Qualification : BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH202
CAO Points : 444
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>Biotechnology is the use of biological molecules, cells and organisms for applications in various fields such as medicine, agriculture and industry.
>While biotechnology is fundamentally the use of biology to solve problems and make useful products, it is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry, genetics and other sciences. Students in this field study core disciplines such as genetics, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology as well as applied areas including genetic engineering, molecular diagnostics and bioprocessing of food and drugs.
>Students reinforce theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial companies, and ideally a placement in a biotech company (subject to availability).
>There is a transfer pathway from 1st year MH201 Science to 2nd year MH202 Biotechnology for students who have taken Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and another subject. Students must attain 60% at the end of first year. Places are limited and are based on 1st year results. More details about potential MH201 transfer opportunities.
Duration: 4 years
1st year
- Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and 1 other Science subject (Experimental Physics or Mathematical Physics)
2nd year
- Concentrate on Biotechnology, Chemistry, and 1 of the other 2 subjects you studied in 1st year
- Optional 10 credit Elective or Critical Skills
3rd year
- Focus mainly on Biotechnology and Chemistry
4th year
- Concentrate on Biotechnology
- Industry work placement (subject to availability)
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| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Language | No | N/A | N/A |
| Math | Yes | O4 | H7 |
| Science | Yes | O6 | H7 |
International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements
Mature Students
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/ online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.
01 February 2024
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH202 Round 1 Points 2023: 431
HEAR & DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds..
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
The Maynooth Education
Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.
APPLY TO THE CAO
WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
- EU/EFTA/UK students
- International students (outside the EU)
- QQI (Further Education) students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students