Bachelor of Science Biotechnology

Why take this course?
Biotechnology explores biological systems (cells and organisms) to discover new ways to benefit mankind and the environment. Biotechnologists use their knowledge of biology to create products and processes within areas such as food, agriculture, the environment and medicine. The concept of biotechnology has been around for a long time; bread, alcohol and cheese making, for example, all involve microbial fermentation to make desirable products. However in the last 20 years, with the emergence of genetic engineering, genome mapping and a much better understanding of how DNA, RNA and proteins function together, biotechnology has revealed new and better approaches to solving many of the problems that face humanity. Biotechnologists have already discovered new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent disease, repair and replace damaged organs, create biofuels and bioplastics, grow crops with better yields, drought and pest resistance, and remove toxic environmental contaminants. Biotechnology is a dynamic and evolving area with many opportunities and challenges, which is making significant contributions to the ‘smart economy’ in areas such as healthcare, agri- business, the food industry and the environment. As a scientific discipline Biotechnology is a blend of Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Nanotechnology, with a strong component of Computer Technology - all of these disciplines are explored as part of this programme.

What will I experience?
The degree in biotechnology at AIT is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation of scientific knowledge, understanding and skill to build a career as a biotechnologist. The student experience will include the following:

• Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.
• Highly qualified lecturers with a broad range of research, teaching and industrial experience.
• A comprehensive hands-on training in basic and advanced laboratory skills, and in the operation of scientific equipment.
• Opportunities to develop soft skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, problem solving, time and project management, numeracy skills and computer literacy

What opportunities might it lead to?
Further Studies:

Graduates of the Level 7 programme AL730 can progress to the Level 8 programme AL838.

Level 8 graduates can thereafter progress to postgraduate studies including Level 9 Master’s degree (taught or by research), Level 10 PhD degree or Higher Diploma in Education (2nd level teaching - science and biology).

Employment:

Typical areas of employment include biopharmaceutical and medical technology industries, research organisations (academic and industrial), food and drinks manufacturing. Roles for biotechnology graduates include quality assurance and quality control technician, manufacturing technologist, biochemist, analytical scientist, microbiologist and process engineer.