The BSc Biomedical Science combines a strong foundation in science in year 1 with specialisation in human biology subjects in later years. Students develop research and transferable skills as they progress through the course so they are equipped to take on the challenge of research in this exciting field. 

In first year students study core biology, chemistry and physics and are introduced to human biology and current biomedical research at the University of Galway. They start to develop key academic skills such as communication and data analysis. 

In second year students select from anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology, picking two main pathways and one elective subject. Academic skills are further developed through engagement with scientific literature and presentation of a report and short talk about a current biomedical science topic. Students will also begin to explore career options in year 2. 

In third year students continue with specialisation in one pathway chosen from anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology or physiology and take core modules in biostatistics and research methods. Students learn about the research life cycle from idea to grant writing, funding and publication of outputs and have an opportunity for hands on research in the 3rd year mini project module. 

In final year students continue with their chosen specialisation in anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology or physiology, studying up to date topics in real depth. Students learn to translate the specialist knowledge into applications which will impact healthcare of the future. A major part of the final year is the independent research project in which students work closely with an academic advisor to address a research question. This project is the culmination of all the theory and skills acquired. Students present the research as a written report and oral presentation. 

Year 1 

• Fundamentals of Human Biology
• Biology
• The Fundamentals of Chemistry for Health Science
• Physics for Biomedical Science
• Introduction to Biomedical Research
• Skills for Biomedical Science 1

Year 2

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Students pick two pathways and one elective subject 

• Skills for Biomedical Science 2

Year 3 

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Students continue one pathway and select two electives to complement this. Examples of elective modules include neuroanatomy, human reproductive anatomy, immunology, endocrinology, toxicology, neuropharmacology, developmental biology, bioinformatics and mathematical molecular biology. 

• Biostatistics
• Research methods and applications
• Mini research project

Year 4 

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Physiology

Students continue one pathway specialisation in year 4. 

• Major research project 

 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Opportunities to develop core research skills in mini and major research projects
• Focus on group work and communication skills as key employability skill.
• Exciting pathway options and range of elective modules
• Students have opportunities to work closely with leading international experts in biomedical research. 

Our BSc Biomedical Science degree will prepare students for exciting careers as researchers in academic or industry settings in Ireland or overseas. 

Our BSc in Biomedical Science will equip you with the key skills that today’s employers need, including: 

• Laboratory research expertise
• Data analysis
• Critical thinking
• Communication and presentation
• Teamwork 

Students can apply to spend a semester of year 3 studying abroad. This is competitive as places are limited. There are opportunities in Hong Kong, the USA (University of California, John Carroll University in Ohio, University of Connecticut, University of Notre Dame in Indiana) and Europe (Uppsala University and University of Malta). 

Studying abroad offers a wonderful and challenging experience for Biomedical Science students. Experiencing teaching and learning in a different environment promotes student confidence and growth as they discover other cultures. 

In a world that is becoming increasing internationalised this opportunity will set student up for success in their future careers.

Studying abroad substitutes for learning in Galway and contributes to your degree.

Dr Helen Dodson 
Dr Ailish Hynes 
Dr Miriam Moriarty 
Dr Eva Szegezdi 
Professor Corrado Santocanale 

BSc Biomedical Science students will develop a strong foundation in science and specialisation in aspects of human biology depending on individual interests in the areas of anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and physiology. Students who are interested in molecular detail and how drugs and therapeutics are developed and act on the body may chose biochemistry and pharmacology, whereas students who want to understand the relationship between structure and function in the human body from the cellular detail to body systems may select anatomy and physiology. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Lectures and lab classes - theory is taught in lectures and applied in laboratory classes as students learn by doing. Students will develop practical skills, apply scientific concepts, collect and analyse data.  

1. Skills modules - academic and transferable skills such as communication, team work, critical reading and data analysis will be developed in various skills-based modules. 

1. Projects - project work allows development of organisation and presentation skills. Some projects are group based and some individual. The final year research project is an opportunity for students to put knowledge into practice as they produce a significant scientific report. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework including in-class MCQ tests, lab reports and presentations.  

1. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May.  

1. Project Work - Portfolios, written projects, poster presentation and oral presentations.

Course queries: 
helen.dodson@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Dr Helen Dodson,  
Lecturer in Anatomy 

E: helen.dodson@universityofgalway.ie 
T: +353 91 49 2162 

Q: Am I guaranteed my choice of subject in year 2 and year 3? 
A: There are quotas in place for Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology in year 2, but every effort is made to ensure that students have free choice of year 2 and year 3 pathway preferences. We have never had to limit Biomedical Science students choices to date. 

Q: Can everyone select to do a semester abroad?  
A: No. This is a competitive opportunity. Students need to have at least 65% average in year 1 and write a personal statement. Each year approximately four Biomedical Science students spend a semester abroad in year 3. 

Q: Can I work in a hospital diagnostic lab with this degree?  
A: No. This programme is not accredited and students will not be eligible for CORU registration. 

 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Additional Requirements

Students must satisft the Garda/Police vetting requirements.

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements,   

 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
	All	€4,268	€3,000	€27,000	€140	€3,140	€7,408	€27,140

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to EU fees and non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information.

Application Process  

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.