1. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Dr Craig Murphy
Programme Director
BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences

2. Department of Biological Sciences
Career Focused Programmes
Practical Based Learning
Integrated Work Placement
Multiple Collaborators

3. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Programme Description
Agri-Biosciences involves the use of biological tools to increase production and sustainability in the Irish Agri-Food sector
Genetics, animal breeding, animal health and nutrition, crop biotechnology, microbiology and veterinary diagnostics
Duration
4 years

4. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Programme Background

5. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Programme Background
The Agri-Food industry is Ireland’s largest homegrown industry;
Provides employment to 8.4% of the working population
In Irish Agri-Food and drink exports increased to €11 billion
Gross agricultural output was valued at €7 billion
In 2017 the Government gave €19.5 million towards Agri-Food research & development

6. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
How does this course differ from a traditional
Agricultural Science course?
Specifically tailored to train students in biological tools for application in the Agri-Food industry
Central to future developments in Agri-Food sector
Applicable to students with or without a farming background

7. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Programme Outline
Year 1
Year 2
Semester 1
Creativity, Innovation & Teamwork
Biological Chemistry 1
Laboratory Operations
Biomolecules & Cells
Maths for Biological Sciences
Animal & Plant Physiology
Structural Biochemistry
Immunoanalysis
Microbial Diversity
Soil Science
Environmental Biotechnology
Mammalian Biotechnology
Semester 2
Biological Chemistry 2
Biostatistics & Probability
Microbes, Enzymes & Energy
Introduction to Agri-Food
Heat & Light
Introduction to Biotechnology
Bacteriology
Metabolic Biochemistry
Agri-Biotechnology
Bioanalytical Techniques
Introduction to Quality Systems
Computational Biology

8. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Programme Outline
Year 3
Year 4
Semester 1
Crop Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Food Quality Management
Animal Nutrition
Food Analytics
Microbial Ecosystems
Biosciences Literature Review
Genomics & Bioinformatics
Food Regulation & Compliance
Immunology & Infection
Crop Pathology
Biotechnology Management
Semester 2
Agri-Biosciences Placement
Biosciences Project
Agri-Economics
Animal Reproduction
Agri-Food Sustainability
Advanced Soil Science

9. Work Placement
Growing need for scientists with technical ability and knowledge in the Agri-Food sector
Mandatory work placement of 6 months in Ireland or abroad
Opportunity to get 6 – 8 months work experience with leaders in the Agri-Food Industry

10. Field Trips!
Numerous opportunities to visit industry and research organisations to learn first-hand from experts in the Agri- Food sector

11. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Some Employment Opportunities for Graduates
Diagnostics Testing
Food Analysis
Quality Control
Animal Feed Production
Animal & Crop Breeding
Laboratory Technician
Postgraduate Studies
Research & Development
Technical Sales

12. BSc (Hons) Agri-Biosciences (CR370)
Entry Requirements
Leaving certificate in 6 subjects
H5 in two subjects
O6/H7 in four other subjects
The six subjects must include Mathematics, and either English or Irish
Max places - 20

13. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Other Routes of Entry
Common Entry Model
Common 2-Year Platform
Common Entry (CR335)
Nutrition and Health
Science
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 
Agri-Biosciences
2 years +
2 years

14. craig.murphy@cit.ie http://biologicalsciences.cit.ie Further Info