Genetics and Cell Biology

Discoveries in genetics and cell biology are opening up a new era of understanding, both of ourselves and of the world around us. Genetics give us insight into what contributes to our development and individuality, and when this knowledge is combined with cell biology, we can explore exciting scientific applications benefiting all of society.

Our improved understanding of the genetic basis for life has opened up approaches to the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of disease. As a consequence, we’re making unprecedented advances in the creation of medical diagnostics, therapies and therapeutics.

The Genetics and Cell Biology course provides you with the theoretical and practical resources for a career in the healthcare industry. You’ll enhance your biology expertise and learn the laboratory skills that are the foundation for major, modern scientific breakthroughs that affect society.

The first year of the course is taken in common with other science courses, so you will be studying biology, chemistry, physics, biostatistics and computing.

In Year Two, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of genetics, the biochemistry of the cell and microbiology. You’ll also be introduced to pharmacology and instrumentation.

In the first semester of Year Three, you’ll gain the practical skills and techniques that form the basis of cell and gene technologies. These include gene cloning and bioinformatics (the application of computing in genetic analysis). With this knowledge, you’ll be well prepared for your six-month work experience placement (INTRA).

In the final year, you’ll explore the advances arising from research in genetics and cell biology as well as medical products and the healthcare industry. A significant research project must also be completed.

General Entry Requirements

A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/H7, to include the subjects English OR Irish AND the subject Mathematics. In addition, applicants must present at least two subjects at grade H5.

Leaving Certificate

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry , Biology or Agricultural Science.

Applicants presenting Non-EU School Leaving Qualification

All qualifications will be taken into consideration in assessing these applications. Candidates are expected to:

• have taken school leaving examinations of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate or GCE A Level; and
• satisfy the general entry requirements and programme entry requirements outlined within the programme contents
• satisfy the English language requirements

Dublin City University is proud to award merit-based scholarships to high achieving students who enter the Faculty of Engineering and Computing and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for the 2016/17 academic year. These scholarships are available to Indian applicants only and are based on academic merit to those who have a Full Offer. 

The Faculties also award scholarships of €1,000 to high achievers entering Masters and Bachelor programmes who are ranked by academic achievement.