Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Galway

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) degree at the University of Galway takes you right into the heart of modern science, where DNA, disease, evolution and data science come together. It’s ideal for students who are fascinated by how life works at a molecular level and want to turn that curiosity into a future in research, medicine, biotechnology or bioinformatics.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin by building a strong scientific foundation in biology, chemistry, maths and computing while being introduced to genetics and genomics. Modules like Introduction to Genetics & Genomics, Biology, Mathematics (Honours) and Introduction to Programming help you understand how living systems work and give you the tools to start analysing biological data from day one.

Year 2
This year takes you deeper into how genes and cells function. You’ll study subjects such as Molecular and Cellular Biology, Evolution and the Tree of Life, Protein Structure and Function and Genetics and Genomics II, learning how genetic information controls life and how it changes over time. You also begin to develop stronger data-handling and scientific communication skills.

Year 3
Now the focus shifts to applying what you’ve learned in more advanced and practical ways. You’ll explore Molecular Biology, Microbial Genomics, Cell Biology, Evolutionary Biology and Genomics Data Analysis, using real biological data to understand how genomes are studied and interpreted. You can also choose electives that let you tailor the degree to your interests, and you have the option to study abroad.

Year 4
In your final year, you move into cutting-edge areas such as Medical Genomics, Machine Learning and Deep Learning for Genomics, Modern Biotechnologies and Advanced Chromosome Biology. The highlight is a major independent research project, where you work closely with an academic supervisor and carry out real scientific research — just like a professional scientist.

Focus Areas

Genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, evolutionary biology, biotechnology, data analysis, research skills.

Learning Outcomes

Strong understanding of how genes and genomes work, ability to analyse biological data using computational tools, confidence in laboratory and research methods, and the skills to think critically, work in teams and communicate scientific ideas clearly.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is a Level 8 Honours Bachelor’s degree on Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, meaning it is recognised internationally and provides a strong foundation for careers in science, healthcare, and research or for postgraduate study.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

The University of Galway is known for its research-driven science degrees and strong links to biotechnology, medical research and life-science industries, helping graduates move into high-demand roles or further study around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Galway, you don’t just learn genetics and genomics from textbooks — you experience it through real lab work, data analysis and research. From your first year, you’ll work with biological samples, learn how DNA is studied, and begin analysing genetic data using modern tools. As you progress, you move into advanced laboratory and computer-based genomics work, and by final year you are carrying out your own supervised research project, just like a professional scientist.

That hands-on learning happens through a wide range of real university facilities and activities:

Specialist genetics and molecular biology laboratories
You’ll spend time in teaching and research labs carrying out DNA-based experiments, studying cells, microbes and genes, and learning the same techniques used in modern biomedical and biotechnology labs.
Genomics and screening facilities
You benefit from access to university-wide genomics and screening facilities that support DNA analysis, PCR, imaging and high-throughput biological testing — tools used in real scientific research.
Bioinformatics and data-analysis software
In genomics data modules, you work with computational tools and statistical software to analyse DNA and biological datasets, an essential skill in today’s life-science industry.
Final-year research project
You complete a major independent research project under the supervision of experienced scientists, giving you hands-on experience in designing experiments, analysing results and presenting real scientific findings.
Group projects and scientific communication
Many modules include teamwork, presentations and reports, helping you learn how scientists collaborate, share ideas and solve problems together.
Study abroad opportunities
You can spend part of third year studying genetics and genomics at a partner university in Europe, gaining international scientific experience and broadening your perspective.
Library and study resources
You’ll have full access to the university’s main research library, digital journals, scientific databases and quiet study spaces to support your lab work and research writing.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) from the University of Galway step into a world where science, technology and healthcare meet. With strong skills in molecular biology, genomics and data analysis, you’ll be ready for roles such as Genomics Scientist, Bioinformatics Analyst, Clinical Genetics Technologist, or Biotechnology Research Associate in fast-growing life-science industries.

That means this degree doesn’t just teach you about DNA — it sets you up for a career that can change lives:

Career support that actually works
The University of Galway’s Career Development Centre supports you with career planning, CV building, interview training, employer events, and access to graduate jobs and internships — and you can continue using these services even after you graduate.
Strong graduate outcomes
Science graduates from Galway are highly sought after in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, research and healthcare, with many moving straight into employment or funded postgraduate study.
Industry and research connections
You study in a university with major research centres in medical genetics, cancer biology, genomics and biotechnology, giving you exposure to real research projects, modern labs and industry-relevant skills.
Future-proof skills
You graduate with expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, data analysis and laboratory techniques — exactly what global employers look for in life-science and healthcare technology sectors.
International recognition
Your Level 8 honours degree is recognised across Europe and internationally, making it easier to work, study or research abroad.
Where graduates go
Alumni work in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, diagnostics labs, research institutes, agri-biotech firms and start-ups, or continue into postgraduate and medical research.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, you can progress into advanced study such as a Master’s in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Molecular Medicine, Cancer Biology or Biomedical Science. Many students also go on to PhD programmes, leading to careers in research, academia, drug discovery, clinical genetics and high-level biotechnology roles.