利莫利克大學(xué)

About you

Are you interested in biological sciences and wish to delve deeper? Would you like to understand how living things work, evolve and function at the molecular level? Do you want to prepare for a future where molecular biology will be at the coalface of human endeavour? Then this course might be for you.

Why Study Industrial Biochemistry at UL?

The B.Sc. In Industrial Biochemistry is a degree programme in biotechnology. It focuses upon the study of living cells (or components of living cells) and the medical/industrial applications of such substances. It is designed to prepare you for a career in biotechnology and allied industries, and has a very strong employment record.

Examples of traditional biotechnological processes include the use of microorganisms to produce alcohol or antibiotics. Examples of more modern biotechnological processes include the use of genetic engineering to produce protein based drugs (e.g. Interferons), engineered plants, which are drought or pesticide resistant or transgenic animals displaying some novel characteristic, such as faster growth.

The core subjects studied include:

• Biochemistry (study of the structure and biological function of cellular molecules such as proteins and DNA, and how these molecules interact to form living cells)
• Industrial biochemistry (study of the applications of biological molecules for medical, industrial, environmental, agricultural or analytical purposes)
• Microbial technology (study of the biology and uses of bacteria, fungi, yeast and viruses)
• Genetic engineering (identification, isolation, engineering and expression of genes in order to gain new insights into gene function or for the generation of gene-mediated industrial/medical products)
• Bioprocess technology (aspects of industrial-scale biotechnology manufacturing/processing)
• Analytical science (methods and techniques used to detect and quantify biological molecules/chemicals in samples, for example measurement of hormone levels in blood or pesticide levels in water)

Career Prospects

Careers open to you with a degree in Industrial Biochemistry include;

• Biochemist
• Teacher
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Scientific Researcher
• Patent Agent

Previous graduates have been appointed to roles in areas such as quality, production R&D in the following industries;

• Pharmaceutical
• Diagnostics
• Medical devices
• Brewing
• Industrial enzyme/ natural products
• Food/dairy
• Clinical biochemistry (e.g. hospital/private testing labs)
• Scientific civil service
• Teaching/lecturing
• University/government research
• Technical (scientific) writing/editing
• Patent Office

While many of our students go directly into employment after graduating, some continue their studies at postgraduate level, gaining masters degrees or doctorates in a range of subject disciplines.