International Exchange Programme - Outgoing Students

In Senior Freshman year, Trinity students who want to take Moderatorships in Biochemistry or Immunology (Molecular Medicine on a case by case basis) can apply to the International Exchange Programme to spend their Junior Sophister year abroad. Currently the School has agreements with various Universities for the ERASMUS+ scheme and any College-wide non-EU exchange programmes (Trinity non-EU exchange programmes). A year spent in another country is an invaluable experience particularly in the case of France or Germany where acquisition of proficiency in the use of the language and experience of the culture may confer benefits later when seeking employment. A number of these exchanges have been selected because some or all of the content lectures are provided in English. However, for France, Spain, Poland or Germany you should study the language in the College CLCS from the start of the Senior Freshman year, unless you are already proficient.

The ERASMUS+ scheme has a bursary available of €250/month to help support the exchange student. All rising Senior Freshmen who wish to be considered must contact Dr Andrei Budanov (budanova@tcd.ie) before the end of Michaelmas semester for ERASMUS+ and before the end of October for non-EU exchange programmes. Only students who obtain a 2:1 average in Senior Freshman year will be allowed to take up a place abroad. In the event of more candidate applications than places, exam results will be used to identify the successful applicant.

International Exchange Programme - Incoming Students

The School of Biochemistry & Immunology is research intensive and has a strong international reputation for the quality of its scholarly activities. The areas of research in Biochemistry include membrane proteins, enzymology, folic acid biochemistry, structural biology, tRNA biology, neurochemistry, systems biology, cancer biology, molecular parasitology, apoptosis, energy transduction and drug discovery. In the area of Immunology our School is active in immunoregulation, immunomodulation, cell signalling in immunity and inflammation, immunoparasitology, vaccine adjuvant research, innate immunity and inflammation, and viral subversion of immunity.

Our success in these areas is complemented by our substantial investment in cutting-edge facilities for nuclear magnetic resonance, protein crystallisation, X-ray crystallography, transgenics, histochemistry, electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and fluorescence activated cell sorting. The School has a passion for discovery, an ability to generate new knowledge, expertise in cutting-edge technologies, a flair for entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as a commitment to communicating their passion and knowledge to students. The School funds three moderatorships, leading to degrees in Biochemistry, Immunology and Molecular Medicine.

International students who have relevant backgrounds from their home Institutions and at least 1-2 years of comparable subjects similar to those necessary for entry into a specific moderatorship can elect to take the full Junior Sophister year. For ERASMUS+ students hosted by School, we have set up specific agreements with your home Institutions in either Biochemistry or Immunology. Visiting non-EU students, including TASSEP, Science Without Borders (SWB) or similar can apply through College for a full academic year in Biochemistry (TASSEP, ERASMUS+ by agreement or SWB), Immunology (TASSEP, ERASMUS+ by agreement or SWB) or Molecular Medicine (TASSEP or SWB).

We can accommodate single semester visiting students or students hosted by other Schools wishing to take a module, but this is subject to space limitations and preferences are given to full academic year students that we host, see below.

Junior Sophister Biochemistry - Full Academic Year

This module consists of lectures covering proteins and enzymes. In particular lectures focus on protein structure and function, enzyme regulation and enzyme activity. The lectures are complemented by practical classes that explore protein assays, enzyme kinetics and structural biology.

This is a practical module that teaches core research skills in general biochemical techniques, maintaining of accurate laboratory records and data handling techniques.

This module covers the structure and function of biological membranes, the cytokeleton, signal transduction pathways and associated pathological conditions important to human health. Practicals investigate ion transporter function, cAMP signalling, receptor/ligand binding and cell culture techniques.

This module consists of lectures covering the structure and function of nucleic acids and the molecular basis of gene regulation, including DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation. Practicals focus on using molecular biology techniques to generate recombinant proteins.

This module explores how imbalances in metabolism result in disease. It covers biochemical defence mechanisms against infection and also looks at pharmaceutical drug discovery. Practical classes address aspects of cancer metabolism and evasion of the immune system by tropical parasites.

The purpose of this module is to develop critical analysis and communication skills. Students will undertake a review of a subject area of biochemical relevance under the supervision of a member of staff and present a literature review of the topic in both written form and in oral presentation form. In addition there will be training in quantitative problem solving.

Junior Sophister Immunology - Full Academic Year

This module considers protein structure and function, including membrane proteins, cytoskeleton, microtubules and actin and proteins of the immune system. Signal transduction pathways and associated pathological conditions important to human health make up the final portion of the module. Practical classes explore protein assays, enzyme kinetics and cAMP signalling.

This is a practical module that teaches core research skills in general biochemical techniques, maintaining of accurate laboratory records and data handling techniques.

This module looks at cells, receptors and soluble components of the innate immune system and how they function to eliminate pathogens. Topics covered include Toll-like receptors, cytokines, neutrophils and natural killer cells. The practical component explores phagocytosis and dendritic cell function.

This module consists of lectures covering the structure and function of nucleic acids and the molecular basis of gene regulation, including DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation. Practicals focus on using molecular biology techniques to generate recombinant proteins.

This module builds on the core concepts in immunology introduced in BI3220. Topics studied in depth include microbial pathogenicity, immunology and disease and epigenetics. The laboratory sessions explore cytokines and lymphocytes.

The purpose of this module is to develop critical analysis and communication skills. Students will undertake a review of a subject area of biochemical relevance under the supervision of a member of staff and present a literature review of the topic in both written form and in oral presentation form. In addition there will be training in quantitative problem solving.

Junior Sophister Molecular Medicine - Full Academic Year

This module covers proteins and enzymes with a focus on protein structure and function, enzyme regulation and enzyme activity. Lectures on medicinal chemistry discuss the molecular components of cells, control through non-covalent interactions, the sites and mechanisms of drug action and drug development.

This is a practical module that teaches core research skills in general biochemical techniques, maintaining of accurate laboratory records and data handling techniques.

This module covers the structure and function of biological membranes, the cytokeleton, signal transduction pathways and associated human pathologies. The endocrine system in the regulation of metabolic, excretory and reproductive processes in mammals is also explored in detail. Practicals investigate ion transporter function, assays of cAMP signalling, receptor/ligand binding and cell culture techniques.

This module consists of lectures covering the structure and function of nucleic acids and the molecular basis of gene regulation, including DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation. Practicals focus on using molecular biology techniques to generate recombinant proteins.

This module explores how imbalances in metabolism result in disease. It covers core concepts in immunology and an overview of cellular mechanisms of cancer and cancer therapeutics. The relevance of developmental biology and the use of animal models to our understanding of human disease is also covered. Practicals address cancer metabolism and evasion of the immune system by tropical parasites.

This module develops critical analysis and communication skills. Students will review a subject area of biochemical relevance under the supervision of a member of staff and present a written literature review of the topic and present an oral summary. In addition there will be training in quantitative problem solving.

Junior Sophister modules for single semester or non-Biochemistry & Immunology visiting students

This module consists of lectures covering proteins and enzymes. In particular lectures focus on protein structure and function, enzyme regulation and enzyme activity.

This module covers the structure and function of biological membranes, the cytokeleton, signal transduction pathways and associated pathological conditions important to human health that are related to these aspects of cell physiology.

This module looks at cells, receptors and soluble components of the innate immune system and how they function to eliminate pathogens. Topics covered include Toll-like receptors, cytokines, neutrophils and natural killer cells.
Please note: BI3935 CANNOT be combined with BI3915, BI3925 or BI3955.

This module consists of lectures covering the structure and function of nucleic acids and the molecular basis of gene regulation, including DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation.

This module explores how imbalances in metabolism result in disease. It covers biochemical defence mechanisms against infection and also looks at pharmaceutical drug discovery.
Please note: BI3955 CANNOT be combined with BI3935.

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