The Biological Sciences Programme

This course is restricted to a total of 600 students

Introductory Life Sciences is the ¡°core¡± course that gives entry to all subjects in the Biological Sciences in second year. This comprehensive course comprises four topics, one topic per teaching block, which will introduce you to biological cells and how they function; DNA, genetics, growth and development; structure and function of organs in animal models; Ecology, Environmental Management and Sustainability.  This course provides both a theoretical and practical background for your future degree and career. Introductory Life Sciences I will be offered on two time slots (C and D) to allow for maximum flexibility.

Complementary Life Sciences 1 (CLS) introduces you to the Diversity of Life ¨C from the smallest viruses, bacteria, protists, to fungi and multicellular animals and plants, as well as to the genetic basis for all diversity. It is an enriching course that extends knowledge and skills in more specialised areas of interest within Biology.

We strongly recommend that anyone interested in a career in the Biological, Molecular and/or Environmental Sciences should take this course.

To qualify for a BSc in Biological Sciences, you must achieve an Admission Point Score (APS) of 43+ and achieve a English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5 and Mathematics Level 5 on your National Senior Certificate. Applicants with an APS Score of 41-42 may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

The three year BSc programme is based on a credit system. You need to complete a minimum number of science courses in order to qualify for two third year level courses, one of which must be in the Faculty of Science. To complete your degree you will need to complete 4 first year courses (144 credits; 36 credits each), 3 second year courses (48 credits each) and 2 third year courses (72 credits each).

Regardless of the stream you choose for second and third year in the Biological Sciences Programme, you must register for Introductory Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Auxiliary Mathematics in your first year. Other course options include Complementary Life Sciences, Physics Auxiliary, Psychology, Geography, Archaeology, and Philosophy. Course pre-requisites and sub-minima for the second and third year of the BSc Biological Science degrees differ according to the School which offer these courses and more information can be found on the website of these Schools.

The course entries for the different streams provide more information about the application process and closing dates:

• Applied Bioinformatics
• Organismal Biology
• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Microbiology and Biotechnology
• Genetics and Developmental Biology
• Ecology and Conservation
• Biodiversity

Biological Sciences fall into two main streams: the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences and the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.

School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences (APES)

Courses offered by APES cover three broad themes: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation, and Organismal Biology.

School of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB)

The School offers four majors: Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Genetics & Developmental Biology and Microbiology & Biotechnology.

School of Anatomical Sciences

School of Physiology

Graduate Entry Medical (GEMP) Programme

The GEMP allows entry of suitably qualified applicants who meet certain minimum requirements into the third year of the MBBCh degree. This gives these students the opportunity to complete their undergraduate medical studies in a period of only four years after which they enter their internship and government mandated community service period.