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MH201 - Biology
Go to Course - Bachelor Of ScienceOverview
Biology is the study of life. That’s everything from the tiniest microbe to vast ecosystems that spread across our planet.
At Maynooth University, you can study a variety of biological disciplines before deciding in fourth year on your specific area of interest.
Flexible and customisable, with MH201 you’ll graduate with either a Single Major or a Double Major degree.
During your studies you may even opt to broaden your perspective by spending a semester abroad.
Discover the many layers of life
As a natural science, within biology there are a host of fields to discover, including:
- biochemistry
- cellular biology
- ecology
- evolutionary biology
- genetics
- microbiology
- molecular biology
- plant science
- physiology
- zoology
Perhaps one of biology’s biggest draws are the many ways these fields overlap.
Interested in animals? To study zoology, you’ll also need knowledge of evolution, physiology and ecology. Fascinated by life at a cellular level? To study cellular biology, you’ll need to understand biochemistry and molecular biology too.
A unique approach
Our department is unique in the Irish university system because we house several biological disciplines together.
This means that most aspects of biology are taught alongside each other, letting you make connections between biology’s different areas. This gives you an integrated and comprehensive view, from mere cells to whole ecosystems.
Subject Structure
First year
- Biology
- Mathematics
- 2 other Science subjects (Chemistry, Computer Science [15 or 30 credits], Data Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics).
Second year
- Biology
- Continue with 2 of your first year subjects
- Optional 10 credit Elective in second year
Third year
- Biology
- Continue with 1 of your second year subjects
- Integrated Study Abroad options may be available in third year
Fourth year
- Biology may be taken as a Single Major or as a Double Major with the other subject taken in third year.
See MH201 COURSE STRUCTURE overview for any specific subject combination limits/requirements in the BSc degree.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Entry requirements
Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 Irish, English & a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics.
Additional information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 in a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry). MH201 Round 1 Points 2026: see above
HEAR and DARE
- DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
- HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
The Maynooth Education
Click here for details about optional Electives.
Postgraduate
The Biology Department offers a range of postgraduate study options, including Masters degrees (MSc) in Biology (research) and Immunology and Global Health (taught) and doctoral degrees (PhD) in Biology.
Visit the Department's website for more information about postgraduate options.
Careers
Students graduating with a Biology Major (or double major with another subject) have found careers in the agri-food and drinks sector and in pharmaceutical industries (particularly if Chemistry is taken as a second subject). Our graduates have secured employment in the conservation services, agricultural services, and research in environment and medical areas.
A Biology Major also provides strong foundations for careers in areas such as education, forensic science, health services, scientific research and science writing.