TA301 - Higher Certificate in Science - Applied Biology
About the Course
Higher Certificate in Science - Applied Biology - TA 301
This two year Higher Certificate level 6 programme of study will introduce you to the fascinating world of the biological sciences. Topics covered include how the cell works, the nature of disease, genetics and environmental microbiology.
It is not necessary for you to have studied Biology at Leaving Certificate. Obviously it would be advantageous but some of our graduates did not have Biology at Leaving Certificate! Our approach to teaching and learning ensures that such students are not disadvantaged in any significant way.
The knowledge and practical experience gained in this course will support you going forward into other academic courses or directly into a job in industry.
This two year course will provide approximately 400 hours of actual laboratory experience, a valuable level of experience for potential employers. The lecturers that will support you in your Certificate level course have a wide range of experience in research, education and industry and we take pride in being an approachable and student-focused team. You will study a range of science subjects over this two year programme. These will include 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 in the add-on B.Sc. programme the following year.
On successful completion of your Higher Certificate studies, you may choose to progress onto the B.Sc. degree programme for a further year. Students may opt to take a year out of college between their Higher Certificate and their degree studies. This ladder system of qualification provides students with a highly flexible approach to their own career development, which they can tailor to suit their own particular needs. Beyond that, you may progress onto a B.Sc. Honours programme. Obtaining a B.Sc. Honours degree is necessary in order to progress to a Masters Degree or a Doctoral Degree.
Some of our past students have developed careers in hospital laboratories, in industry and in research. Graduates have stayed in ITT or moved onto other Institutes of Technology and Universities to complete Masters and Doctoral Level programmes. Two of our former Certificate level graduates have attended Harvard University!
Add-on Bachelor Degree in Science
(Bioanalysis) Level 7
Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Science - Applied Biology can move on to the BSc in Bioanalysis, a one-year add-on programme. The programme will further develop student learning and skills in biology. Graduates find employment in a variety of industries ranging from biotechnology, to food, pharmaceutical, healthcare, hospitals and public service laboratories while others diversify into technical sales and marketing roles. Positions held by current graduates include quality control/assurance analysts, production supervisors and managers, technicians, and research assistants.
Add-on Honours Degree
(Bioanalytical Science) Level 8
This programme is a one year add-on to the BSc in Bioanalysis. It gives students advanced level learning and training in modern bioanalytical sciences to prepare them for the challenges of the workplace or for advancement to postgraduate level studies at home or abroad. A project carried out over both semesters develops the students technical, project management and scientific writing skills. During this add-on year, students get a chance to develop a more in-depth knowledge of areas of exciting scientific advancement such as molecular biology (analysis and manipulation of genetic materials).
The scope of the course content ensures a very broad range of career options for our graduates. These include careers in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology based industries, which are significant employers in the Dublin area. In addition, our graduates have established careers in the food industry, in national reference laboratories, in technical sales, in science teaching and in scientific research both nationally and internationally.
This qualification allows students to progress onto postgraduate research leading to MSc. or Ph.D. awards either at ITT Dublin or in other research institutions.
This programme is also recognised by the Registration Council for the purposes of secondary school teaching of Biology and therefore qualifies students to apply for the Higher Diploma in Education.
Course Code: TA 301
Higher Certificate in Science (Applied Biology)
Length of programme: 2 years
Follow-on Degrees
Follow-on Bachelor Degree in Science Degree (Bioanalysis). I Year
Follow-on Honours Bachelor in Science Degree (Bioanalytical Science). 1 Year
Recognised in Europe
Mature students welcome
Mature applicants (23 years of age) may not be required to meet the minimum entry requirements but may be considered on their merits.
Qualified students welcome to join Degree programmes
Research opportunities at Post Graduate level
MSc and PhD
Honours Bachelor Degree recognised for teaching Biology in Ireland at Second Level
What do I Need?
Leaving Cert entry requirements for the Higher Certificate in Science
Grade D3 or higher in 5 subjects at Ordinary Level. English or Irish at Grade D3 or higher.
Ordinary Level Maths at Grade D3 or higher.
No Leaving Cert Science subject is required for this programme
Recent CAO minimum points: 300
Recent CAO points-range of those joining the programme: 445 - 300
Career Opportunities
Some of our past students have developed careers in hospital laboratories, in industry and in research. Graduates have stayed in ITT Dublin or moved onto other Institutes of Technology and Universities to complete Masters and Doctoral Level programmes. Two of our former Certificate level graduates are currently attending Harvard University!
Graduate Profiles
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Course Subjects
Select here to view the course subjects TA301 - Applied Biology.pdf
Student Life
Check out the range of services & facilites for students at ITT Dublin
How to Apply
John Behan (Head of Department) + 353 1 4042403 email john.behan@ittdublin.ie
Department phone extensions: + 353 1 404 2436 / 2400 / 2406 - Fax: + 353 1 4042404
Further Information
Please visit the Department of Applied Science Website
Links Scheme
Links Scheme
Laboratory Techniques (CASLT) (with a pass in Level 5 Maths), Food (CASFX) (with a pass in Level 5 Maths and either Biology or Physics as elective modules)
Fees
Select for information on fees - grants - maintenance - scholarships
