Biology is the study of living things; we explore how life first arose: the properties that distinguish living organisms from inert matter; how the vast diversity of life forms was generated; how organisms reproduce themselves; how they interact both with each other and with the environment. Biology is fundamental to understanding the world we live in and plays a huge role in medicine.

Our programme is carefully constructed to foster an interdisciplinary approach across a wide range of biological, biotechnology, medical, chemical and pharmaceutical research areas.

This entry route is designed to provide you with a gateway to better choice if you’re unsure which area you’d like to study. You can avail of a broad common first year which will introduce you to various topics in Biological and Chemical Sciences. Having gained a better understanding of each subject area, you then choose your preferred pathway to specialise for the remaining 3 years of your degree programme. At UL, you get to try before you decide.

Science requires a fundamental understanding of the key areas of biology and chemistry and the LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Limerick offers prospective students an opportunity to develop a core competency in both scientific areas in their first year at University. LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences is a gateway from Year 2 to a degree in either:

• BSc Bioscience OR
• BSc Environmental Science OR
• BSc Industrial Biochemistry OR
• BSc Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry OR
• BSc Biomedical Science (after completing years 2 and 3 in Bioscience)

The core areas in Biology and Geography covered by the programme provide foundation knowledge across both disciplines, and explore in different ways how the dynamic planet Earth supports such a diversity of climates, landforms, ecosystems and species, and also how human activity is impacting on all of these from a local to a global scale.

Students will gain core technical skills and subject specific practical laboratory- / field-based skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting. During the final year project students will have access to cutting-edge research facilities across the molecular and ecological disciplines.

During the General Entry course, you’ll study biochemistry, bioprocessing, biotechnology, genetics, cell biology and microbiology, while also completing some modules in chemistry, physics and mathematics. Once you successfully pass this first year, you’ll go on to one of three programmes: the BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology, the BSc in Biotechnology or the BSc in Bioprocessing. 

The common biological sciences honours entry scheme is a two-year programme designed for students interested in biological sciences as a career, but who may be unsure of which discipline to follow.

The scheme gives students the opportunity to see the three disciplines, first-hand, through the various modules on offer, interaction with lecturers, and industrial site visits. This allows the student to make an informed decision on their discipline of study.

Students will gain core technical skills, subject specific practical laboratory- / field-based skills, and employer-directed skills to help them investigate and manipulate biological material including relevant physical, chemical and biological measurements and their application in a laboratory, field, and research project setting.

The BEES programme provides you with a unique opportunity to explore the environmental challenges of our times. This interdisciplinary programme spans the biological, earth and environmental sciences. 

Biology is the study of living organisms from the molecular level to ecosystems. Our full-time undergraduate BSc Hons Biology course covers fundamental areas of biology with a focus upon the biomedical, molecular and environmental sciences. During the first year you will study fundamentals of biology such as biodiversity, plant and animal physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, as well as cell biology.

In the first semester of your first year you will also receive tailor-made training in subject specific as well as transferable core skills in a small group teaching environment. In Year 2 you will study more specific biological science disciplines such as marine biology, genetics, microbiology and biotechnology, which will build upon knowledge acquired in first year but also underpin study in the final year.

The final year is driven by the very strong research expertise and interests of the lecturing staff and provides an opportunity to carry out an extensive research project in a specific biological topic.

The aim of the programme is to educate young teachers and help them develop the skills and aptitudes to confidently face the challenges of science teaching. When you graduate from the programme you will be qualified to teach; Biology to honours Leaving Certificate level, Chemistry or Physics or Agricultural Science to honours Leaving Certificate level, General Science to Junior Certificate level. The programme is four years in duration and is based on the concurrent model of teacher education, in which educational studies and studies in biology, along with your chosen elective (chemistry or physics or agricultural science) are combined with periods of school placement in which you will gain experience of teaching.

Biomedical Science is the science related to medical conditions – their causes, diagnosis and treatment. Molecular diagnostics is the use and development of novel technologies to enable faster and more personalised diagnosis, often using DNA-based approaches.

A unique feature of the course is the way diagnostic and analytical sciences are integrated with bioproduct design and development. It also includes modules in transferable skills such as basic programming and bioinformatics.

Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science is the study of human health and disease and represents one of the largest industries in Ireland today. This course aims to provide students with an introduction to laboratory skills and diverse areas of modern health sciences, allowing them to develop their practical skills, techniques and knowledge in the area of Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Science.

This full-time one-year programme provides a solid foundation in general science. The programme aims to provide both the knowledge and practical skills necessary to prepare learners for further studies in areas such as Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, Biological and Forensics as well as Pharmacy Technician programmes.

Biomedical electronics involves the application of electronic circuits and technologies for treating medical conditions, monitoring health problems and improving the quality of llife for patients. This course provides a blended mix of theory classes, practical experiments and laboratory sessions combined with project-based learning (PBL) elements (hands-on) with medical device equipment and software tools.

Biomedical electronics involves the application of electronic circuits and technologies for treating medical conditions, monitoring health problems and improving the quality of life for patients.

Biomedical engineering combines engineering with an appreciation of the functioning of the human body, whether healthy, injured or diseased. In the clinical context, biomedical engineers play a key role in designing, sourcing and maintaining equipment, facilities and services within hospitals. 

Biomedical Engineering combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical and biological sciences to help improve patient health care and the quality of life of individuals.

This course integrates the study of biological systems, biomedical devices and clinical engineering with traditional mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering. Projects are carried out in conjunction with industry, with medical practitioners, and with the Biomedical Engineering unit of Cork University Hospital.

When you study Biomedical Engineering, you not only learn how the body works and becomes injured, but you come to understand how medical devices are developed to treat injuries and disease, and how we can help the body heal itself.

You’ll use state-of-the-art labs and tools such as 3D simulations and machine learning as you study. You’ll get biological and medical knowledge, and technical engineering expertise, so you can solve problems in biomedicine. You’ll study advanced biology, biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue engineering, medical device design, surgical technology, rehabilitation engineering and much more besides. 

Biomedical Engineering is a relatively new branch of engineering that involves the use of cutting-edge technologies to help improve human healthcare. Biomedical engineers are involved in the design and creation of medical devices, implants such as stents, instruments and materials for clinical use.

The Irish Medtech Association suggests that the MedTech sector needs to urgently develop capabilities and expertise in the areas of innovation, research, development and commercialisation. Graduates of this degree in Biomedical Engineering will have the appropriate skill sets to serve this requirement. Graduates of this degree will possess the biological and engineering skills to understand the biomechanics, design, and treatment of healthcare related issues. If you would like a career in Engineering that will save or improve people’s life, this degree is for you.

According to data released by Enterprise Ireland, Ireland has over 29,000 people employed in the MedTech sector and is the second largest employer of MedTech professionals in Europe. As many as 18 of the world’s top 25 medical technology companies have a base in Ireland, and 50% of the 400 MedTech companies based here are indigenous. Graduates of this degree in Biomedical Engineering will have the appropriate skillsets to serve this requirement. Graduates of this degree will possess the biological and engineering skills to understand the biomechanics, design, and treatment of healthcare related issues. 

Students learn how to use analytical and technical procedures to monitor and improve human health and to investigate disease processes. The degree is broadly similar to the pre-clinical component of a medical degree.

Students also learn how to ask questions, make observations, and analyse evidence in theory work and through practical laboratory sessions– and to present and communicate findings clearly while developing computer literacy and research skills.