Courses
Admissions & Support
Applied Science – Higher Certificate
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Status: Now Accepting Applications
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Campus: Athlone
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years: 2
Course Overview
The Higher Certificate in Applied Science programme offers an excellent opportunity to explore the core areas of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Students gain valuable hands-on practical experience in the laboratory as well as having the opportunity to develop their scientific interests and key transferrable skills. A key component of this programme is that students make an informed decision, upon completion of Year 1, to choose either the Biotechnology stream or the Phramaceutical Sciences stream for further study in Year 2. Graduates of this programme also have the opportunity to to continue their studies by progressing onto a number of Level 7/8 degree programmes including progression to Level 9 (Taught/Research Master’s) and Level 10 (PhD). Graduates also have multiple employment opportunities as science technicians/analysts in industry, research, educational and governmental agencies.
Contact Details
Dr. Sinead Devery
Email: Sinead.Devery@tus.ie
Belinda Grady
Email: Belinda.Grady@tus.ie
Entry Requirments
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). Any major QQI award and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 OR 5N0556 or Leaving Certificate Mathematics at O6/H7. Mature applicants are not required to meet the minimum entry requirements, an interview forms 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.
Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Applied Science Programme typically find employment within such diverse areas as: QA/QC technicians, analytical science technicians, process technicians, manufacturing technologists, biochemistry and microbiology analysts.
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)