Pathway Directors

Dr Sara Farrona - Plant & AgriBiosciences

Plant and Agricultural Biosciences innovations have a critical role to play in ensuring future food security and sustainable development through discoveries in Ireland and internationally. Plant & AgriBiosciences have a major focus on preparing students for careers in the vibrant plant and agribiosciences sector.

Your undergraduate BSc degree in Plant & AgriBiosciences will strategically position your career for emerging 'green economy' job opportunities across agri‐biosciences, biotechnology, breeding, genetics, bio‐chemistry, food, nutrition, bioenergy, agriculture, pharmaceutics, education, biobusiness, sustainable development, clean‐tech, regulatory affairs and government policy sectors.

Contact me : sara.farrona@universityofgalway.ie

Professor Conor O'Byrne - Microbiology

Microbiology is the scientific study of microscopic life-forms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. When the first plants evolved, microbes had already existed for over three billion years, and they have since been found living in every environment on Earth from sea-floor vents to the outer atmosphere, including inside the human body. The microbial cells in and on your body outnumber your own cells ten to one, and would fill a soup can if you put them all together! Luckily, the vast majority of these microbes are harmless, and many are essential in the environment.

In addition to a BSc degree in Microbiology, our academic staff contribute to the delivery of denominated B.Sc. degrees in Biotechnology and Marine Science. At the postgraduate level, the discipline offers an MSc degree in Biotechnology.

Contact me: conor.obyrne@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Eddie Myers - Medicinal Chemistry

Do you want to learn how to discover and develop life saving medicines? Then study Medicinal Chemistry. Medicinal chemists play crucial roles in drug discovery and development. Medicinal Chemistry is vital to addressing all modern health problems such as the problem of resistance to antibiotics, cancer, all types of infection and diseases of the brain and nervous system.

Medicinal Chemistry graduates, like all Chemistry graduates, are highly employable with opportunities in the Chemical and Pharmaceutical industries, forensics, agri-food, environmental services, education, teaching.

Contact me: eddie.myers@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Maria Tuohy - Biochemistry

Welcome to the pathway of Biochemistry at the Unversity of Galway. Biochemistry as a field seeks to answer the key questions of how life works at the molecular level. Our faculty are engaged in research in many areas of modern biology, linked by studies focused on how the molecules of the body carry out the functions of life. These active research efforts inform and motivate our rich tradition of teaching and innovation as the discipline, established over 50 years ago, continues to be one of the most active in Ireland. Our mission is to provide an excellent environment for learning through research-led teaching in modern Biochemistry, leading to exciting career options for our graduates.

Contact me: maria.tuohy@universityofgalway.ie

Dr Constantina Papatriantafyllopoulou - Chemistry

We are committed to continuing our School’s rich tradition of teaching, research and innovation in Chemistry. Our pathway is one of the most active in Ireland and our mission is to provide excellence in teaching and learning and in our research.

Chemistry is fundamental to many public concerns – improved agricultural practices to meet the demands of an ever-increasing human world population. Enhanced environmental protection for a cleaner environment. Continuous research and development in the pharmaceutical industries leading to a better quality of life and higher life expectancies. As human beings we have a responsibility to protect our planet. By studying atoms, molecules and alike and by gaining an understanding of the chemical processes they undergo all around us we can play an active role in ensuring that future generations can enjoy life on our beautiful planet Earth.

Contact me: constantina.papatriantafyllopo@universityofgalway.ie