Course Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biology
This course will introduce you to the fascinating world of the biological sciences. You’ll study a range of science subjects, including Microbiology, Biochemistry and Drug Delivery. Over the two years, you’ll gain around 400 hours of laboratory experience, experience that potential employers will value. The knowledge and practical experience gained in this course will set you on the way for other academic courses or directly into a job in industry.
Topics covered by this course include how the cell works, the nature of disease, genetics and microbiology. (You don’t have to have studied Biology at Leaving Certificate, although it’s useful if you did.)
Our lecturers have a wide range of experience in research, education and industry, and we take pride in being an approachable and student-focused team. You’ll study a range of science subjects, including Microbiology (the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses), Biochemistry (the chemistry of life) and Drug Delivery (how drugs are manufactured and tested). This blend of fundamental and applied subjects will enhance your understanding of the relevance of the subjects to the real world and provide the basis for more advanced study, if you continue to the add-on B.Sc. course the following year.
Leaving Certificate Requirements
Minimum Number of |
|
---|---|
Subjects |
Higher |
5 |
N/A |
Minimum Grade in |
|
Maths |
English OR Irish |
F2/O6/H7 |
Irish - F3/O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Requirements
QQI/FET Award Required |
Additional Requirements |
---|---|
Any full Level 5 or 6 award | None |
In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.
Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.
View Sample Timetable
Graduate Job Titles:
- Quality Control
- Quality Assurance
- Laboratory Assistant
- Technologist
Semester 1
- Biology 1 [Mandatory]
- Chemistry 1 [Mandatory]
- Critical Skills Development [Mandatory]
- Laboratory Skills I [Mandatory]
- Mathematics 1 for Science Students [Mandatory]
- Physics 1 [Mandatory]
Semester 2
Irish/EU Applicants
Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.
International Students (Non-EU)
Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.
- You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
- You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
- You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland
Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.
For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.
Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.
Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.
Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.
Excellent laboratory experience, tied in very well with the theory side. Hands-on experience with equipment used in industry.
On successful completion, students may progress on to Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Bioanalysis (TU760).