Biotechnology (DC181) 6-month internship
By studying a wide range of scientific and engineering subjects, you’ll gain the necessary skills to succeed in the emerging, technology-driven biotech industry.
At the start of the Biotechnology course, you’ll be introduced to the basic sciences, mathematics and computing. As you progress, you’ll discover more comprehensive areas of biotechnology, ranging from genetics and process engineering to immunology and gene cloning.
In third year, specialist areas are introduced. In addition, in Year Three you will have the opportunity to work in industry as part of our paid industrial training programme (INTRA).
In fourth year there is a strong emphasis on choice, with students selecting from a wide range of subjects. You’ll also undertake a significant research project in your final year.
Science courses at DCU provide an ideal opportunity to acquire hands-on experience, not only at the laboratory bench but also in meeting the challenges associated with ongoing creative research projects. Here you’ll be able to explore your true potential through practical work—much of which count towards your final mark.
Genetics and Cell Biology (DC168) 6-month internship
The first year of the course is taken in common with other science courses, so you will be studying biology, chemistry, physics, biostatistics and computing.
In Year Two, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of genetics, the biochemistry of the cell and microbiology. You’ll also be introduced to pharmacology and instrumentation.
In the first semester of Year Three, you’ll gain the practical skills and techniques that form the basis of cell and gene technologies. These include gene cloning and bioinformatics (the application of computing in genetic analysis). With this knowledge, you’ll be well prepared for your six-month work experience placement (INTRA).
In the final year, you’ll explore the advances arising from research in genetics and cell biology as well as medical products and the healthcare industry. A significant research project must also be completed.
Sport Science and Health (DC202) 6-month internship
The Sport Science and Health degree will help you develop a detailed understanding of the scientific aspects of sport and physical activity. You’ll also be shown how these are investigated and applied. The objective of the course is to produce well-informed science graduates who think critically and creatively, can apply knowledge and are prepared for employment in a variety of sectors.
In Year One, you’ll study the degree’s key science subjects, including chemistry, physics, physiology, psychology and sociology. In addition, there is a range of practical classes and sessions in sport and physical activity.
In second year, you’ll learn how the scientific subjects of Year One are applied to the study of sport, exercise and health. The topics included illustrate the wide range of material covered in this exciting course, ranging from nutrition and genetics to psychology, anatomy and sociology. Vocational aspects like fitness assessment, coaching studies and health promotion are covered in Years Two and Three. These will serve you well during your paid industrial training placement (INTRA) in third year.
In Year Four, you have a choice between focusing on the sport or health aspects of the course. There is also a major research project and two significant group projects, which will help you to combine your knowledge of the theoretical and practical areas of sport and exercise.
Health and Society (DC209)
You will undertake a range of modules, including those in which you will:
Investigate various perspectives—biological, social, political, ethical, psychological—that you can employ in examining health issues
Learn about health research
Actively engage in health projects or campaigns
Develop your own ‘healthy qualities’
Examine particular health-related issues such as ‘drugs in society’, ‘nutrition and health’ and ‘trauma and abuse in society’
As part of the course, you will have opportunities to engage in activities and project work that you find personally relevant and interesting.
With a particular emphasis on health action in the everyday world, you will participate in a voluntary community project in Year One.
In Year Two you will design and implement a small health equity campaign.
In Year Three you will conduct a health research project and write a final dissertation.
Psychology (DC208) 14-week internship
DCU’s BSc in Psychology 4-year programme is structured to cover introductory to advanced levels of psychology across the five core pillars of undergraduate training: developmental and lifespan psychology; biological psychology and neuropsychology; social psychology; cognitive psychology and the psychology of individual difference. A core focus running throughout the programme is research literacy supported by a combination of practical and online laboratory activities.
The Psychology degree’s core subjects include research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, cognitive psychology, developmental and lifespan psychology, biological bases of behaviour, social psychology, personality and individual differences, educational psychology, sports psychology, health psychology and organisational psychology. In addition to the core subjects, you can also choose from a range of optional modules from a variety of discipline areas.
This degree places particular emphasis on the application of psychology. For example, you’ll participate in experimental, practical, survey and observational work. This will allow the development of expertise in practical-based psychological methods while deepening your understanding of the theoretical knowledge you are acquiring. You’ll undertake an independent research project in Year Four, which will allow you to use these valuable skills.
Given our extensive networks with partner hospitals/clinics, schools, industry and researchers, we are the first to lead out in credited undergraduate psychology internships – our Year 3 INTRA programme – in various fields including clinical and behavioural neuroscience; organisational and corporate psychology; applied behaviour analysis etc. Our programme covers an exciting range of applied subjects (e.g. health psychology, educational psychology, organizational psychology, clinical neuropsychology and sports psychology) and offers cutting edge options (e.g. Disability and Illness, Law and Neuroscience, Crime and Psychology, Applied Behaviour Analysis and Psychopharmacology).
Psychology and Mathematics (DC207)
The four-year BSc in Psychology and Mathematics course is structured to cover introductory to advanced levels of Psychology across the five pillars of undergraduate training: development and lifespan psychology; biological psychology and neuropsychology; social psychology; cognitive psychology and the psychology of individual difference; in combination with introductory to advanced levels of Mathematics including calculus, probability, computing, statistics and data analysis.
Research literacy is a core focus of the course and it is supported by a combination of practical and online laboratory activities. The course covers an existing range of applied subjects (e.g. Psychological Assessment and Measurement, Social Psychology and Contemporary Issues, Coding and Cryptography and Deep Learning) and offers cutting-edge options specifically designed for this course.
Thanks to our extensive networks with industry, business, partner hospital/ clinics, schools and researchers, we are the first to have established integrated credited undergraduate Psychology and Mathematics internships. Our Year 3 (INTRA) work placements can be in various fields including clinical, behavioural and cognitive neuroscience; financial and health-related industries, organisational and corporate psychology; and applied behaviour analysis.
In Year 4 the course offers the exciting opportunity to conduct an independent final-year research project combining psychological and mathematical tools and techniques to address a contemporary real-world psychological question.
Psychology and Disruptive Technologies (DC210)
The BSc in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies is run by the DCU School of Psychology in collaboration with the DCU School of Computing. The 4-year programme is structured to cover introductory to advanced levels of psychology across the five core pillars of undergraduate training: developmental and lifespan psychology; biological psychology; social psychology; cognitive psychology and the psychology of individual difference. A core focus running throughout the programme is research literacy supported by a combination of practical and virtual laboratory activities and digital innovation based on cutting edge technologies that positively disrupt the status quo and underpin societal change.
The course will cover a dynamic range of applied areas and cutting edge options from the Psychology of Innovation and Disruption across diverse education, health, business and industry settings. Throughout the programme, you will also develop a detailed understanding of the theories and innovations of disruptive technologies that significantly reshape the world that we live in, and also examine mechanisms for building trust in digital interactions.
In Year 3 of the programme, you will complete an internship in various fields including digital technology and learning, digital therapeutics, and other applied areas within education, health and wellbeing, industry and community sectors.
In Year 4 of the programme, you will have an exciting opportunity to complete a final year project bringing together your advanced and unique training in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies.
The BSc in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies has been developed in line with pre-professional Psychological Society of Ireland accreditation principles and is currently pending accreditation.
Actuarial Mathematics (DC126) (Direct Application)
In the first two years of their degree students cover the fundamental mathematical principles that underpin the financial models studied in later years. Students also study practical and finance-related subjects such as computer programming, economics and accounting. In years three and four students apply sophisticated mathematical techniques to real-world problems in insurance, finance and banking.
In year three, students spend eight months on a paid work placement (INTRA) in the actuarial or financial industry. The placements are, typically, with major insurance companies, actuarial consultancies or in investment banks and trading houses. This is a key opportunity for students to gain practical skills and experience in a commercial environment and also helps students make an informed career choice on graduation.
Financial Mathematics (DC127)
The Common Entry structure allows you to make an informed decision about which stream to specialise in after first studying fundamental courses such as analysis, algebra and probability, together with computing and statistics.
At the end of Year Two, students on this Common Entry programme enter one of two courses—there are a limited number of places in the third year of the BSc in Actuarial Mathematics, with entry based on a student’s performance in Years One and Two.
Complete two years of a BSc while deciding between an academic concentration in either Actuarial Mathematics or Financial Mathematics
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (DC001) Professional practice
All students take required early childhood education and care modules and spend approximately 1,000 hours on professional placement related experiences.
In Year One, you will cover the core information needed to understand young children and how they develop.
Year Two focuses on the ECEC environment. Students learn how to create settings that support and challenge young children.
Diversity, equality and inclusion are key themes in Year Three. You’ll discover how to support and engage with the rich culture, languages, traditions and needs of a diverse range of children and their families through respectful relationships.
The final year focuses on leadership, ethics and research—you’ll complete a dissertation in an area of professional interest to you. Students can also select from a range of relevant specialisms in final year.
Throughout the course, theory is put into practice through placement in a range of different early education settings such as community-based crèches and privately run preschools. You’ll work with children from a variety of linguistic, social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. You’ll also work with children who have special educational needs.
Our programme aims to develop well-informed, articulate professionals who are passionate about and hold a personal stance on key issues in early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Prepare for the working world by spending around 1,000 hours on professional placement during your course.
Opt to take an elective module that will prepare you to teach Irish as a first or second language in Naíonraí, or specialise choose from a range of other specialisms.
You’ll be part of a small study group that will give you peer feedback and support.
