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Bachelor of Science (Genetics and Genomics)

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Entry Points (2024)
478

Course Overview

Genetics and Genomics are fast evolving and exciting areas of the biological sciences involving the study and use of DNA-based data. Genetics is the study of how DNA in the cell provides the instructions for life, and also how it acts as the code that passes information from one generation to the next. Modern DNA sequencing technologies can now generate vast quantities of genetic data. Genomics is the study and analysis of these DNA-based data with the goal of making important discoveries in areas such as medicine, agriculture, climate science, evolution, the environment and biotechnology.

This programme is different in Ireland because it provide students with an educational experience that uniquely combines biology with mathematics and data science. If you like biology with mathematics, this course could be for you!

Study Abroad: You will have the opportunity to complete an Erasmus exchange for half of 3rd Year at Uppsala University in Sweden or the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Additional opportunities to study in the United States (e.g., University of California) or in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) are also available. At these universities, you will study a range of subjects related to Genetics and Genomics and experience student life in a different environment and culture.

Careers: As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for many employment opportunities in multiple industries that will value your knowledge of biology and genetics and your genomics data analysis skills. These include genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Graduates will gain the following from this programme:

  •  Expertise in modern biology and genetics.
  • Laboratory skills in genetics and genomics, including the computational and analytical skills to handle big data.
  • Creative problem-solving abilities, either working on your own or collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Critical and objective thinking skills, demonstrating curiosity and independence of thought with an ability to synthesise, summarise and analyse data.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Professional awareness of scientific integrity and associated ethical implications of scientific activities.
  • Effective leadership and project management skills to solve new challenges

Applications and Selections

Who Teaches this Course

This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. Lecturers include:

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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

Additional Requirements

Minimum grade H5 or O1 in Mathematics.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

4 years

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades (2024)

universityofgalway.ie/alevels

Average intake

20

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

4 (More Info)

Closing Date
NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

GY321

Course code

Course Outline

Graduates will be uniquely trained to integrate knowledge and skills from the biological sciences with mathematical, computational and data analytic skills. This multi-disciplinary course covers a range of biological, mathematical and computer science topics:

  • Medicine: the genetic basis of rare and common human diseases and how genomics uncovers genes that contribute to illness.
  • Agri-bioscience: the genetic and biological origins of agriculture; food security and sustainable development.
  • Microbiology: microbial genetics and key medical and environmental impacts of microorganisms.
  • Evolution: evolutionary biology, including natural selection and the genetic mechanisms that shape evolution.
  • Informatics:  computer programming and mathematical and algorithmic methods to solve problems in molecular genetics.

The final year project will allow students to apply their knowledge in a research laboratory.

Students will benefit from group learning in a small class size, and will graduate with a broad range of skills including communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving. These skills are called transferable because they will transfer and be useful in a broad range of careers post-graduation.

Your Course Year by Year

Year One

  • Biology
  • Chemistry: Molecular Science
  • Mathematics (Honours)
  • Introduction to Genetics & Genomics
  • Computer Science
  • Genetics and Genomics: Research and Communication

Year Two

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Protein Structure and Function
  • Evolution and the Tree of Life
  • Laboratory Skills in Microbiology I
  • Statistics in Data Science I
  • Statistics in Data Science II
  • Mathematical Molecular Biology I
  • Genetics and Genomics II
  • Gene Technologies and Molecular Medicine
  • Microbes and the Environment
  • Agri-Biosciences
  • Genetics and Genomics: Seminars and Essays

Year Three

  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbial Genomics
  • Cell Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics Data Analysis I
  • Genomics Data Analysis II
  • Career Development and Employability Skills
  • Human Molecular Genetics
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • The Dynamic Genome
  • Electives (optional modules) in: Developmental Biology, Applied Statistics I, Programming for Science and Finance, Microbial Metabolic and Molecular Systems, Plant and Agricultural Genetics, Immunology and Recombinant Techniques, Mathematical Molecular Biology II, Applied Statistics II

Year Four

  • Research Project
  • Literature Review and Poster Presentation
  • Modern Biotechnologies
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology
  • Medical Genomics I (rare and complex disease genomics)
  • Medical Genomics II (cancer genomics)
  • Advanced Chromosome Biology
  • Current Topics in Bioscience
  • Machine and Deep Learning for Genomics
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Further Education

Graduates can pursue a higher degree (MSc/PhD) at University of Galway or in other national or international universities. Example Masters courses at University of Galway would include:

MSc in Biomedical/Computational Genomics

MSc in Biomedical Science

MSc in Biotechnology

MSc in Cancer Research

MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security

MSc in Neuropharmacology/Toxicology

MSc in Clinical Neuroscience

 

Top graduates may progress directly to PhD studies in diverse areas such as biomedical science, agri-bioscience, microbiology, evolution, informatics and data science where genetics and genomics is an important component of the research project. Other graduates may study for professional qualifications in areas such as Medicine or Education.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

There is growing demand for individuals that have both an in-depth understanding of genetics and the numerical and computer skills required to investigate and interpret genomic data. This will offer our graduates opportunities in genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Career Development and Employability Award

Our 3rd Year includes the Career Development and Employability Skills module delivered by the Careers Development Centre within the University. Here students have the opportunity to reflect on their strengths, skills and career motivations. Students are helped develop a personal brand and promote self-presentation through CV, cover letter, interviews, networking and an online presence. By module end, students produce a career action plan and have their career development achievements recognised by securing the University’s Employability Award.

Study Abroad

Students have the opportunity to complete an Erasmus exchange for one semester of 3rd Year at Uppsala University in Sweden or the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. Additional opportunities to study in the United States (e.g., University of California) or in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology) are also available. At these universities, students will study a range of subjects related to Genetics and Genomics and experience student life in a different environment and culture.

Student Awards for Academic Achievement

Students have the opportunity to compete for the James Houghton Award in 3rd Year and the Marie Greally Award in 4th Year (sponsored by the Irish Society of Human Genetics). Both are awarded to the student with the best overall mark at the end of the year.

Summer Internships

Students have the opportunity to apply for summer research studentships (e.g., from the Health Research Board, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences) to support eight week paid internships in university-based research laboratories in the summer between 3rd and 4th Year. This is an excellent opportunity for students to experience a research environment and learn new skills that will be useful when completing their final year research project.

Small class size

Students will benefit from group learning in a small class size with an average intake of 25 students.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

 

   

Study Abroad

Students have the opportunity to apply to spend one semester of 3rd Year in the United States (e.g., University of California) or in Asia (e.g., Hong Kong University of Science and Technology). At these universities, students will be able to study a range of subjects related to Genetics and Genomics as a well as experiencing student life in a different environment and culture.

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 p.a. 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 Derek Morris
Programme Director
E: derek.morris@universityofgalway.ie
T:+353 91 494439

Dr Elaine Dunleavy
Deputy Programme Director
E: elaine.dunleavy@universityofgalway.ie
T:+353 91 404046

 

What Employers Say

Dr Laura

Dr Laura Fahey |   Clinical Bioinformatician National Virus Ref Laboratory

Graduates from this programme will be attractive to employers in several areas including biomedical genomics, diagnostics, agri-biotech and biopharma. Recent advances have made this a particularly exciting field to be involved in and there are many emerging opportunities in Ireland and abroad for scientists that have a combination of biology, genetics and data science knowledge and skills
 

What our Students Say

Asha

Asha Golden |   BSC (Genetics and Genomics)

These past four years have been pivotal in preparing me for industry. I chose to focus on computer science and statistics modules, which provided me with a solid grasp of statistical methods and hands-on experience with essential software like R and Shiny, crucial in the pharma industry. One of my favourite aspects of the course was its practicality. In my fourth year, a literature review honed my ability to analyse scientific literature, a skill I now use daily to critically appraise research documents and protocols. The program also emphasized effective communication, helping me develop the ability to create and deliver successful presentations, which I regularly do in my current role with Novartis. Without this blend of training, I wouldn’t have been as prepared for my interview or my current position. This programme has equipped me with the tools and confidence to succeed in a pharmaceutical company.
Liadhan

Liadhan Farrell |   BSC (Genetics and Genomics)

As the first graduating class for Genetics and Genomics, the diversity of modules incorporated into the course was an aspect I really enjoyed. It allowed me to explore different areas of study in science which has helped me find my true interests as well as prepare me with a unique arsenal of skills that are unique to this course. I was introduced to modules in microbiology, plant and agricultural science, biochemistry, statistics, bioinformatics and more. The range of exposure encouraged me to follow my passions and develop a well-rounded understanding of the applications of genetics in different scientific disciplines. I chose to pursue a PhD in biochemistry because of my interest in the development of gene editing to understand biological processes. A career in research is something this course encouraged throughout the four years. Although if students feel like research is not a career for them, they still gain laboratory and computational skills that are highly transferrable to and desired in countless industry roles.