Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Two Biomedical Science students in a science lab
Two Biomedical Science students in a science lab
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
30
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 871
Entry Requirements
569* Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, University College Cork, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Fiona O'Halloran

T: +353 (0)21 433 5916

 

Email: (email)

Overview

This honours degree course is offered jointly by MTU and UCC.

Biomedical science is the term for the investigations carried out by medical scientists on samples of tissue and body fluids to diagnose disease and monitor the treatment of patients. Medical scientists work in partnership with doctors and other healthcare professionals to perform many different roles in medical laboratories. Biomedical science is a continually changing dynamic profession and involves study of the diverse areas of medical science including biochemistry, microbiology, cellular pathology, haematology and transfusion science. It provides training in state-of-the-art technologies to facilitate investigation of disease and medical research.

 

Work Placement

Work placement is not an integral part of this four year degree programme. Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) programme the graduates may progress to the Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice. This diploma is optional and takes one academic year to complete. It is important to note that the combination of the joint MTU-UCC BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Science and the MTU Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Practice are CORU approved (Irish State Regulator for Health Care Professionals) and that both are required to practice as a medical scientist in Ireland.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

As well as learning the main core science subjects in first year, students will also be exposed to the following disciplines:

  • Clinical Biochemistry: study of the chemical profiles of body fluids in normal and diseased states
  • Haematology: study of blood cells in the normal and diseased individual
  • Histology/Histopathology: study of cells and cellular arrangement in normal and cancerous tissue
  • Diagnostic Microbiology: study of microorganisms encountered in infectious diseases
  • Transfusion Science: the science relating to transfusing fluid (i.e. blood) into a vein or artery
  • Health Science: introduction to a selection of “hot topics” relating to health

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and four subjects grade O6/H7, English grade O6/H7, Mathematics grade O6/H7, Science grade H4 (Note 1) and Irish grade O6/H7 (Note 2).

NOTE 1: A H4 must be obtained in a laboratory science subject (from Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Physics and Chemistry ( joint)). NB: Agricultural Science is accepted as a subject and attracts CAO points but does not meet the requirement for the laboratory science subject.

NOTE 2: Irish is a requirement for this programme unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.

NB: Please note the H4 grade in a relevant science subject can also be used to satisfy one of the H5 entry requirements.

NB: There is no advanced entry to the BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Science programme, i.e. there is no access to the programme after CAO entry in year 1.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Biomedical science prepares the student for a career in laboratory medicine and related areas in the health-care industry and biopharmaceutical industry. Biomedical science graduates work as medical scientists in hospitals, and in research, the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, public health and sales and marketing of medical products.

  • Medical scientist in Irish Hospitals (BSc (Hons) and Diploma required)
  • Biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries (BSc (Hons) only required)
  • Public health (BSc (Hons) only required)
  • Sales and marketing of medical products (BSc (Hons) only required)

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply for a postgraduate degree

  • MSc (by Research)
  • PhD

Question Time

Students on this BSc (Hons) programme must obtain a course of occupational vaccinations for their safety. These will be coordinated and administered through the MTU Medical Centre, Bishopstown Campus, 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 2021-2022 was €175. The vaccine requirements and costs are reviewed each year and may be subject to change.

It is always an advantage to have chemistry and physics coming into a course such as Biomedical Science. However, it is feasible to take up one or both of these subjects on entry to the course, and the first year programme is tailored to support students who enter the programme without prior knowledge of these subjects.

Applicants to the programme should have a keen interest in science, laboratory medicine, and health. This profession requires scientists that are mindful of their responsibility when dealing with human health. Confidentiality is of paramount importance as information concerning patients cannot be divulged for ethical reasons other than in the course of their work.

The programme for the BSc (Honours) in Biomedical Science is taught equally by MTU and UCC, so this means that the students will expect to spend some days in one university or the other. The timetable is arranged to minimise travel between the two universities.

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