Consider Biotechnology if you are interested in: * the manipulation of living organisms, for the benefit of human health, food production or the environment * exploring the nature of biological molecules, how they are synthesised and how they can be produced, in culture systems, using living cells * all aspects of modern molecular biology including recombinant DNA technology, antibody production and uses, and animal cell culture * working to produce new drugs at the cutting edge of medical research, (for example, antibodies used to treat cancers, or vaccines to prevent cervical cancer or hepatitis B), to develop new diagnostic systems for human or animal health and to improve food production * disciplines including genetics, molecular biology, immunology, molecular microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology * reinforcing your theoretical studies with practical laboratory sessions, visits to industrial firms, and ideally a placement in a biotech company

Pharmaceutical and chemical products account for over 50% of Irish exports. 25% of all PhD researchers in the Irish industry are employed in the PharmaChemical sector. Biotechnology graduates are suited for employment in the biopharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates may also find work in industries based on new technologies in plant and animal breeding, micropropagation and pest control. In addition, many Biotechnology graduates undertake PhD research, both in Ireland and overseas, in areas such as immunology, molecular microbiology, vaccine research, molecular biology and chemical biology.