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What is the Highest rated Science/lab degree in Ireland? anyone work in this area?

  • 17-01-2011 4:09am
    #1
    francie82
    Closed Accounts Posts: 75 ✭✭


    Need help.....Im just looking for advice on what science course to study in college next year. Maybe somebody who works in this area or somebody who has a high level of knowledge of college courses can give me advice and help me.Some multi nationals may favour some courses.....some courses may offer placement in a lab which is a massive advantage......ideally id like to work for a medical company either in the lab or working on medical technology/devices. I was thinkin of general science in NUIG but are there better courses out there??? Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    josey_whale
    Registered Users Posts: 284 ✭✭josey_whale


    francie82 wrote: »
    Need help.....Im just looking for advice on what science course to study in college next year. Maybe somebody who works in this area or somebody who has a high level of knowledge of college courses can give me advice and help me.Some multi nationals may favour some courses.....some courses may offer placement in a lab which is a massive advantage......ideally id like to work for a medical company either in the lab or working on medical technology/devices. I was thinkin of general science in NUIG but are there better courses out there??? Thanks

    The easiest way to get the anwsers to your questions would be to call up the HR dept of companies you are interested in and directly ask them.

    Another option would be to look at the recruitment sites out there. Find something close to your ideal job and see what they are looking for. Yes, companies may have a preferred degree course, but, the person and not the course is the most important thing.

    The reason I say this, is that general science might not be your best option if you want to go straight into one of these companies after getting your BSc. A more focused degree, such as biomedical science/engineering, or a course with material/polymer science as a mojor component would probably be better.

    A general science degree would of course give you options to specialise at post-grad level.


  • #3
    Pablo_
    Registered Users Posts: 188 ✭✭Pablo_


    As was said depending on what you want, but sounds like you have your eye set on industry and getting a job after your undergrad, so i would specify, rather than general science.

    Some courses now , look up nui and limerick and cork, focus on biomedical or materials science, or the microbiology side of things


  • #4
    francie82
    Closed Accounts Posts: 75 ✭✭francie82


    thanks guys for the post....picked biotechnology in dcu...if anyone knows anything about it or has any tips i wud greatly appreciate them...


  • #5
    Partition
    Registered Users Posts: 18 ✭Partition


    Hi francie82. Congratulations on making your choice! I'm currently studying Biotechnology in DCU so I guess I'm qualified to answer some of your questions. I have to say I absolutely love this course, and hopefully you will too.

    The first year is general science, where all the different disciplines attend the same lectures. The modules include maths, biology, chemistry and physics as well as a number of practical modules in all. It provides you with a firm foundation in the principles underpinning science. Second year is where the courses differentiate. Biotechnology is roughly split 50/50 between biology and engineering. You will still be attending the same biology modules as the Genetics and Cell Biology course, however you will also be introduced to some very interesting bioprocess topics. Third year has a similar format for semester one, however you will have a shorter than usual semester two before you head out on 6 months relevant paid work experience. In final year you have core modules but also some optional ones, allowing you to specialise to a certain extent and explore your interests. You will also undertake a final year project.

    Overall I have to say that the multidisciplinary nature of this degree makes for an attractive graduate, both in terms of employment and postgraduate opportunities. Many universities which offer Biotechnology as a degree programme tend not to incorporate bioprocess principles to the same level as DCU, instead focusing to a large degree on the biology content only. So I think you've chosen well with this course. It's also quite practical based, so you'll be very comfortable in a laboratory by the time you finish.

    A piece of advice that I would offer is that it is preferable (not essential though!) for you to have a love of maths to get the most out of this course. The engineering modules have a heavy calculus content. There are a number of maths modules taught in first and second year that will provide you with the skillset you need though, so don't let that put you off. But as I say, an affinity for maths will make the ride a lot smoother.

    In conclusion the course is a lot of hard work; at times incorporating long days and the occasional all-nighter (!) but overall definitely worth it if you love biology and maths.

    Phew! That turned out to be quite the essay! If you're still reading this, I hope it was useful. I'm happy to offer any further advice/info that I can. Best of luck!


  • #6
    francie82
    Closed Accounts Posts: 75 ✭✭francie82


    thanks partition if i have any questions ul be the first to ask! anybody else have any info on it?


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  • #7
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    francie82 wrote: »
    thanks guys for the post....picked biotechnology in dcu...if anyone knows anything about it or has any tips i wud greatly appreciate them...


    I did science in Trinty, but were I work there's loads of people with the biotechnology degree from DCU. They work from lab techs, to biochemists, to technical support, to research and to management. Due to this range of jobs I'd say the degree is well appreciated in the working world.

    Good luck with the course!


  • #8
    moseythecat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9 ✭moseythecat


    I studied general science in UCD. After my second year I branched into the life sciences of Zoology and botany. By my 3rd and 4th years I had branched into a sub degree of Environmental biology. Personally I think it is essential to stay broad and general at the beginning. It is very difficult to determine where you will go with science.

    for example in my second year I went down the biochemistry route. I intensely disliked this! So I changed track

    After completing my degree I did an MSc in environmental forestry.

    I now work as a forester. And I love it!

    Good luck with the Science it is an amazing course of study.


  • #9
    p1akuw47h5r3it
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,001 ✭✭✭p1akuw47h5r3it


    francie82 wrote: »
    thanks guys for the post....picked biotechnology in dcu...if anyone knows anything about it or has any tips i wud greatly appreciate them...

    Cool i hope to be doing this too come September. :D


  • #10
    pmrc
    Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭pmrc


    Has any one here done science in WIT?


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