Science - Biological & Chemical Sciences
If you enjoy Biology and/or Chemistry as Leaving Certificate subjects, enjoy working in a laboratory environment and like the challenge and excitement of scientific research and development, then Biological and Chemical Sciences, with its broad range of opportunities, might be the CAO entry route for you.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
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.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7 or H4*
Lab Science O6/H7 or H4*
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Note: H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science*
* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
An extremely wide variety of career opportunities are available to graduates of the degree streams. For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme. https://www.ucc.ie/en/ck402/#section3
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 20
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 200
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Course Outline
Our Biological and Chemical Sciences degree programme is the largest and most flexible entry route for you in science, with nine degree streams available through it.
Our programme is carefully constructed to foster an interdisciplinary approach across a wide range of biological, biotechnology, medical, chemical and pharmaceutical research areas.
If you enjoy Biology and/or Chemistry as Leaving Certificate subjects, enjoy working in a laboratory environment and like the challenge and excitement of scientific research and development, then Biological and Chemical Sciences, with its broad range of opportunities, might be the CAO entry route for you.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Work Placement
This varies between degree streams with a variety of options for gaining relevant work experience. The Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds and Biotechnology streams have formal work placements, whereas such placements are options in other streams. For the latter, academic departments help interested students secure appropriate summer placements in companies, research laboratories, or research institutes. These are recognised on the academic record and usually take place following the second or third year.
Year 1 modules will give you an understanding of a wide range of research areas, allowing you then to decide which area you want to specialise in. You chose which degree award you would like to pursue at the end of first year or second year. The degree streams available are as follows:
Applied Plant Biology
Biochemistry
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds
Chemistry with Forensic Sciences
Microbiology
Neuroscience
Physiology
Year 1 Modules
BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits)
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 1 (10 credits)
CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Part 2a (10 credits)
MA1001 Calculus for Science Part 1 (5 credits)
MA1002 Calculus for Science Part 2 (5 credits)
PY1010 Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences (10 credits)
College of Science, Engineering and Food Science
collegeoffice@sefs.ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 3075
http://www.ucc.ie/en/sefs/