In 1^st Year of the programme, you will receive a foundational scientific understanding of principles that govern the complex nature of living systems through studying biology, chemistry, mathematics and computer science. In parallel, you will be introduced to key concepts that underpin genetics and genomics, as well as developing scientific research skills.

In 2^nd Year you will learn about the biology of living cells and organisms, including their evolutionary origin. You will be introduced to the techniques that allow us to study humans, animals, plants and microbes at a genetic level. This extends to understanding how genetics underpins and drives innovation in areas such as medicine, agriculture and the environment. You will learn about statistics, data analysis and computer algorithms, and how these are important for study of genetic data. You will continue to develop your teamwork and communication skills while learning about how genetics and genomics impacts society.

In 3^rd Year you will learn about molecular genetic processes that control cell cycle, DNA replication and gene expression with practical training in molecular biology techniques. You will learn about the application of genomic tools to study bacteria and viruses. You will extend your knowledge of evolutionary biology and develop a deeper understanding of human genetics. You will be introduced to bioinformatics and genomics data analysis. You will undertake a career development and employability skills modules. Elective modules will give you the choice and opportunity to gain specific knowledge and further develop your skills in areas such as developmental biology, microbiology, plant and agricultural genetics, statistics or the application of mathematical methods in genomic analysis. You will have the opportunity to apply to spend the second half of 3^rd Year studying abroad.

In 4^th Year, you will learn about the latest international research in genetics and other biosciences from visiting international seminar speakers. A large portion of your time will be dedicated to an independent research project of your choosing supervised by an academic member of staff, usually as part of a research team. You will also undertake a literature review project under guidance of another academic member of staff. In parallel, you will further develop your learning of cellular and molecular biology, chromosome biology and modern biotechnologies. You will learn how to apply artificial intelligence in genomics, and you will apply your medical genomics data analysis skills to the study of common and rare diseases with a major focus on cancer.

Curriculum Information

• Gain expertise in exciting subjects at the forefront of modern biology, combined with practical and research skills.
• Small class size led by committed staff who are world class researchers.
• The opportunity to apply spend the second half of 3^rd Year studying abroad in Europe, USA or Asia.
• Bespoke modules focused on career development, communication, teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving that are useful in a broad range of careers post-graduation.

As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for many employment opportunities in multiple industries that will value your knowledge of biology and genetics and your genomics data analysis skills. These include genomic and life science companies, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, forensics and clinical diagnostics, biomedical devices and therapeutics, public health and epidemiology, agricultural and environmental sectors, as well as the information technology sector.

Graduates will gain the following from this programme:

• Expertise in modern biology and genetics. 
• Practical laboratory skills in genetics and genomics, including the computational and analytical skills to handle big data.
• Creative problem-solving abilities, either working on your own or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Critical and objective thinking skills, demonstrating curiosity and independence of thought with an ability to synthesise, summarise and analyse data.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Professional awareness of scientific integrity and associated ethical implications of scientific activities.

Effective leadership and project management skills to solve new challenges.

Your chance to study genetics and genomics in an international setting!

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to spend one semester on study abroad in, e.g., Uppsala University in Sweden or the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, plus there are also opportunities in Asia and USA.

This is your chance to study at a leading international research-led university, explore new cultures, and grow in confidence—all while living in another country!

Student Testimonials

 "I would definitely recommend it. The labs were especially great’ from Denis Ruchko who studied at Uppsala University in 2024."

 "I thoroughly enjoyed studying at this University. The campus and buildings are very modern, and everything is within a 15-minute cycle’ from Isabel Kennedy who studied at the University of Groningen in 2025."

• Programme Director: Prof. Derek Morris
• Deputy Programme Director: Dr. Elaine Dunleavy
• Cathal Seoighe
• Dr Pilib O Broin
• Dr Lars Jermiin
• Prof Ciaran Morrison
• Gerhard Schlosser
• Dr James Gahan 

How Will I Learn?

1. Lectures
2. Laboratory and computer practicals
3. Group and individual project work

How Will I Be Assessed?

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, homework, presentations and in-class tests, e.g., multiple choice question quizzes.
2. Examinations - Written exams take place in December and May.

In January 2025, the 3^rd Year class spent two days at the Festival of Genomics and Biodata in London. It was an opportunity to hear about the latest research in genomics and explore career opportunities in the university, hospital, government and private industry sectors.

In March 2025, Grace Mullins won a Summer Undergrad Research Fellowship following a competition among her 3^rd Year class. This sponsorship enabled Grace to undertake an 8-week research project in cancer genomics in the Harper Cancer Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame, USA during summer 2025

Course queries:
derek.morris@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director(s):

Prof Derek Morris (Director)
E: derek.morris@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 494439

Dr Elaine Dunleavy (Deputy Director)
E: elaine.dunleavy@universityofgalway.ie
T: 091 494046

School of Biological and Chemical Sciences,
College of Science and Engineering

Minimum Entry Requirements

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four additional subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, 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
Minimum grade H5 or O1 in Mathematics.

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

• 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.

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 1^st 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.