Biomedical Health & Life Sciences

First Year 

• You will take modules in: 
• Clinical Human Anatomy 
• Translational Research
• Basic Tissues & Early Development
• Genetics
• Cell Biology 

You will also start to learn about translational research and the influence of science and medicine on society. 

Second & Third Year 

You will continue with modules in 

• Cell Biology, 
• Biochemistry, 
• Pharmacology 
• Physiology. 

You will also start to integrate modules focusing on specific diseases and disease processes, in order to learn more about the development of new, more effective means of diagnosing, treating and preventing illness. 

Supporting modules include: 

• Neuroscience
• Cardiac Biology
• Vascular Biology
• Renal Biology
• Endocrine Biology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry                            
• Microbiology
• Genetics & Proteomics
• Mechanisms of Disease
• Central Nervous System Diseases
• Introduction to Research
• Journal Club Laboratory Skills
• Biostatistics
• Bioinformatics 

Fourth Year

You will build skills in biomedical research through interactions and research rotations with international researchers in a range of disease areas. These are undertaken within the School of Medicine and its affiliated teaching hospitals. There is also the opportunity to do your research project as part of the Erasmus exchange in Lund University which is a unique opportunity to experience another University and travel abroad. You will have the opportunity to be involved in peer-reviewed abstracts and publications, and to present at national and international meetings. The degree will develop your fundamental knowledge in the translation of scientific discovery into clinical utilisation. 

You will take modules in: 

• Ethics
• Advanced Neurochemistry
• Drug Discovery & Development
• Clinical Biomarkers
• Genetics, Disease & Behaviour

You will experience an innovative mix of learning methods including lectures, small group tutorials, research projects and laboratory-based learning. Assessment methods include end-of-trimester exams, continuous assessment, report writing, vivas and oral presentations.

View our video to find out more information about our (opens in a new window)Biomedical Health & Life Sciences degree.

World-Class Research Environment

When you choose to study at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, you choose a world-class, student-focused learning environment.

Supporting Translational Research

The School aims to create an environment which supports world class translational research by providing excellent laboratory and clinical facilities resourced with expert support staff that includes post-doctoral fellows, research nurses, laboratory technicians and data managers. 

Facilities at the Belfield Campus

Students have access to modern research laboratory space within the UCD Health Science Centre, the UCD Charles Institute and the UCD Conway Institute.  These facilities are in addition to undergraduate teaching laboratories and support teams pursuing fundamental biomedical research.

The Student Summer Research Awards (SSRA) programme is an eight-week, five-credit opportunity that brings to life our commitment to foster a passion for enquiry, discovery and investigative research for more than 150 students each year. Students can undertake a clinical or medical education supervised research project in Ireland or at one of our partner institutions during the summer.

The majority of graduates follow careers in biomedical research, undertaking MSc and PhD higher degrees. They also have a high success rate for entry to Graduate Entry Medicine and pursue opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as other areas allied to health.

Careers and Occupations 

The majority of the roles listed here will require the student to undertake further training following their first degree. A higher degree may also be a requirement in some cases.

• Biomedical scientist - carries out laboratory tests on human samples to help clinicians diagnose illness and evaluate the effectiveness of the necessary treatment. Specialism can be in one of the following main areas: medical microbiology; clinical chemistry; transfusion science; haematology; histology; cytology; immunology and virology.
• Research scientist (medical) - plans and conducts experiments to increase the body of scientific knowledge on topics related to medicine. Research scientists may also aim to develop new, or improve existing, drugs or other medically-related products.
• Forensic scientist - examines contact trace material associated with crimes. Forensic scientists provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.
• Toxicologist - plans and carries out laboratory and field studies to identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials and radiation on human and animal health, and on the health and status of the environment.
• Medical sales representative - increases the awareness and usage of a company's pharmaceutical and medical products, through working on a one-to-one basis with contacts and making presentations in settings such as general practices, primary care trusts and hospitals.
• Scientific journalist - researches, writes and edits scientific news articles and features for business, trade and professional publications, specialist scientific and technical journals, and the general media.
• Higher education lecturer - facilitates learning and carries out research activities in universities and some colleges of further education.
• Developing a product / business

Comprising more than 2,200 full-time enrollments of Irish and International students and representing over 150 different nationalities, our large and culturally diverse student community is the heartbeat of the School. 

BHLS is an excellent choice for students like me who have a deep interest in science and research and a passion for the medical field. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind human diseases and the ongoing research aimed at addressing them.

It also equips me with the necessary training to become a medical scientist, focusing on research that seeks to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating illnesses.

The final year research project will allow me to apply the knowledge gained throughout the degree and gain valuable experience in conducting important biomedical research.

Marko, Student

Meet our Students

Irish/EU Applicants

For more course information visit this page.

Irish/EU Applicants will be required to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) system. For information pertaining to CAO and Admissions, please visit UCD admissions website.

Non-EU Applicants

Non-EU Applicants will be required to apply directly to  UCD International Admissions and will be required to present their relevant School Leaving Examination results (e.g. ACT, SAT, etc), two letters of reference and a short personal statement.

Programme Requirements

This applies to students in the BHLS programme

The following compulsory programme requirements apply to each year of study, in addition to meeting academic criteria for admission or progression. 

These are as follows: 

• Health Screening & Vaccination.
• Commitment to Ethical & Professional Conduct including Confidentiality.

Current students must confirm that they are aware of the programme requirements and undertake to complete these in a timely fashion, normally during the first year. Failure to complete these may result in you not being able to take part in mandatory elements of the programme and delay your progression. 

By entering the BHLS programme, you agree to comply with UCD School of Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Policy. It is your responsibility to ensure you complete your Health Screening process, as outlined in the policy, in a timely fashion.