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YEAR BOOK |
Trinity College Dublin
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Biochemistry with Immunology and Neuroscience: two new science degree options at TCD
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Biochemistry with Immunology
This course is delivered by the Department of Biochemistry (see http://www.tcd.ie/Biochemistry/) and brings together the study of two exciting and inter-related disciplines. Biochemistry deals with the structure and function of molecules, cells and organisms. Biochemists use a broad range of sophisticated experimental techniques which allow them to study the functions of individual molecules, such as genes and proteins, within cells and organisms.
Immunology is an exciting and rapidly developing area of science involving the study of the molecules and cells of the body that are involved in recognising and fighting infection and disease, and as such can be seen as an extension of Biochemistry. Much of the content is shared with those taking Biochemistry, particularly in the areas of cell and molecular biology. Thus Biochemistry topics covered include protein structure and function, gene expression, recombinant DNA technologies, the cell cycle and molecular oncology.
In addition, there are specific courses in Immunology in both Sophister years. The courses in the third year are aimed at providing a broad knowledge and understanding of important fundamental concepts in Biochemistry and Immunology. A significant part of the fourth year course is a lab-based research project within one of the Department's active Immunology Research Groups.
Previous projects have addressed issues related to the molecular basis of how cells sense and respond to pathogens, and how these processes are regulated. Immunology topics covered in the fourth year lecture courses include bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases, autoimmune disease, allergy and asthma, cancer and transplantation, cellular immunology, host/pathogen interactions, immunomodulation by microbes, signal transduction in the immune system, cytokines, structural immunology, immunogenetics, immunopharmacology and vaccines.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system in health and disease, and is at the interface of biological science, medicine and psychology. It includes study of the structure and function of the nervous system at all levels, from the molecules that make up individual nerve cells, to the complexities of how behaviour, thoughts and emotions are produced. Neuroscience also encompasses the study of brain disorders and their treatment; consequently the discipline has a considerable clinical impact due to the debilitating and costly effects of neurological and psychiatric disease.
Neuroscience is a multidisciplinary subject, and neuroscientists make use of a variety of methods and investigations from a wide range of traditional disciplines. To understand the workings of the nervous system of humans and animals requires knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, psychology, genetics, pharmacology and zoology. Consequently the Neuroscience degree programme is comprised of relevant courses contributed by all of these departments. In addition to taking specialist courses in the different areas of neuroscience, students also gain valuable experience in skills that are important for a general scientific training � such as data handling, biostatistics, experimental design, computing, scientific writing, and oral communication skills.
An important component of the final year is a major research project that is conducted in one of the several neuroscience research groups across campus, including those contributing to the recently founded Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience ( http://www.tcd.ie/Neuroscience/index.html ). Both basic and clinical research projects are available, and recent projects have been focused in the following areas: Neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease, Neuropharmacology of epilepsy, Neuropharmacology of depression, Neurotoxicity of drugs of abuse: MDMA ('Ecstasy') and cannabis, Neurobiology of memory and learning, Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease and Molecular biology of spinal cord regeneration.
Since their introduction, both of these new degrees have proved extremely popular with students, and graduates can expect to find employment in a wide range of jobs, utilising their general scientific training as well as their specialist skills. Many graduates will go on to take PhD degrees, which will enable them to pursue rewarding research careers in academic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or medical research organizations. For those not seeking a research career, both of these courses provide transferable skills suitable for a variety of careers, such as teaching, scientific publishing, and a range of business roles, particularly in the scientific sector. Some graduates have also gone on to take professional degrees in medicine or allied health related sciences.
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These courses are funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan, 2000�2006, and aided by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the 2000�2006 Community Support Framework (CSF).
Contact: Dr Thomas Connor, Neuroscience Degree co-ordinator, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin 2;
Tel: 01-6083095; E-mail: [email protected]
Dr Andrew Bowie, Biochemistry with Immunology Degree co-ordinator, Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College, Dublin 2;
Tel: 01-6082435; E-mail: [email protected]