Pre-University Science (DCU Access course)

This Pre-University Science course was developed with DCU to meet the needs of students who wish to study science to degree level in university. The course will cater for three different groups of learners:

• Students who did not obtain the required Leaving Certificate points for their chosen Science course,
• Students who wish to acquire a foundation in Science subject areas and Mathematics before entry to University,
• Adult returnees to education.

Students who obtain an overall merit (65%) grade in the Pre-University course will gain a place on the Science courses outlined below.  The course prepares students for entry to the first year of the following Science Degree courses offered by the faculty of Health and Science in DCU.

DCU – Dublin City University

• BSc in Environmental Science and Technology (DC166)
• BSc in Analytical Science (DC161)
• BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DC162)
• BSc in Chemical Sciences General Entry (DC163) – at end of Year 1 students choose one of BSc in Analytical Science (DC161), BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (DC162) or BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence (New – subject to accreditation)
• BSc in Biotechnology (DC181) – Only 2 places available
• BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology (DC168) – Only 2 places available
• BSc in Biological Sciences General Entry (DC180) – at end of Year 1 students choose one of BSc in Genetics and Cell Biology (DC168), BSc in Biotechnology (DC181)
• BSc in Sports Science and Health (DC202) – Only 2 places available
• BSc in Science Education (DC203)
• BSc in Physics General Entry (DC175) – at end of Year 1 students choose one of BSc in Applied Physics, BSc in Physics with Biomedical Sciences
• BSc in Physics and Astronomy (via DC175)
• BSc in Physics and Data Analytics (via DC175)

Course Content

• Laboratory Techniques
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Microsoft Office Specialist
• Communications

Certification

Examinations and assessments are conducted with external monitoring by DCU.

Entry Requirements

Pre-University Science requires a Leaving Certificate with a minimum of a Grade O3 or H7  in Mathematics. It is essential that all students who apply to this course meet the maths requirement.

Applicants will be invited to a Meet & Greet session where they have the opportunity to meet the staff on the course who will explain the course content and progression routes. It will also give applicants a chance to have any questions they may have answered.

College Links & Career Opportunities

Students who meet the entry criteria for DCU will receive a round zero offer from the CAO for the relevant degree choice.

Duration

1 Year

Course Charges

Registration fee: €100
There is an additional charge of €50 for course materials.

Applicants in receipt of a Social Welfare payment will keep their payment whilst studying on the course under the Back to Education Allowance scheme.