The Madia Department of Chemistry and the University College Cork (Ireland) have signed a formal memorandum of understanding to facilitate the admission of any qualified IUP chemistry and biochemistry graduates into the MRes in biochemistry and cell biology or MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation.
Benefits and Terms
- Admission to UCC's MRes in biochemistry and cell biology or MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation programs will prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, corporate startup, government, scientific publishing, education, nonprofit agencies, or further education in a PhD.
- Students gain international experience that is highly regarded in the scientific community. UCC is uniquely positioned to place UCC graduates in international and local companies located in the European Union; specifically pharma and biotechnology.
Description of UCC Programs
MRes in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
The MRes in biochemistry and cell biology is a one-year, full-time, research-intensive course that aims to recruit highly motivated, enthusiastic students with an interest in research. With internationally recognized researchers in the School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at University College Cork, the MRes combines a 12-month research project with select taught classes to enhance each student's individual skill set. Students select a 12-month research project, supervised by an experienced academic, in the areas of bioanalysis, bioinformatics, proteomics, cancer biology, cell signaling, gene expression, trafficking, molecular genetics, neurobiology, RNA biology, translational control, or synthetic biology.
Throughout the year there is a strong focus on the development of presentation and writing skills required for a successful research career, including research proposal writing. General and transferable skills in laboratory techniques and safety, research ethics and integrity, information literacy and science communication are also part of the core and elective academic curriculum. Most graduates of the MRes in biochemistry and cell biology have
gone directly into PhDs or medical degrees (82%), with a few moving directly into the biotechnology /biopharmaceutical industry (18%).
MSc in Molecular Cell Biology with Bioinnovation
The MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation is a one-year, full-time, master's degree program that combines science and business for a unique, interdisciplinary, educational experience. The program is aimed at highly motivated students with an interest in biomedical research in the areas of biochemistry, cancer biology, microbiology, human micro biota, immunology, or molecular neuroscience. The course content and design of the MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation seamlessly ties together excellence in life science research, strong communication skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit that supports the success of our graduates. The course combines advanced, discipline-specific training with core scientific research, technical expertise, and business skills. With local and national guest lecturers, talks from clinicians, and input from the biopharmaceutical/biotechnology sectors, students who complete the MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation are well equipped for careers in academia, multinational and start-up companies, medicine, scientific publishing, and education. With a six-month, independent research project as part of the degree, students gain invaluable hands-on experience in experimental design, implementation, and data interpretation. Students also develop a wide array of transferable skills, including
written and verbal communication; data recording, analysis, and presentation; critical evaluation of published material; learning to work collaboratively and independently; and project and time-management.
Students Requirements
Acceptance into UCC's School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology's MRes in biochemistry and cell biology or MSc in molecular cell biology with bioinnovation programs is based on a merit model with the student achieving or completing base entrance requirements of said program, including other indicators that identify strong candidates in past masters cohorts.
Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above at the time of application to the graduate program, and maintain an overall GPA of 3.3 or above at the time of completion and graduation from IUP in biochemistry; chemistry; chemistry/interdisciplinary chemistry; chemistry/pre-medical; chemistry/pre-pharmacy; or chemistry education.
Students must receive a minimum grade of "C" or better on all required courses for their degree in biochemistry; chemistry; chemistry/interdisciplinary chemistry; chemistry/premedical; chemistry/pre-pharmacy; or chemistry education.
Students must actively participate in undergraduate research for two 14-week academic semesters (10 hrs per week); two 10-week summers (15 hrs per week); or one 14-weck academic semester and one 10-week summer.
Completion of the "Application of Interest" between October 15 and December 1.
The student will complete an application to UCC via the Postgraduate Applications Centre by March 15.
Students will provide UCC with a final transcript listing degree and cumulative GPA for the specified IUP chemistry or biochemistry degree.
Both US and international IUP students are eligible to participate in this agreement, because international students who are selected for this program will have completed a bachelor's degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.