BSc (hons) in Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University Sligo

Program Overview

The Biomedical Science degree at ATU is all about understanding how the human body works at a cellular and molecular level and how diseases are detected, studied and treated. It’s ideal for students who love biology and want to work in medical research, diagnostics, biotechnology or the life-science industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You start by building a strong science foundation through subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Science and Introduction to Medical Biotechnology. You’ll learn how cells function, how biological molecules interact, and how laboratories operate, while developing your first hands-on skills in microbiology and basic lab techniques.

Year 2
In second year you go deeper into the biological and medical sciences with modules such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Medical Immunology and Analytical Techniques. This is where you begin to understand how diseases affect the body and how laboratory tests are used to identify and monitor them.

Year 3
In your final year, you bring everything together through specialist training and often an industry placement or research-focused work. You strengthen your laboratory, data analysis and communication skills, preparing you to move straight into biomedical careers or postgraduate study.

Focus areas

Biomedical diagnostics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, cell culture, protein biotechnology, medical devices, biopharmaceutical science.

Learning outcomes

A strong understanding of human biology and disease, professional laboratory and analytical skills, the ability to interpret scientific data, and confidence in working in regulated healthcare and research environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor’s degree on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, giving you a qualification that is recognised for careers and further study in Ireland and internationally.

Reputation (employability & recognition)

ATU biomedical science graduates are highly valued by biotechnology, diagnostics and pharmaceutical employers for their strong practical training and industry-ready skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At ATU, Biomedical Science is built around hands-on laboratory training that mirrors how real medical and research labs operate. From your first year, you work in modern life-science laboratories, learning how to handle biological samples, run experiments and use professional diagnostic and analytical equipment. As you move through the degree, your practical work becomes more advanced, leading to specialist lab techniques and industry-focused experience in your final year.

That practical learning includes:

Specialist biomedical and microbiology laboratories
You work in labs designed for microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry, carrying out tests on cells, proteins and microorganisms.
Cell culture and biotechnology facilities
Through modules like Animal Cell Culture and Protein Biotechnology, you learn how living cells are grown, manipulated and analysed in laboratory environments.
Diagnostic and immunology training
In subjects such as Medical Immunology and Immunodiagnostics, you use techniques similar to those used in hospital and diagnostic labs to detect disease and immune responses.
Medical device and biomaterials exposure
You study how medical devices and biomaterials are tested and evaluated, linking laboratory science to real healthcare technology.
Data analysis and scientific reporting
You don’t just run experiments — you also learn how to analyse results, interpret data and present your findings in professional scientific reports.
Final-year project and industry experience
In your final year, you complete a major project and often an industry placement, giving you experience in a real biomedical, pharmaceutical or diagnostic setting.
Team-based laboratory work
Many lab sessions involve working in small groups, helping you develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills that are essential in scientific careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Honours) Biomedical Science at ATU move into careers where laboratory science directly supports healthcare, diagnostics and medical innovation. With your strong grounding in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and biotechnology, you’ll be ready for roles such as Biomedical Scientist, Diagnostic Laboratory Technologist, Biopharmaceutical Analyst or Research Technician in hospitals, biotech firms and research organisations.

That means this degree opens the door to a wide range of rewarding career paths:

Strong demand in life-science industries
Ireland is one of Europe’s leading centres for biotechnology and biopharmaceutical production, creating constant demand for skilled biomedical and laboratory scientists.
Industry-ready laboratory training
You graduate with experience in cell culture, protein analysis, immunological testing and diagnostic techniques used in regulated medical and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Pathways into clinical and research roles
Graduates work in hospital pathology labs, medical diagnostics companies, pharmaceutical manufacturing, contract research organisations and academic research labs.
International recognition
Your Level 8 honours degree is recognised across Ireland, Europe and internationally, giving you flexibility to work or study abroad.
Where graduates go
Alumni are employed in diagnostics, vaccine development, medical device testing, quality control, regulatory science and biomedical research.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, you can progress into postgraduate study in areas such as Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Clinical Research, Immunology, Molecular Medicine or Bioinformatics. Many graduates continue to Master’s and PhD programmes, leading to careers in advanced research, drug development, clinical science and university teaching.