DN200
It is a very interesting subject looking at
genetic disease, cell processes and
development, and viruses.
Katie Ryan
Stage 4 Cell and Molecular Biology Student
Cat brain cells infected with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.
Image by Ms Nicola Fletcher. ©UCD
I chose to go to UCD because of its variety of science subjects. I admit
the social aspects had an influence on me too. I studied Biology in
school and over time it became my favourite subject. In second year
Science I studied Cell & Molecular Biology and Chemistry. However
my interests lie mainly in the biology area and so I have chosen to
major in Cell & Molecular Biology. It is a very interesting subject
looking at genetic disease, cell processes and development, and
viruses. I would definitely recommend this course. There is continuous
assessment, which takes a lot of pressure off for the Christmas and
summer exams! I have really enjoyed the last 2 years of college. I
have played both on a hockey team and tennis team for UCD where I
have met many new friends from a wide range of courses. When I
graduate from college I hope to continue working in an area which
involves science, or perhaps study medicine.
How do I find out more about
this degree programme?
BSc in Cell and
Molecular Biology
You can get information about this degree programme
by calling, emailing or writing to:
Professor Mark Rogers
UCD School of Biology and Evironmental Science
University College Dublin
Belfield
Dublin 4
Tel: + 353 716 2197
Email: [email protected]
COVER: Microtubule Choloroplast. Image by Carl Ng ©UCD
www.ucd.ie/bioenvsci
University College Dublin
Human Lung Epithelial Cell Shining.
Image by Mr Mickael Dubourd ©UCD
Tumour Cell Suicide.
Image by Osama Sharaf Eldin ©UCD
The heart of cell.
Image by Mr Matthieu Besse ©UCD
What is Cell & Molecular Biology?
What will I study as part
of my degree?
What are the opportunities
for graduates in Cell and
Molecular Biology?
Why does a healthy cell become a cancer cell? What happens at a
cellular level in diseases such as diabetes? How will understanding
cells help us to find new ways to protect plants from fungal and
bacterial attack? How can we use cell biology to design new
diagnostic tests?
Cell & Molecular Biology is the study of cells and the molecules
that combine to form them. It lies at the interface of other
disciplines, notably genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology and
developmental biology, and as such is studied using a wide range
of techniques. Microscopy and molecular approaches are used to
understand how organisms develop, how they respond to their
environment, and how the diseased state differs from the healthy
state.
Our academic staff collaborate with scientists and companies in
Ireland and around the world to address challenges in Cell Biology
including:
■ Developing the next generation of microscopes to study
cellular processes
■ Understanding how changes in cellular processes lead to
diseases such as cancer
■ Cataloguing the world’s biodiversity using advanced imaging
solutions
■ Understanding why and how cells live and die
■ Developing improved diagnostic tests for diseases such as mad
cow disease
By studying Cell and Molecular Biology, you too could contribute
to improving the diagnosis and development of new medicines or
foods.
First year involves studying Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics.
In second year, students start to specialise in Cell Biology and
Genetics and are introduced to cellular processes and cell
structure and the basic concepts of genetics by examining how
plants and animals (including humans) depend on these cellular
functions and the consequences when they go wrong. As you
progress through the degree, you will take on more challenging
topics in Cell and Molecular Biology, for example, looking at how
cells receive and process signals from outside to better respond
to the external environment or in some cases decide to activate a
self-destruct programme!
You will undertake modules that give you practical skills in Cell
Biology research and will have hands on experience of many key
techniques used in research and industry including
immunofluorescence, cellular assays and diagnostic techniques
employed within hospitals to monitor and diagnose patients.
In your final year, you will be ready to tackle a peice of
independent research under the supervision of leading academics
and researchers in the subject which will provide you with a real
opportunity to discover whether you have an interest in pursuing
a career in research.
Graduates in Cell & Molecular Biology use their training to
pursue a wide variety of careers. They find employment in
industrial/institutional research, pharmaceutical industries,
medical research, laboratories in hospitals and universities,
academic research, forensics, genetic counselling and
journalism/science writing. Many of our graduates also find
employment in areas not directly related to their degree, but in
which the training in scientific thinking and analysis they have
acquired, is of benefit to their chosen career.
In recent years graduates have gone on in their education by
completing MSc or PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad.
Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply to a broad
range of Masters programmes that will deepen their knowledge
in Cell Biology or a related discipline such as MSc in Imaging
and Microscopy, MSc in Biotechnology, or MSc in Biotechnology
with Business. Students have also chosen to pursue further study
in Medicine and Physiotherapy (through graduate entry
programmes in Ireland and abroad).
Within our research programmes, graduate students are
regularly recruited to undertake PhDs in a diverse range of
topics including prion diseases, cell signalling, gene regulation,
membrane biology and plant genetics.