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Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Further Education
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
Find Out More

What our lecturers say What our students say

Entry Points (2024)

577

Course Overview

What is Biomedical Science?

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.

Why should I study Biomedical Science?

This degree is dedicated to producing top quality graduates who have achieved academic excellence. The programme promotes small-group learning throughout the course. This informal interaction with academic staff allows students to get to know their lecturers and helps promote a range of skills such as Communication, Leadership, Teamwork and Creativity. This course also offers the unique opportunity to undertake a research project in both third and fourth year.

International Links

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend one semester of third year in the United States (e.g. University of California) or in Asia (e.g. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology).

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

The course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology. Lecturers include:

Dr Derek Morris
Dr Helen Dodson
Dr Lynn O’Connor
Dr Ailish Hynes
Dr Miriam Moriarty
Dr Eva Szegezdi

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Additional Requirements

Students must satisfy the Garda/police vetting requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

4 years

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades (2024)

universityofgalway.ie/alevels

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

GY303

Course code

Course Outline

YEAR ONE

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Biomedical Science (including science communication, essays, debates)

YEAR TWO

Three pathways from:

Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Physiology (two subjects for both semesters and one other for Semester I only)
Biomedical Science (including seminars and community knowledge initiative projects)

YEAR THREE

One major pathway from:

Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Physiology (including mini research project)
Biostatistics
Biomedical Science (Research Methods and Applications)
Electives - options include Developmental Biology and Bioinformatics

YEAR FOUR

Continue with one major pathway from:

Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or Physiology
Major research project

See more details on the Course Outline for GY303 Biomedical Science here

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Further Education

A high proportion of graduates pursue higher degrees (MSc or PhD) at universities at home and abroad, in many diverse areas including molecular and cell biology, cancer, genetics, regenerative medicine and neuroscience. A proportion of graduates go on to study for professional degrees in the Health Sciences (e.g. Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy).

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates from this program will find employment in the pharmaceutical (e.g. Allergan), diagnostics (e.g. Abbott) and medical devices (e.g. Medtronic, Boston Scientific) industries. Other graduates will go on to careers in research, academia and many areas of health sciences and health care.

Focus on research skills and communication

There is an emphasis in the BSc Biomedical Science course on developing research and communication skills. Students will have many opportunities to work in small groups to develop teamworking skills. Students will develop excellent critical thinking skills through project work and will be encouraged to be questioning scientists who will contribute to the ever-expanding knowledge about human biology which underpins our understanding of human health and disease.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,268 p.a. (€7,408 p.a. including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€4,268 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student Contribution

€3,000 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€27,000 p.a. (€27,140 including levy). 2025/26

EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy* €140. *Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees**.
**Excludes Full-Time EU Undergraduate fees. These are fixed and do not change.

Find out More

Dr Helen Dodson

Programme Director

T: +353 91 492162

E: helen.dodson@universityofgalway.ie

To find out more on our open day please click here: Biomedical Science

What Our Students Say

Rebecca Lane | BSc in Biomedical Science

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my course was my final year research project, which allowed me to put the skills I learned throughout the course to use in a real research context. The projects pushed us all out of our comfort zones, but the supervisors and mentors were very supportive, and I feel much more confident in my research ability now having done it.Throughout the BSc in Biomedical Science, there is a very strong focus on developing research skills, particularly in literature review and science communication. Further to this, regular practicals familiarized us with a diversity of laboratory techniques. This course also struck a nice balance between independent and group work, demanding both the self-motivation and interpersonal skills required of a researcher. As someone who is very passionate about a career in research, I feel that this course was the perfect fit, and has prepared me very well to hit the ground running when I start my PhD.

Caoimhe Maguire | BSc in Biomedical Science

This course is great because it’s a small close-knit class – it’s easy to make friends. I learned that Biomedical Science is varied, fascinating and constantly changing with new discoveries, and it is a great degree for me to now pursue a career in the sciences of health and disease.

Aoife O’Connell | BSc in Biomedical Science

A unique aspect of this course is the initial focus on developing a variety of practical skills. Right from the beginning you learn how to design and compete experiments, communicate findings with the public and discuss scientific topics. In later years there are a variety of seminars, research projects and literature reviews - the most notable being the 12-week independent research project in fourth year. There is a focus from the beginning on group work, which helps develop interpersonal and teamwork skills but also offers the opportunity to get to know more people on your course. As you progress more independent work is introduced, requiring self-motivation but offering the freedom to fully show your potential. As I plan to pursue a career in research this course was the perfect fit for me, it helped me develop skills which will aid me as I begin my career.