Reasons to choose this course
- The Institute has a track record in Applied Chemistry, Applied Biology and Analytical Sciences and the Higher Certificate is a modernised version of programmes successfully offered for many years.
- Pharmaceutical Industry is one of the biggest industries in Ireland.
- Work Placement in industry included as part of programme.
- Opportunity to continue to NAQ awards level 9 and 10 through research.
- It should be noted that this course is not a ‘beauty therapy’ course and is fundamentally a laboratory science programme.
What is the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Science in Pharmaceutical Analysis with Cosmetic Science about?
This Level 8 Honours BSc which combining pharmaceutical analysis and cosmetic science offers a unique alternative to students wishing to study science at third-level. The course is distinctive in its design and content and as such is not available in any other third-level institution in Ireland. The course is targeted at students who are interested in learning the core analytical skills and techniques necessary for the pharmaceutical industry but also impart the necessary complementary skills required to work in the cosmetic industry. The course addresses the scientific competencies involved in the research, development, manufacture and testing of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
How is the course delivered?
This course is delivered in a modularised and semesterised structure over four academic years. Students attend a mixture of lectures and practicals that allow the theory and concepts that are studied in lectures to be explored in the laboratory. The course also involves some tutorial support and some field trips related to course content. It incorporates both research project and work placement elements that students find very rewarding and relevant. The focus of the course is the development of technical and laboratory skills. It goes on to develop these to a high level such that graduates have a competence to take significant responsibility in their work and careers as science graduates working in industry.
What facilities are available?
Lecture rooms and a variety of specialist laboratory facilities are available to the Department. These have been developed over the years to support the Institute’s suite of laboratory science programmes. Laboratories are equipped with modern, relevant analytical instrumentation and students are provides with lots of opportunities to develop their expertise in a laboratory environment.
What are my career opportunities?
This course offers an excellent foundation for a variety of careers in pharmaceutical, analytical and cosmetic sciences.
The pharmaceutical industry is hugely important to both human and animal welfare. Through the development and production of medicines for cancer treatment, infectious diseases, the industry greatly benefits our society. In Ireland, the pharmaceutical industry generates more than €40 billion per year and employs about 24,000 people – over 50% of which have third-level qualifications. 16 of the world’s top 20 pharmaceutical companies currently operate in Ireland.
The cosmetics industry is one of the few growth areas in our current economic climate showing a global increase in sales of 5% in 2009. In Ireland a number of the top global cosmetics companies operate and are involved in research and development of new products as well as manufacture of skin-care creams and plant extracts. Cosmetic scientists typically find employment in the following areas: research, product development, process development, quality control, product testing, packaging development, microbiology and regulation.