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.

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.

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. 

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 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Biomedical Science is the study of Life Science subjects related to human health and disease. Students will learn about the structure and function of the human body from the level of organs and tissues to the molecular level, as well as how drugs are used to treat disease. You will major in one of the following biomedical science subjects: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Physiology.

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.

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.

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.

Biomedical Science is the study and application of biological systems for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This degree gives students access to the latest industry innovations and advancements, teaching them skills needed to gain employment in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device industries in Ireland and abroad.

Biomedical Science is the study and application of biological systems for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This degree gives students access to the latest industry innovations and advancements, teaching them skills needed to gain employment in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical device industries in Ireland and abroad. Innovative teaching methods are used on the programme, including the use of social networking, game-based learning, industrial workshops and visits to target industries and employers. We also recognise the importance of transferable skills such as data presentation, information-sourcing and scientific-technical writing which enhances employability, and expands students knowledge and understanding of the sector. 

This course will appeal to those with a keen interest in science and in how research and technology can impact on human health. It is training scientists at the interface of science and medicine. You will learn how scientifically driven investigations can advance our knowledge of disease prevention, detection and treatment and translating these into clinical utility.

The course will immerse you in modern medical and biological sciences and focus on the application of scientific developments. BHLS offers students a unique opportunity to complete a research project with a Principal Investigator in a biomedical research area that interests them and an opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed publications.

Biopharmaceutical Chemistry is a multidisciplinary subject that combines areas of chemistry and biology. The Biopharmaceutical Chemistry course has a relatively small intake of students and includes ample opportunity for research within projects in years 2 and 4, and a 20-26 week work placement in Year 3.

Bioscience is the branch of science concerned with living organisms and is the foundation of many other schools of scientific inquiry, including biopharmaceuticals, which refers to medical drugs manufactured in living organisms such as bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells.

This course will advance students’ skills in bioanalysis, biotechnology, genetics, immunology, diagnostics, bioforensics and biopharmaceutical science.