Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science
Four year honours degree in Medical Science, one of only three of its type in Ireland (this degree enables graduates to practice as medical scientists in hospitals)Discipline: Biopharmaceutical and Medical Science
Programme Code:
GA785
Location: Galway - Dublin Road
NFQ Level: 8
Programme Duration: Four years
Mode of Study: Full time
Application Route: Apply through the CAO
Entry Requirements: Standard Level 8 entry requirements, including a laboratory science subject and an O5/H7 or better in Mathematics.
Places: 32
CAO Round 1 Points: 470 (2020)
Why Study?
Medical Science is the study of investigative laboratory procedures, techniques and instruments that are required for the diagnosis of clinical disease and the monitoring of therapy.
In recent years there has been an increasing demand for medical laboratory diagnostic services and for the development of new services.
This degree will provide students with a solid foundation in the basic sciences together with the skills and knowledge to practice medical laboratory science.
Graduates are specifically qualified to work in modern hospital laboratories and are involved in the investigation and diagnosis of medical conditions and disease.
GMIT Medical Science Blog
Read real life stories from our students, and from medical scientists who are working in the field.
Programme Modules
Programme Modules:
Year 1
- Cell Biology & Genetics
- Microbiology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics/Statistics
- Learning and Innovation Skills
- Human Physiology
Year 2
- Medical Microbiology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Haematology
- Transfusion Science
- Cellular Pathology
- Immunology
- Human Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Statistics
- Biochemistry
- Scientific and Professional Communications
Year 3
- Quality Management
- Analytical Techniques/Instrumentation
- Human Genetics
- Applied Immunotechnology
- DNA Technology/Molecular Diagnostics
- Practice Placement (1,000 hours)
Year 4
- Pathophysiology & Epidemiology
- Clinical Immunology
- Healthcare Structures
- Research Project
- Option A: Blood Chemistry and Infectious Sciences
- Option B: Blood and Tissue Sciences
Career Opportunities
This programme is one of only three of its type in the Republic of Ireland that are recognised by the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science as enabling graduates to practice as medical scientists in hospitals.
This course is also accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) in the United Kingdom. Thus, successful completion of the academic programme and attainment of the IBMS ‘Certificate of Competence’ through completion of the IBMS registration training portfolio in an approved laboratory enables the student to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist by the Health Professions Council (HPC) and to then work as a Biomedical Scientist in the United Kingdom.
Graduates can also develop careers in medical research and in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.
Post-graduate Studies:
GMIT honours (Level 8) qualifications are recognised worldwide for postgraduate entry.
Essential Information:
In third year, students are required to complete 1000 hours of structured practice placement as student medical scientist. This work experience provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of hospital laboratory systems. During this placement the student is paid a non-means tested generous allowance by the Health Service Executive. Placement locations are geographically dispersed therefore, student may have to make alternative living arrangements when they are on placement depending on if they have transport or not. This programme is accredited by the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (Ireland) and by the Institute of Biomedical Science (UK).
Garda Vetting
It is a requirement that all students for this programme are Garda vetted by GMIT on commencement of their studies.
Health Screening
Students are expected to undergo a healthcare screening process on admission to the programme. Specific vaccinations may be required prior to practice placement.
Fitness to Practice
Programmes that lead to a professional qualification and a licence to practice requires students to undertake practical training in a professional environment, may be subject to the Institute’s Fitness to Practise Policy This Policy can be found on the StudentHub.ie https://galwaymayoinstitute.sharepoint.com/sites/GMITStudentHUB/SitePages/Policies-&-Regulations.aspx
Materials Fee
Students will be liable for an additional materials fee of €100 per year for certain full time programmes. This fee is not covered by Granting Authorities. Material Fees are not applicable to either Erasmus, Part-Time or Full time Non-EU students.
