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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/MU Apply code : MH201

CAO Points : 350

THE MAYNOOTH BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE

Why Maynooth University Science?

  • The Maynooth University Faculty of Science and Engineering is engaged in cutting-edge research in various scientific fields, with professors bringing their expertise into the classroom.
  • We take great pride in our warm and supportive campus community, which creates a positive learning environment where students can thrive academically and feel comfortable asking questions.
  • Our MH201 BSc Science programme goes beyond just teaching content – we focus on nurturing critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills, all of which are valuable for a wide range of careers.
  • The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University comprises the following departments:
    1. The Department of Biology
    2. The Department of Chemistry
    3. The Department of Computer Science
    4. The Department of Electronic Engineering
    5. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics
    6. The Department of Physics
    7. The Department of Psychology
    All Faculty of Science and Engineering departments are involved in a diverse range of interesting and dynamic research areas. Visit the departments’ webpages for more detail and read the pages that follow for MH201 subject information relating to each department.

Why MH201 Bachelor of Science Degree?

  • MH201 BSc Science is the most sought-after degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University.
  • It is the perfect choice for those who are curious about the natural world and want to understand how it operates from the smallest atom to the vastness of space.
  • This degree is ideal for students interested in multiple areas of science and who want the flexibility to explore their interests before specialising.
    MH201 BSc Science will equip you with valuable skills that go beyond specific scientific knowledge. You will hone your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. You will learn to communicate complex ideas effectively, both in writing and verbally. These skills are highly sought after by employers in various fields, making it a versatile and rewarding choice.

Choose 4 subjects from the 8 available (1 of the 4 must be Mathematics). Refine your subject choices during the following three years of your BSc degree

Please check the Course Structure tab for details about some timetabling limits for subject combinations.

Structure of the Maynooth Bachelor of Science Degree MH201

1st year - 4 subjects, one of which is Mathematics. Students choose their three other science subjects from the seven remaining subjects - see below.
No decision about subject choice is necessary until four weeks after commencement of 1st year. This gives you a chance to sample various subjects and make an informed decision.
2nd year - continuing with three of your 1st year subjects or take an Elective or Critical Skills 
3rd year - continue with two subjects.
4th year - continue with one or two subjects.
MH201 offers potential transfer opportunities into other degrees which are outlined together with the transfer criteria below.
 

1st year

  • Mathematics (required in first year)
  • Plus choose three subjects from:

> Biology
> Chemistry
> Computer Science
> Data Science7
> Engineering Science6
> Experimental Physics
> Mathematical Physics

Please scroll down to the NOTES to see the timetabling restrictions in certain subject combinations.

 

2nd year

Continue with 3 of the 4 subjects taken in first year or apply to *transfer into a specialised degree (*the number of transfer places is limited and it is competitive)

> Biology
> Chemistry
> Computer Science1
> Engineering Science6
> Experimental Physics
> Mathematical Physics
> Mathematics
> Statistics4
> Elective or Critical Skills (10 credit optional)

1st year 2nd year specialised degree Requirements for eligibility to transfer - having successfully completed 1st year 
MH201 MH202 BSc Biotechnology Students must take Biology, Chemistry and Maths plus 1 other available 1st year subject.
Students must achieve an overall grade of 60%. Places are limited and are based on results.
  MH204 BSc Astrophysics
 
Students attaining 60% in Experimental Physics and 60% in either Mathematics or Mathematical Physics in 1st year of MH201 may apply to transfer into 2nd year of MH204. Places are limited and are based on results.
  MH207 BSc Data Science Students must take Computer Science/Mathematics/Data Science plus 1 other available 1st year subject. Students must pass the year and achieve an overall grade of 55% or better in Mathematics in their 1st year science examination.
  MH208 BSc Biological and Biomedical Sciences Students must take Biology, Mathematics plus 2 other available subjects.
Transfer is based on Leaving Certificate performance and 1st year university results. Places are limited.
  MH210 BSc Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry Students must take Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry plus 1 other available 1st year subject.
Students must achieve an overall grade of 60%. Places are limited and are based on results.
  MH212 SED Science
(with Education)
Students must take Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Experimental Physics.
Up to 2 places each year may become available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Availability and selection will be on the basis of first year results and dependent on programme capacity.
  MH212 MCS Computer Science and Mathematics (with Education) Students must take Mathematics and Computer Science plus 2 available 1st year subjects.
Up to 2 places each year may become available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Availability and selection will be on the basis of first year results and dependent on programme capacity.
  MH212 MED Mathematics
(with Education)
Students must take Mathematics, Mathematical Physics plus 2 other available 1st year subjects. Up to 2 places each year may become available in MH212 for students successfully completing their first year of MH201. Availability and selection will be on the basis of first year results and dependent on programme capacity.
 
  MH304 BE Electronic Engineering MH201 Engineering Science to 2nd year MH304 BE Electronic Engineering for students who have taken Engineering Science, Computer Science, Mathematics and one other subject. Subject to attaining 50% or more in Mathematics and passing 1st year. Subject to availability of places.
  MH602 BSc Computer Science & Software Engineering

Students must take 22.5 credits Computer Science (including CS172), Mathematics plus one other available subject. Students must pass 1st year MH201. There is no limit on places.

 

  MH602 BSc Multimedia, Mobile and Web Development Students must take 22.5 credits Computer Science (including CS172), Mathematics plus one other available subject. Students must pass 1st year MH201. There is no limit on places.

3rd year

Continue with 2 of the 3 subjects taken in 2nd year
> Applied Mathematics
> Biology
> Chemistry3
> Computer Science2
> Engineering Science6
> Experimental Physics
> Mathematical Physics3
> Mathematics (Pure)
> Statistics4 5

4th year

Double Major: continue with your two subjects taken in third year
> Applied Mathematics
> Biology
> Chemistry3
> Computer Science2
> Engineering Science6
> Experimental Physics
> Mathematical Physics3
> Mathematics (Pure)
> Statistics4 5

or

Single Major: continue with one of the two subjects taken in third year
> Applied Mathematics
> Biology
> Chemistry3
> Computer Science2
> Engineering Science6
> Experimental Physics
> Mathematical Physics3
> Mathematics (Pure)

NOTES:

1 Students taking Computer Science in second year must also take Mathematics.
2 Students intending to take Computer Science as a Single Major degree must take Mathematics (Pure) or Mathematics (Applied) in third year.
3 Chemistry and Mathematical Physics cannot be taken together in third or fourth year.
4 Statistics may not be taken with Mathematical Physics in any year, or with Chemistry in third and fourth year. Students taking Statistics must also take Mathematics in second year.
5 Statistics can be, but does not have to be, combined with Mathematics in third and fourth year.
6 Engineering Science cannot be taken with Biology. Students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science.
7 Data Science cannot be combined with Mathematical Physics. Students taking Data Science in first year can follow on with Statistics in second year, provided they get 55% in first year Mathematics. However, Data Science in first year is not a requirement for taking Statistics in second year.

Head of Department

Department of Electronic Engineering


Department of Hamilton Institute


Department of ALL Institute

Computer Science - Aidan Mooney - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Computer Science


Department of ALL Institute

Biology - Paul Moynagh - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Biology


Department of Human Health Institute

Maths Physics - Joost Slingerland - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Experimental Physics - Neil Trappe - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Experimental Physics - Neil Trappe - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Colm Bracken

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Colm Bracken

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Peter Coles - Theoretical Physics

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Peter Coles - Theoretical Physics

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Joe Duffin

Academic

Department of Computer Science


Department of ALL Institute

Graham Kells

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Graham Kells

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Default Profile Photo - Library

Academic

Department of Computer Science


Department of ALL Institute


Department of Hamilton Institute


Department of Human Health Institute

Lorna Lopez - Biology - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Biology


Department of Human Health Institute


Department of Hamilton Institute

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of ICARUS

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of ICARUS

Biology - Conor Meade - H&S

Academic

Department of Biology

Prof Ray O Neill - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Prof Ray O Neill - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Maths Physics - Jiri Vala - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Maths Physics - Jiri Vala - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics


Department of Hamilton Institute

Paul Watts

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Paul Watts

Academic

Department of Theoretical Physics


Department of Physics

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

Academic

Department of Experimental Physics


Department of Physics

  • As a student of science or engineering at Maynooth, you will have access to leading researchers working in research institutes including the Callan Institute, Hamilton Institute, Institute of Immunology and National Centre for Geocomputation – all of which are associated with the Faculty.
  • You will have the opportunity to develop strong problem-solving and analytical skills during your degree, with your theoretical knowledge reinforced through practical sessions in our state-of-the-art laboratories.
  • You will have the opportunity to develop advanced teamwork, leadership and numeracy skills – all of which are highly valued in many sectors of the labour market.

Career pathways for MH201 graduates: depending on the subjects chosen (and potential further specialisation), roles for MH201 graduates include, but are not limited to:

  • Agriculture
  • Aerospace
  • Biomedical
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical
  • Diagnostics
  • Energy
  • Environmental consultancy
  • Food processing
  • Hospitals
  • ICT
  • Manufacturing (including cosmetics, computers, electronics, medical equipment)
  • Medical technologies
  • Ophthalmic
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Research & development
  • Science Communications
  • Scientific publishers
  • Teaching
  • Telecommunications
  • Water/environmental control
This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O4 H7
Science Yes O6 H7

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

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.

01 February 2025

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required minimum 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 Irish, English & a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH201 Round 1 Points 2025: 350 

 

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