Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH202
CAO Points : 431
Closing Date : 01 July 2024
Biotechnology describes how we can gain understanding of biological processes and explores how they can be exploited for beneficial and commercial purposes. It explores the nature of biological molecules, how they are synthesised and how they can be produced, in culture systems, using living cells.
It explores all aspects of modern molecular biology including recombinant DNA technology, antibody production and uses, and animal cell culture. It covers disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
- You will reinforce your theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial firms, and ideally a placement in a biotech company (subject to availability).
- As well as being taught by leaders in the field, you will reinforce your theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial firms, and ideally a placement in a biotech company (subject to availability).
- Working to produce new drugs at the cutting edge of medical research (for example, antibodies used to treat cancers, or vaccines to prevent cervical cancer or hepatitis B), to develop new diagnostic systems for human or animal health and to improve food production.
- Study a range of disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
- There is a transfer pathway from first year MH201 Science to second 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 first year results.
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 (excluding Critical Skills)
- Optional 10 credit Elective
3rd year
- Focus mainly on Biotechnology and Chemistry
4th year
- Concentrate on Biotechnology
- Industry work placement (subject to availability)

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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.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2024 to the Access Office.
Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.
01 February 2024
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH202 Round 1 Points 2023: 431
HEAR & 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.
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