Biomedical Science - Sligo
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.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time add-on.
Entry Requirements
Candidates with a relevant level 7 degree, such as the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from ATU Sligo, or similar, are eligible to apply.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
Graduates work across many bio-based industries including biopharmaceutical, diagnostics, and medical devices. They gain roles as technologists, instrumentation scientists, process technicians, cell culture scientists, and protein and drug analysts.
Employability is extremely high from this degree. Graduates gain employment with companies such as Abbott Diagnostics, Allergan, Coca Cola, Charles River Laboratories, Hollister, Abbvie and Pfizer. While many enter the industry as basic grade scientists, it is noted that many gain promotion within a very short space of time.
Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for operational and innovational excellence. More than 85 pharmaceutical companies operate in Ireland. Leading industry names including Abbott, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and Takeda have significant operations here. Our students and graduates have a strong track history of securing both work placement and permanent employment with the leading companies.
Ireland is now the third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally, accounting for €116+ billion in exports annually. Pharmaceutical exports jumped to almost €9bn in January 2024, up 48% from the same time in 2023. This industry accounted for 47.5% of all Irish exports across the month. With 90+ biopharma companies operating in Ireland, the demand for skilled graduates is at an all-time high.
The BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science does not qualify graduates to work as medical laboratory scientists in a hospital lab, however graduates can work in clinical research.
Progression
Students can apply for postgraduate study at Level 9 Masters (both taught and research) and PhD or a full-time MSc in Bioprocessing at ATU.
Further information
Course Overview
Biomedical Science is the study and application of biological systems for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Did you ever wonder how diseases are diagnosed in hospital labs or where insulin comes from that diabetics use? Did you know that many modern day drugs for the likes of cancer and rheumatoid arthritis are produced using biological systems? Biomedical Science is a revolutionary industry that has had a major impact on the production of drugs, hormones and diagnostics over the last twenty years.
Ireland is now the third largest exporter of pharmaceuticals globally, accounting for €116+ billion in exports annually. Pharmaceutical exports jumped to almost €9bn in January 2024, up 48% from the same time in 2023. This industry accounted for 47.5% of all Irish exports across the month. With 90+ biopharma companies operating in Ireland, the demand for skilled graduates is at an all-time high.
Sligo is home to some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Our students and graduates have a strong track history of securing both work placement and permanent employment with these companies.
Overview
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.
National Institute For Bioprocessing And Training (NIBRT)
In Year 4, students gain training experience at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in Blackrock in Dublin. This is an expert training centre for Biopharmaceutical Companies in Ireland and worldwide. Students undertake a training course that gives hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in a Biopharmaceutical facility, enhancing their employability with pharmaceutical companies.
Year 1
Semester 1
Industrial Placement and Case Studies Mandatory
Recombinant Cell Engineering Mandatory
Cell Culture Processing Mandatory
Medical Diagnostics Mandatory
Semester 2
Biopharmaceutical Validation Mandatory
Protein Purification Mandatory
Analytical Testing of Biopharmaceuticals Mandatory
Formulation and Delivery Systems of Biopharmaceuticals Mandatory
Medical Biotechnology Project Mandatory
Admissions
Contact Number: 071-9318510
Email:admissions.sligo@atu.ie