Agri-biosciences Bsc (honours) in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland

Agri-biosciences Bsc (honours) in Cork Institute of Technology

WHAT IS AGRI-BIOSCIENCES?

Modern agriculture utilises biological tools to increase production and sustainability in the agri-food industry. Some of these tools include using genetics to determine breeding and health traits in animal and crop production, applications of bacteria and fungi in agri-food systems, and the use of biomolecules to increase the nutritional value of animal feedstuff.

The agri-food industry is Ireland’s largest homegrown industry, and this biosciences course is designed to meet the growing need for scientists who have excellent technical competency and knowledge application in agri-biosciences. Graduates will be equipped with dynamic skillsets to occupy roles across a variety of agrifood sectors and further develop biotechnologies.

The course content is designed in collaboration with industry partners to meet the needs of the ever-evolving agri-food industry. Topics covered are contemporary and relevant both nationally and internationally. The lectures are supplemented with relevant examples, case studies, projects, assignments, site visits, web tools, and interactive media. There is a strong focus in agri-biosciences on practical techniques and approximately 50% of contact time is spent in the laboratory gaining in-depth technical experience.

Year 1 and 2 of the course provide a strong foundation in biological science modules such as microbiology, biotechnology and biochemistry. Additionally, students engage with agri-specific modules gaining skills and knowledge in agricultural biotechnology, animal and plant physiology, and soil science. Year 3 and 4 of the programme provide further specialisation in the agribiosciences, with students covering core topics such as agri-food microbiology, animal breeding, food quality, animal immunology and disease, crop biotechnology, bioinformatics and food analysis.

The mandatory work placement in Year 3 is an integral and exciting element of the course programme in which the student joins the workforce of a relevant organisation. The students develop first-hand knowledge of organisational structure, modern analytical techniques used in the organisation, expand their knowledge of the agri-food industry, and further develop both professional and personal skills.

Work Placement

Students undertake a mandatory work placement for the second semester in Year 3 and can be hosted either in Ireland or abroad.

Leaving Cert Subjects:

Helpful subjects are Biology, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science.

Course summary

The course content is designed in collaboration with industry partners to meet the needs of the ever-evolving agri-food industry. Topics covered are contemporary and relevant both nationally and internationally. The lectures are supplemented with relevant examples, case studies, projects, assignments, site visits, web tools, and interactive media. There is a strong focus in agri-biosciences on practical techniques and approximately 50% of contact time is spent in the laboratory gaining in-depth technical experience.

Further studies

This honours degree programme is an excellent platform for further studies, both in terms of short add-on courses, and more structured postgraduate degrees such as Master of Science and PhD programmes.