Pharmaceutical Science

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Three pharmaceutical science students conducting research
Three pharmaceutical science students conducting research
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
16
Duration
4 Years
Course Code
MT 872
Entry Requirements
318 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Kerry South Campus, Kerry
Course NFQ Level
Level 8

Dr Gerard Corkery

T: +353 66 714 5610

Email: (email)

Overview

Recent advances in pharmaceutical science have focused on the rapid development of quality medicinal products that are safer, more effective and increasingly convenient for the patient. This has led to a significant demand for scientists with knowledge and skills related to the biopharmaceutical area. Pharmaceuticals are drugs made from a series of chemical reactions and biopharmaceuticals are medicines made using living organisms such as bacteria, yeast and mammalian cells. The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries comprise Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector and need highly trained graduates.

This degree is designed to develop your practical skills and competence to work as a laboratory scientist. The focus of the level 8 degree is on the analysis, design, production and regulatory compliance of pharmaceutical products. First year delivers core science modules and fundamental practical skills training and subsequent years build on these areas. Students also cover the relevant key areas of chemistry and biology, such as Applied Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Cell Culture.

Final year level 8 students develop more in-depth knowledge and skills by studying specialised modules such as Advanced Pharmaceutical Techniques, Drug Synthesis and Design and Bioprocessing, by carrying out a research project and also by completing a 12-week work placement. Our graduates have an acknowledged reputation as excellent laboratory scientists and researchers, well prepared for the challenges of the workplace with a range of transferrable skills into other related sectors.

Our graduates have found work in a range of local companies, including Aenova, Astellas, Kerry Group, Kerry County Council, Southern Scientific and Metpro Ltd. Many of our graduates have gone further afield to take up positions in world-leading pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Regeneron, Lilly, Boston Scientific and Allergan.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Biology: basic biological concepts, processes, systems and structures
  • Chemistry: fundamental chemical concepts and terminology and their application
  • Essential Scientific Maths: appropriate numerical, algebraic and graphical skills and their applications
  • Scientific Communication and Computer Applications: commonly used computer applications in laboratory analysis and skills for interpersonal communication including oral and written presentations
  • Good Laboratory Practice: laboratory design and safety, general laboratory techniques and analytical measurements
  • Overview of the Science Industry: review of the science industry in Ireland focussing on the pharma/biopharma sector
  • Physics Concepts: basic physics principles, concepts, ideas and terminologies and their application
  • Mathematics and Statistics for Science: analytical and numerical approach to problem solving; statistics to describe and analyse scientific data

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in six subjects i.e. H5 in two subjects and O6/H7 in four other subjects. The six subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this course have taken up employment opportunities in both laboratory and non-laboratory settings leading to supervisory and management roles across a wide range of sectors, including

  • Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical
  • Research and development
  • Medical devices and healthcare
  • Food and cosmetics
  • Environmental and health and safety
  • Consultancy, technical sales and marketing
  • Training and education

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified Level 8 Honours graduates are eligible to progress to taught master programmes or to research at either master or PhD level.

Pharmaceutical Science students using a computer in a a lab

Develop your skill and competence to work as a laboratory scientist

MT 872 - BSc Honours in Pharmaceutical Science

Watch the video

Question Time

The modules covered meet The Teaching Council subject requirements to teach chemistry to Leaving Certificate level. Students who opt to take an extra 5 credit module in physics will also meet the Teaching Council subject requirement to teach science up to Junior Certificate level. Graduates will also be required to complete a two-year Professional Master of Education (PME).

No, but an active interest in science and at least one Leaving Certificate science subject would be useful. First year modules focus on the key areas relevant to the programme of study and assume no previous knowledge of the subject at Leaving Certificate level.

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