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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
144
Biochemistry
Students who wish to study Biochemistry apply to the
Science degree (TR071) and may select Biochemistry as
their specialist area for the 3rd and 4th years.
Junior Freshman (first year) prerequisites: Chemistry
CH1101 and Chemistry CH1102. Also, Mathematics or
Mathematical methods.
Senior Freshman (second year) prerequisite: Biology
BY2201, BY2203, BY2205 and BY2208.
For details of the first two years of the Science course,
including entry requirements, see page 140.
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the study of the molecular design of life. It
provides an understanding of the structure and function of the
building blocks of life (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA). This
subject area is also an integral part of medicine, as it helps us
to understand the mechanics of how disease and disorders
occur. It is also an essential component of biotechnology, where
processes for the production of foods and fuels, and enzymes
or other proteins are developed. Knowledge of the structure
of proteins implicated in human disease is also useful for the
design of new drugs. All major pharmaceutical companies have
significant investment in biochemistry to help aid their pipeline
of new drugs and therapies for cancer, infectious diseases, and
other pathological conditions.
What will you study?
The courses in the Junior Sophister (third) year provide a
broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of
biochemistry– from the behaviour of simple cells to the complex
development and organisation of the human being.
Topics include:
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Protein science
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Membrane biology
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Cellular regulation
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Immunology
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Eukaryotic gene structure
A research project in the area of biochemistry forms an essential
part of the Senior Sophister (fourth) year. Examples of research
areas from which topics may be chosen include drug design and
development, cancer, neurobiology, parasitology, immunology,
metabolism and cell signalling. The School of Biochemistry and
Immunology also has the best facilities in Ireland for studying the
3D structure of the molecules of life.
Study abroad
The School participates in an Erasmus scheme which offers the
opportunity for students to spend their third year studying in a
university in the United Kingdom, France or Germany.
Career opportunities
This course equips you to work in all major aspects of
biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology. You may
decide to continue your studies at the postgraduate level
and subsequently take up a career in industrial, medical
or academic research. Alternatively, you will be qualified to
work in hospitals and commercial laboratories dealing with
biotechnology, food science, pharmaceuticals or diagnostics.
Biochemistry graduates benefit from their training in terms of
critical thinking, analytical reasoning and presentation and
communication skills. Consequently, our recent graduates are
in high demand in careers not directly related to biochemistry
such as communications, information systems, teaching and
management, accountancy, patent law and merchant banking.
Further information
Tel: +353 1 896 1608
