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Biopharmaceutical Chemistry explores biomolecules (including DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates) and their use in developing medical treatments. Many illnesses arise from dysfunctional or deficient biomolecules—for instance, certain diabetes types stem from insulin deficiency. Biopharmaceutical chemists create and synthesize molecules to replace these missing proteins, often producing modified versions through chemical and biotechnological processes.
This field merges chemistry and biology, forming an interdisciplinary discipline. The Biopharmaceutical Chemistry program accepts a limited number of students and emphasizes hands-on research through projects in years 2 and 4, along with a 20-26 week industry placement in Year 3.
Career Prospects
Ireland's biopharmaceutical sector plays a vital role in the national economy, hosting major firms like Abbott, Amgen, Alexion, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centocor, Eli Lilly, Hollister, Pfizer, Merck, Randox, Regeneron, and Sanofi. These companies seek graduates skilled in chemistry and biotechnology—precisely the expertise cultivated by the Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree.
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
English Language Requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall, no less than 5.5 in any one component; Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE): 176 overall; Cambridge C2 Advanced (CPE): 180 overall; TOEFL: 88 overall (7 Listening, 16 Speaking, 18 Writing, 8 Reading); Pearson PTE: 61 overall, no less than 48 in any one component.