Strong industrial focus in the area of biopharmaceutical science, part-time distance-learning in collaboration with Sligo Institute of Technology.
This degree has a strong industrial focus in the area of biopharmaceutical science with the purpose of developing the careers of graduates in the widest context within biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research, and biomedical-related industries. IT Sligo works closely with the Irish National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) in the delivery of final year modules. NIBRT is a world-renowned institute for bioprocessing and bioanalytics, also supporting a bio-industrial emphasis within final year student Investigative Projects. The course aims to provide opportunities for students to:
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Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
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In this section
Biomedical Sciences is in the premier league of universities with “100% of our research environment judged to be world-leading, 95% of our impact judged to be world leading or internationally excellent and 81% of our research papers judged to be world leading or internationally excellent in UK Research Excellence Framework 2014. We are ranked among the top five universities in the UK in terms of research power in biomedical science. We were also ranked in the top 5 UK universities to study biomedical science in 2019. Through exposure to an internationally recognized research environment with state-of-the-art facilities, students have the chance to gain unique insights into cutting-edge research and how this contributes to knowledge and understanding of health and disease. IT Sligo is the leading higher-education institute in Ireland in the development and delivery of online educational programmes. In 2012, IT Sligo was granted a ‘Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Award’ for its achievements in promoting online learning for both fulltime and part-time students. The School of Science is foremost in IT Sligo’s distance learning achievements, with more than 500 online science students. The School of Science has access to state-of-the-art facilities, and offers online training programmes and degrees to Irish-based multi-nationals such as Merck, Eli-Lilly, Elanco and Pfizer in areas such as biopharmaceutical processing, analytical chemistry and pharmaceuticals.
Normally 4 years, over 9 semesters. This programme is fully online. However, students must attend laboratory practicals at Sligo in Years 1 (2 days), 2 (2 days) and 3 (1 day) and in Year 3 (2 days) at Coleraine or in the work place for those students with work-based access to appropriate laboratory facilities.
Students will participate in an induction on how to be an effective online learner and how to use the Moodle and Blackboard Learn virtual learning environment. This will include an optional induction day at IT Sligo, prior to commencement of the course, and continue with online support over the first two weeks of teaching. Subject specific tutors support students to engage in a range of teaching and learning methods. Student participate in Moodle and Blackboard Learn posted online lectures, many of which are inclusive of problem based interactive tasks. Through the Institute’s and University’s online libraries, students gain access to their directed reading, in the form of e-books and journal articles. Students participate in tutor supported online activities and discussions, and in online self-assessment quizzes. Students studying the Science Laboratory Skills 1, Biomedical Science Laboratory Skills 1 & 2, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Formulation Fill Finish & Delivery Biopharmaceutical and Biocontamination Monitoring and Control modules are required to carry out a number of laboratory practical sessions. This means attendance by students at the state-of-art-facilities at IT Sligo in Year 1 (2 days), Year 2 (2 days) and Year 3 (1 day). If a student works in, or has access to approved training laboratories in the NHS/HSE or equivalent, then the Molecular Biology and Genetics practical sessions can be carried out at his or her place of work. Otherwise, a student must attend Coleraine in Year 3 (2 days before the 1 day at Sligo) for practical sessions.
Students will be assessed by a combination of Coursework and Examinations. Students undertake traditional written examinations, either at the campuses of IT Sligo or Coleraine or in their locality through the "Proctoring system" for IT Sligo delivered modules and the “Guarantor system” for Ulster University delivered modules. If a student opts to take his or her IT Sligo examinations via the "Proctoring system", which enables online examination administration within the home environment, then there is a small fee per exam. If a student opts to take his or her Ulster University examinations via the “Guarantor system” then he or she must nominate a line manager or professional to administer his or her exams under Ulster University specified conditions. Coursework includes essays, tests, critical reviews, plans, reflective statements, practical reports, journal based learning, case study reports, problem solving/data interpretation, and research papers.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces core principles of cellular biology and major biological processes regulating cell and organ function sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to computer applications and relevant up-to-date information technology software and skills necessary to underpin further study and practice in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to core mathematical and numeric skills, while emphasising their real world and scientific application, sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces core principles of good manufacturing practice sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to fundamental aspects of chemistry sufficient to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with the skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module considers a wide number of aspects and issues in biotechnology, sufficient to underpin and reinforce other topics in life sciences. Topics include production, commercialisation and ethics of biotechnology products and the impact of biotechnology on modern society.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to the study of human physiology and anatomy to underpin further study of the pathophysiology in health and disease.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces core aspects of biochemistry in clinical and industrial contexts to underpin further study in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces biomedical science as a profession, including the theory of core laboratory techniques and associated health and safety issues, and fundamental processes involved in the human immune system.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with the skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory, building on past knowledge/skills developed in earlier modules, and underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module aims to develop student skills in written and spoken communication of scientific information underpinning further study and professional development in biomedical sciences.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
Work based learning is an essential element for a student wishing to exit with a foundation degree, and provides a wide range of opportunities for students to experience professional laboratory work in either a medical or industrial environment. Student's benefit by greatly improving their practical abilities and employment prospects.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module considers genetic defects that contribute to human disease with study of recombinant DNA techniques, human inheritance, chromosomal aberrancies and inborn errors of metabolism, carcinogenesis and ageing. Advances in molecular genetics and the human genome project are also discussed and provide an appreciation of the potential for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides opportunities for enterprise and employability skills to be assessed, nurtured and developed within the context of biomedical sciences. This module is taught by lectures (online), tutorials and supervised time on a group project. Individual creativity and communications skills are assessed. Within the context of carrying out a group project, individual contributions to reflection on team working and enterprise skills' development and minuting a group meeting are assessed, as well as the group output of a new life sciences venture outline plan.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with the skills and techniques required to work in a regulated biomedical laboratory, building on past knowledge/skills developed in earlier modules, and underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the systems approach to quality, manufacturing, and regulation in the biopharmaceutical sector underpinning further study and practice in biomedical sciences.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of analytical assays and instrumentation employed in the analysis of biopharmaceuticals.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop research skills. The fully on-line module will be taught by lectures, tutorials, and computer based practicals. Students will be expected to select a research Project topic and then write a project brief and a literature review, and also use MS Excel and SPSS to analyse biomedical sciences data sets.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module develops core principles of professional practice in Healthcare Science.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
A problem or opportunity based investigative project within the work place, provides students with invaluable learning experiences and delivers significant benefits for their employers. Students benefit by greatly improving their practical abilities, time management, organisational and interpersonal skills and hence their employability.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides an in-depth understanding of cell culture processing as it pertains to the biosynthesis of modern biopharmaceutical products sufficient to underpin further professional practice in this area.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides students with an in-depth understanding formulation and fill finish of a biopharmaceutical and also addresses current and emerging drug delivery systems.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module addresses advanced aspects of quality systems and regulatory affairs including legislation for biopharmaceutical processing sufficient for further study and professional practice in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides the student with a broad but in-depth understanding of the main theoretical concepts and principles of protein purification sufficient for professional practice in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides students with a broad understanding of the various aspects of process and support systems validation for the manufacturing of modern biopharmaceuticals, including various risks inherent in bioprocessing technologies and how the application of effective validation methodologies assists in the control and management of such risks.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module provides a detailed knowledge and understanding of the general principles and methods of biocontamination control sufficient to underpin professional practice in the biomedical sciences.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module comprises an investigation in the field of bioscience, carried out in consultation with, and supervised by, a member of academic staff and supported by an e-tutor. The Project provides experience in planning a work programme to suit a defined set of research objectives, data acquisition and analysis, and the interpretation of the results in the light of relevant literature. Students are assessed by coursework only. A research paper is submitted for assessment. Research findings are defended via a Poster Presentation.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BCC including 2 science subjects – 2 from Group A OR 1 from Group A and 1 from Group B
Group A – Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Biology or Nutrition and Food Science, of which Chemistry is preferred
Group B – Physical Education, Geography, Information Technology, Applied Science, Environmental Technology, Life and Health Science
Applied Science Double Award is also acceptable as two sciences
Provided the above subject requirements are met you can substitute a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University for one of the A level grades.
*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject)/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DMM to include 7 unit Distinctions
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of MM to include 10 unit Merits plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite)
Award profile of MM plus A Level Grade B
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M to include 5 unit Merits plus A Level Grades BC to include two science subjects (see A Level requirements)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject) / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades CC to include two science subjects (see A Level requirements)
Grades H3,H3,H3,H4,H4 to include 2 science subjects (2 from Group A OR 1 from Group A and 1 from Group B).
Group A – Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology or Home Economics, of which Chemistry is preferred
Group B – PE, Geography, IT
Applicants are also required to have Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English and Maths grade H6 or above OR Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English and Maths at grade O4 or above.
Certificate in Foundation Studies / Access Course (appropriate science disciplines only acceptable) with an overall average of 60%.
GCSE Profile to include passes at grade C(or grade 4) or above in Mathematics, English Language AND Chemistry or Double Award Science.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Applicants will normally be employed in a relevant healthcare science/bioscience/bio-pharmaceutical laboratory environment in a scientific or quality assurance role.
Because 4 of the modules in Years 1 to 3 involve practicals, this programme is intended for Irish and UK residents but continental European residents will also be considered. Respective part-time, distance learning provision in BSc Hons Biomedical Science and BSc Hons BioPharmaceutical Science at Ulster and IT Sligo already offer articulation pathways for applicants with sub degree qualifications. Thus accreditation for prior certificated learning from a sub degree such as BSc BioPharmaceutical Science from IT Sligo or Foundation Degree in Applied Medical Sciences from Ulster or BSc Honours/Higher Degree in a related science field for entry to this course is not considered.
Exemption from one or more Year 1, 2 and 3 modules can be considered based on prior certificated learning. No exemptions from completion of the Year 4 modules can be given.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
Biomedical and Bio-Industrial Sciences graduates can expect to develop their careers in the Biopharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Medical Diagnostics, Medical Devices and Pharmaceutical sectors, as well as more broadly in the area of analytical science. In the development of this programme emphasis has been placed on aligning the course content with the skills required by the Biopharmaceutical industry, whilst ensuring that there is sufficient flexibility to allow students to move laterally into associated careers including Research and Development opportunities.
Graduates are typically employed in Scientific, Operations and Quality Assurance / Control positions in the Biopharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry sectors both in Ireland and abroad. Their work may involve the manufacture of novel medicines from living cells, immunodiagnostics, bioanalytics, process validation and process optimisation. Graduates can also pursue further studies in post graduate medicine, MSc programmes in biopharmaceutical science, including the institute’s own successful part-time, distance learning MSc Programme, and postgraduate research within this institute and elsewhere.
Students are in employment and will typically carry out an investigative project within their work place.
Additional travel and subsistence costs associated with laboratory practical sessions at Sligo in Years 1, 2 and 3. In addition, travel and subsistence for one visit to Coleraine for laboratory practicals if a student does not have access to appropriate molecular biology laboratory facilities at his or her work place.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
