- Code: HK
- Certification: QQI Level 5 Award in Laboratory Techniques (5M3807)
- Duration: One Year
Description
The purpose of the course is to prepare learners for entry to first year of a degree course in science or a science-related field in a Higher Education Institution. The course is aimed and designed for learners who may not have studied all of the science subjects previously. It has a large emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. This course has had outstanding results with most graduates progressing to top rated Universities.
- Programme of Study
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- Anatomy & Physiolgy
- Biology
- Physics
- Laboratory Skills
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Work Experience
Components subject to change - Entry Requirements
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One of the following:
- Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with at least one science subject and minimum entry requirement Ordinary Level Maths. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
- Leaving Certificate Applied with a Distinction profile to include QQI Level 4 Biology
- Full QQI Level 4 Certificate with a Distinction profile and a science subject
- Mature Applicants – experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications
Applicants should have good basic literacy skills and mathematical skills.
- Career Opportunities
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- Pharmaceutical research
- Laboratory Technicians
- Clinical trial monitoring
- Medical research
- Biotechnology
- Higher Education Progression*
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Graduates are eligible to apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to year one of a range of higher certificate and degree programmes at Universities such as:
UCD University College Dublin:- Science (DN200)
- Agricultural Science (DN250)
- Food Science (DN261)
TUD Technological University Dublin (Grangegorman Campus):
- Science (TU755)
- Environmental Health (TU869)
- Food Innovation (TU881)
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (TU762)
DCU Dublin City University:
- Physics General Entry (DC175)
- Biotechnology (DC181)
- Genetics and Cell Biology (DC168)
- Chemical Sciences General Entry (DC163)
- Sport Science and Health (DC202)
UCC University College Cork:
- Public Health Sciences (CK706)
- Medical and Health Sciences (CK707)
TCD Trinity College Dublin
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences (TR060)
- Chemical Sciences (TR061)
- Physical Sciences (TR063)
Please note that the courses listed above are only a select few, many other courses can be entered using this QQI award, please visit www.careersportal.ie for more.
- Course Co-Ordinator
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Janice Walsh
- Where are they now?
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"My year at BIFE studying Pre-University Science served as an absolutely fantastic foundation for college life, both personally and academically. The course content was well rounded, so I had plenty of options when it came time to fill out my CAO application. The teaching staff in the science department are passionate and immensely dedicated; Nothing quite sucks the joy out of a subject like a dull teacher and I’m glad to say that this was not the case at BIFE! The laboratory skills project at the end of the first term demystified the process of academic writing and presenting, which has made my current workload seem much more approachable. Academics aside, I met so many utterly lovely people during my time at BIFE, many of whom I am still in contact with. I am currently studying Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Maynooth University and hope to one day pursue biomedical research." - Laura Stephens
"Choosing the Pre-University Science course (Level 5) at Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I wanted a solid foundation in science to prepare for college, and BIFE provided exactly that. The mix of theory and hands-on lab work made learning engaging and practical, while the teachers were supportive and encouraging. Through the Erasmus program, I completed a work placement in a pharmacy in Malaga, where I developed essential lab skills and gained real-world experience. This made my transition to third-level studies much smoother. I’m now studying Physical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin and am grateful for the preparation and confidence BIFE gave me. My goal is to complete my degree and pursue a career in scientific research, building on the foundation I developed at BIFE." - Senih Kilci