The Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree is designed to give you a strong foundation in both chemistry and biology, while developing the skills needed to design and understand modern medicines. 

• Year 1 builds your core knowledge in chemistry, physics, and biology, along with maths, computer science, or applied maths.
• Year 2 introduces pathways in chemistry and biochemistry, alongside pharmacology and a research skills project.
• Year 3 focuses on advanced chemistry and biochemistry topics, drug design, molecular biology, and genetics. You’ll also learn about pharmaceutical validation and spend 20–26 weeks on a paid work placement in industry.
• Year 4 covers specialist topics such as bioorganic and biopharmaceutical chemistry, biotechnologies, and advanced analytical techniques. You’ll complete either a research dissertation with placement or an on-campus project with elective modules. 

By the end of the course, you’ll have the theoretical knowledge, laboratory skills, and real-world experience to contribute to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical sector. 

YEAR ONE 

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Plus one of the following:
• Mathematical Studies 
  
• Mathematics
• Computer Science 
  
• Applied Mathematics 

YEAR TWO 

• Chemistry Pathway
• Biochemistry Pathway
  
• Computers and Chemical Research (project and transferable skills)
• Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology 
  
• Applied Concepts in Pharmacology 

YEAR THREE 

• Organic, Inorganic and Physical Chemistry
• Drug Design and Drug Discovery
• Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Structure
• Experimental Chemistry I and II 
  
• Molecular Biology 
  
• Protein Biochemistry 
  
• Human Molecular Genetics 
  
• Validation in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry 

YEAR FOUR 

• Analytical and Biophysical Chemistry
  
• Bioorganic and Bioinorganic Chemistry
  
• Biopharmaceutical Chemistry and Modern Biotechnologies 
  
• Placement Option 
  
• Biopharmaceutical Chemistry dissertation 
  
• Work placement 
  
• On-Campus Option: 
  
• On-campus project 
  
• Elective modules 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum Information

• Industry Placement - A 20-26 week paid work placement in Year 3 within Ireland’s thriving biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
• Small Class Sizes - A small intake ensures close interaction with lecturers, personalised support, and a strong learning community.
• Multidisciplinary Focus - Combines chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and biotechnology, giving graduates a broad and versatile scientific skill set.
• Research Opportunities - Hands-on research projects in Years 2 and 4, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. 

Our BSc Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree will prepare students for exciting careers in the biopharmaceutical industry which is an increasingly important player in the Irish economy.  

Biopharmaceutical companies located in Ireland include Abbott, Amgen, Alexion, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centocor, Eli Lilly, Hollister, Pfizer, Merck, Randox, Regeneron and Sanofi. These companies need graduates who are trained in chemistry and aspects of biotechnology. The Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree is tailored to meet the needs of this industry. 

Students can apply to spend a semester of year 3 studying abroad. This is competitive as places are limited. There are opportunities in Hong Kong, the USA (University of California, John Carroll University in Ohio, University of Connecticut, University of Notre Dame in Indiana) and Europe (Uppsala University and University of Malta). 

Studying abroad offers a wonderful and challenging experience for Biomedical Science students. Experiencing teaching and learning in a different environment promotes student confidence and growth as they discover other cultures. 

In a world that is becoming increasing internationalised this opportunity will set student up for success in their future careers. 

Studying abroad substitutes for learning in Galway and contributes to your degree.

Apply your classroom learning in a paid 20–26 week placement in Year 3 within Ireland’s thriving biopharmaceutical industry. Placement partners in Ireland include Abbott, Amgen, Alexion, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Centocor, Eli Lilly, Hollister, Pfizer, Merck, Randox, Regeneron, and Sanofi. 

These world-leading companies need graduates with strong training in chemistry and biotechnology. The Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree at the University of Galway is designed to meet this demand, equipping students with the specialist knowledge, practical skills, and industry experience to build successful careers in the sector.

• Prof Peter Crowey  
• Dr Laura Cunningham 
• Dr Andrea Erxleben 
• Prof Paul Murphy  
• Prof Olivier Thomas  
• Dr Eddie Myers 

As a Biopharmaceutical Chemistry student at the University of Galway, you will learn in a dynamic mix of lectures, laboratory classes, skills modules, and project work. Lectures provide the theoretical foundations of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology, while extensive laboratory sessions allow you to apply this knowledge in practice and develop essential technical skills. Skills modules focus on communication, teamwork, data analysis, and problem-solving - qualities highly valued by employers. 

Assessment is carried out through a blend of written examinations, laboratory reports, project work, presentations, and continuous assessment. In Years 2 and 4, you will also complete research projects, giving you the chance to work more independently and demonstrate your ability to design and carry out scientific investigations. This balanced approach ensures that you graduate with both the academic knowledge and practical experience needed for a successful career in the biopharmaceutical sector. 

How Will I Learn? 

1. Lectures and lab classes - theory is taught in lectures and applied in laboratory classes as students learn by doing. Students will develop practical skills, apply scientific concepts, collect and analyse data. 
2. Skills modules - academic and transferable skills such as communication, team work, critical reading and data analysis will be developed in various skills-based modules.
3. Projects - project work allows development of organisation and presentation skills. Some project are group based and some individual. The final year research project is an opportunity for students to put knowledge into practice as they produce a significant scientific report.

How Will I Be Assessed? 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework including in-class MCQ tests, lab reports and presentations. 
2. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. 
3. Project Work - Portfolios, written projects, poster presentation and oral presentations. 

Course queries: 
Padraig.hynes@universityofgalway.ie    

Programme Director(s):  

Prof Peter Crowley 
peter.crowley@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: What are the Job prospects like? 
A: Job prospects are high with a BSc Biopharmaceutical Chemistry degree.  
Students complete a 6 month industry placement, frequently leading to employment in the same company after graduation.  The (bio)pharmaceutical industry is growing rapidly and there are many roles, both laboratory- and office-based, for graduates. 

Q: Who is this programme for?  
A: This programme is for students who are particularly interested in chemistry and the development of new types of protein-based drugs. One big advantage of the BPC programme is that you spend 6 months in industry. Often, after graduation our students return to the same company for employment. 

Q: What are good leaving cert subjects to have?  
A: Leaving certificate Chemistry and/or Physics is a good preparation for any science degree. It is possible to do Biopharmaceutical Chemistry without leaving certificate Chemistry. However, you will need to invest extra effort in 1st year Chemistry to catch up. 

Minimum Entry Requirement

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. 

Alternative Pathways 

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links: 

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme 

Other Qualifications 

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students 
• EU students 

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.  

Admissions Office  

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.  

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants 

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.  

Mature Applicants  

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.  

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants  

Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

Additional Costs:  

Some modules incorporate practical laboratories and for these, you may be required to purchase basic safety items such as a laboratory coat or goggles. Other modules may require a kit of components to be purchased.  

High-achieving undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for a range of prestigious scholarships that recognise academic excellence and support students in reaching their full potential. Click here for further Information. 

International Scholarships 

• One excellence scholarship (10k per year -4 years) across our denominated programmes.
• Merit Scholarship: A €5,000 tuition reduction awarded to all international students who receive an offer for the programme.

Application Process 

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.