Courses
Admissions & Support
Applied Science – Higher Certificate
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Location: Athlone
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years: 2
Course Overview
The Higher Certificate in Applied Science will give you an excellent opportunity to explore the core areas of biology, physics, mathematics and chemistry. One of the key advantages of this programme is that following successful completion of Year 1, you will choose between a biology stream (Biotechnology) or a chemistry stream (Pharmaceutical Science) for study in Year 2 of your programme. This allows you to make an informed decision, after 1 year at third level, regarding your preferred scientific area or discipline. After 2 years, as a graduate of the Higher Certificate in Applied Science programme you can then choose to continue your studies or seek employment. Graduates are typically employed as science technicians in research, industry, educational institutions and governmental agencies.
The Higher Certificate in Applied Science students will gain valuable hands-on experience in the laboratory as well as being able to explore their scientific interests.
- Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.
- Highly qualified lecturers with a broad range of research, teaching and industrial experience.
- Opportunities to develop soft skills in oral and written communication, teamwork, problem solving, time and project management, numeracy skills and computer literacy
Contact Details
Dr. Sinead Devery
Email: Sinead.Devery@tus.ie
Entry Requirements
Leaving Cert
Minimum entry requirements for standard applicants are: grade O6/H7 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
QQI
Any major QQI award and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 OR 5N0556 or Leaving Certificate Mathematics at O6/H7.
Mature Applicants
Applicants are considered ‘mature’ once they are 23 years or over on 1 January in the year they wish to begin studying. Mature applicants are not required to meet minimum entry requirements but must demonstrate ability to pursue and benefit from the course. Knowledge and skills gained through experiential learning will be taken into account with regard to the course for which they have applied. Such applicants are required to provide a CV and may be required to attend for interview at TUS as part of the selection process.
Modules Overview
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Biology (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Chemistry (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Laboratory Practice: Safety Science & Laboratory Competencies
Credits: 5
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Transferable Skills
Credits: 5
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Biology (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Mathematics for Scientists (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Chemistry (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Physics for Chemical and Life Sciences (Year Long)
Credits: 10
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Current Scientific Issues through Team Based Learning
Credits: 5
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Information Technology for Scientists
Credits: 5
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Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.1
Credtis: 5
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Analytical Techniques 1
Credits: 5
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Organic Chemistry
Credits: 5
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Physical Pharmaceutics (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE – Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Pharmaceutical Microbiology (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE- Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Biochemistry for Pharmaceutical Sciences (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE- Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Gene Technology 2.1 (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Microbiology 2.1 (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Biochemistry 2.1 (SEMESTER 1 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Mathematics and Statistics for Life and Physical Sciences 2.2
Credits: 5
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Analytical Techniques 2
Credits: 5
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Inorganic Chemistry (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE – Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Proteins and Nucleic Acids: Chemistry, Utility and Analysis (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE – Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Dosage Form Design (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE – Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Synthetic Organic Chemistry (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE – Pharmaceutical Science stream)
Credits: 5
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Cell Biology (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Gene Technology 2.2 (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Microbial Genetics (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
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Biochemistry 2.2 (SEMESTER 2 ELECTIVE- Biotechnology stream)
Credits: 5
What can you do after this course?
Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Applied Science programme may progress to a Level 7 and onwards to a Level 8 degree programme. The programme also provides a ‘ladder system’ of progression from a Level 6 to a Level 9 (Taught/Research Master’s) or Level 10 (PhD) qualification.
While the majority of graduates from this programme progress to level 7 programmes, opportunities for science technicians exist in research, industry educational institutions and government agencies. Industry offers opportunities in quality control, manufacturing processes, research and development and environmental management within the Biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and food processing sectors.
Additional Information
- Facilitates recognition of prior learning (RPL), up-skilling, re-skilling, diverse and mature student access to higher education.
- Provides a ‘ladder system’ of progression from a Level 6 to a Level 9 (Taught/Research Masters) or Level 10 qualification.
- Provides a number of intra- and inter-institute progression and transfer routes.
- Produces graduates with the skills and knowledge identified in skills-shortage reports, opening up a variety of career opportunities.
Student Testimonials
“……having high lab contact hours were critical to me thriving in the biopharmaceutical industry and understanding the bioprocess…….”. Science Graduate, 2023
“Practical skills were gained during the programme” Science Graduate, 2023
“I was constantly given feedback on my performance in class which I found really helpful. The lecturers always made themselves available for one-to-one tutorials if I required them.” Applied Science Student (ISSR Survey, 2022)