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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
143
Study abroad
You will have the option to study abroad in the Junior Sophister
(third) year in most science courses. In the past, for example,
students have studied in the USA, Canada, Australia, and in a
variety of universities throughout Europe. Optional language
classes are available to you in first and second year (see
page 13) to facilitate this. Some departments will also actively
encourage you to spend your summer months working abroad in
a research laboratory.
Further information
www.tcd.ie/Science
E-mail:
science@tcd.ie
Tel: +353 1 896 1970
Biochemistry
Students who wish to study Biochemistry apply to the
Science degree (TR071) and may select Biochemistry
as their specialist area for the 3rd and 4th years.
Junior Freshman (first year) prerequisites: Chemistry
CH1101 and Chemistry CH1102. Also, Mathematics or
Mathematical methods.
Senior Freshman (second year) prerequisite: Biology
BY2201, BY2203, BY2205 and BY2208.
For details of the first two years of the Science course,
including entry requirements, see page 139.
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the study of the molecular design of life. It
provides an understanding of the structure and function of the
building blocks of life (proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA). This
subject area is also an integral part of medicine, as it helps us
to understand the mechanics of how disease and disorders
occur. It is also an essential component of biotechnology, where
processes for the production of foods and fuels, and enzymes
or other proteins are developed. Knowledge of the structure
of proteins implicated in human disease is also useful for the
design of new drugs. All major pharmaceutical companies have
significant investment in biochemistry to help aid their pipeline
of new drugs and therapies for cancer, infectious diseases,
and other pathological conditions.
What will you study?
The courses in the Junior Sophister (third) year provide a
broad knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of
biochemistry– from the behaviour of simple cells to the complex
development and organisation of the human being.
Topics include:
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Protein science
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Membrane biology
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Cellular regulation
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Immunology
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Eukaryotic gene structure
A research project in the area of biochemistry forms an essential
part of the Senior Sophister (fourth) year. Examples of research
areas from which topics may be chosen include drug design and
development, cancer, neurobiology, parasitology, immunology,
metabolism and cell signalling. The School of Biochemistry and
Immunology also has the best facilities in Ireland for studying the
3D structure of the molecules of life.