Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
444
CAO/MU Apply code
MH202
Award Type and NFQ level
Undergraduate Degree (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 July 2025

Overview

Degree Overview
>Biotechnology is the use of biological molecules, cells and organisms for applications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture and industry.
>While biotechnology is fundamentally the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products, it is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry, genetics and other sciences. Students in this field study core disciplines such as genetics, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology as well as applied areas including genetic engineering, molecular diagnostics and bioprocessing of food and drugs.
>Students reinforce theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial companies, and ideally a placement in a biotech company (subject to availability).
>There is a transfer pathway from 1st year MH201 Science to 2nd year MH202 Biotechnology for students who have taken Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and another subject. Students must attain 60% at the end of first year. Places are limited and are based on 1st year results. More details about potential MH201 transfer opportunities.


Course structure

Duration: 4 years

Duration: 4 years

1st year

  • Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and 1 other Science subject (Experimental Physics or Mathematical Physics)

2nd year

  • Concentrate on Biotechnology, Chemistry, and 1 of the other 2 subjects you studied in 1st year
  • Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills

3rd year

  • Focus mainly on Biotechnology and Chemistry

4th year

  • Concentrate on Biotechnology
  • Industry work placement (subject to availability)

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.

After Undergraduation

After Graduation
>Graduates typically work in the biopharmaceutical sector, manufacturing new drugs at the cutting edge of medical research, (for example, antibodies used to treat cancers or immune disorders, or vaccines to prevent cervical cancer or hepatitis B), developing new diagnostic systems for human or animal health or improving food production.
>The Biology Department also offers a range of postgraduate courses.

Visit the Department website for more information about postgraduate options.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) and O4/H7 Mathematics

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

Yes

O6

H7

* This course requires 2 additional subjects.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2024

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 and 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) and O4/H7 Mathematics. MH202 Round 1 Points 2023: 431

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds..

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.


How to apply

APPLY TO THE CAO

WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Got a question about this course?

aynooth University Department of Biology
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/biology