biology (5 credits)
- BM1004 Creativity, Innovation & Teamwork (5 credits)
- BM1007 Introduction to Health Science (5 credits)
- BM1008 Introduction to Human Biology (5 credits)
- BM1009 Chemistry for Biological Science I (5 credits)
- BM1010 Chemistry for Biological Science II (5 credits)
- MA1001 Calculus for Science I( 5 credits)
- MA1002 Calculus for Science II (5 credits)
- PY1008 Physics for Biomedical, Environmental, Food and Nutritional Sciences (10 credits)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
- This course is offered jointly with Munster Technological University. This collaboration blends the particular strengths of the two institutions. We have developed the Biomedical Science course jointly to improve the course structure and curriculum, your student experience and career opportunities.
- Students are formally assessed through continuous assessment and end-of-semester examinations. A range of assessment methods are used and include: essay and short answer examinations, multiple-choice-question examinations, evaluations of laboratory practical skills, laboratory reports, independent laboratory research project, research mini-thesis and seminar presentation and oral examination.
- Students on this BSc programme must obtain a course of occupational vaccinations for their safety. These will be coordinated and administered through the CIT/MTU Medical Centre but will be at a financial cost to the student. The current vaccination requirements are Hepatitis B (year 1) and both Hepatitis A and REVAXIS in year 2. The approximate combined cost for these vaccinations in the academic year 2019-2020 was €150. The vaccine requirements and costs are reviewed each year and may be subject to change.
Why Choose This Course
The aim of this course is to educate you in Biomedical Sciences, including the state-of-the-art technologies used in hospitals and research laboratories. It is offered jointly by UCC and Munster Technological University and approximately 35 places are available.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Work Placement
Upon completion of the BSc programme, you may progress to the postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice which allows you to practice as a Medical Scientist in Ireland. This optional diploma takes one academic year to complete and incorporates a clinical work placement as part of its programme.
Many of our students choose to take up a summer placement in laboratories in Ireland or abroad while completing their undergraduate BSc course. Placements have been carried out at the Cork Cancer Research Centre and across Europe via the acclaimed Amgen Scholars Programme.
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
As a graduate, you can apply for entry to a wide range of postgraduate programmes, including
Check out the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology Postgraduate Courses page to find out more.
You could also complete a PhD and pursue a career in research.
Career Opportunities
Biomedical Science represents an opportunity to put scientific knowledge into practical use and perform a key role within medical healthcare. Biomedical scientists learn skills and gain qualifications that can be transferred all over Europe and can be recognised worldwide.
As a Biomedical Science graduate, you can work in a wide variety of areas such as a medical scientist in Irish hospitals (BSc and Diploma required); biopharmaceutical biotechnology industries (BSc only required); public health (BSc only required); sales marketing of medical products (BSc only required).
Our graduates have gone on to work in various fields and include analytical chemists, medical scientists, laboratory assistants, laboratory tutors and medical assistants. Companies and hospitals that employ graduates from this course include Alcon Laboratories, Bantry General Hospital, Bon Secours, Cork University Hospital, Galway Clinic, Health Service Executive (HSE), Mater Private Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, and University Hospital Limerick.
To be eligible to work as a Biomedical Scientist in a hospital laboratory, you must hold a BSc Honours degree in Biomedical Science, followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Placement. The degree, in conjunction with the clinical placement, is accredited by both the Irish Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine and the UK-based Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). IBMS-accredited degrees support the required academic level needed to meet the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency.
Completion of both the BSc degree and the postgraduate diploma also allows you to register with CORU, the regulator of Medical Scientists in Ireland. The course prepares you for a career in laboratory medicine and related areas in the healthcare industry and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Requirements
Applications for this programme are made via Munster Technological University (MTU).
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Physics with Chemistry.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
| English | Irish | Maths | Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|
| O6/H7 | O6/H7 | O6/H7 | H4 |
EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications
EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.
Mature Students
To compete through the mature entry route, applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the application year and apply online via the CAO by 1 February. The application should include a statement of interest. Applicants may also be called for interview.
Honours Maths or a high level of Ordinary Maths in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is strongly advised as this is a mathematically challenging course. Applied Maths and Physics in the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) is highly beneficial.
Further information on applying as a mature student is available on the Mature Applicants and Mature Student Entry support pages.
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.