Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology

Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Biotechnology develops knowledge and experience of biotechnology in agriculture. Students study topics that include animal genetics, nutrition and health, crop and feed production, genetic engineering, sustainable food and energy production, bioinformatics, and bioremediation. The programme also covers policy and legislation, and the ethical, social, biosafety, and policy implications of existing and emerging technologies.

The Graduate Diploma is delivered on campus. It runs in full-time mode (2 days per week) or part-time mode (1 day per week over 2 years) and includes a blend of classroom learning and practical hands-on activities. Learning and teaching includes lectures, tutorials, master classes, group discussions, laboratory practicals, industrial and farm visits, and computational analysis, plus individual and group project work.

The Graduate Diploma includes modules across Semester 1 and Semester 2: Bioinformatics in Agriculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory Skills, Data Management & Statistics, Environmental Biotechnology, Animal Genetics and Biotechnology, Crop and Feed Biotechnology, and Food Biotechnology.

Modules

• Bioinformatics in Agriculture
• Agricultural Biotechnology Laboratory Skills
• Data Management & Statistics
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Animal Genetics and Biotechnology
• Crop and Feed Biotechnology
• Food Biotechnology

Entrants should have a minimum of a 2nd class honours degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Food Science or a related area.

Applicants who do not meet these requirements but have relevant work experience may be assessed for entry in line with the DkIT RPL Policy and Procedures.

International students must have a minimum level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5. Candidates may be interviewed.

IELTS 6.5

• Research positions within Teagasc, Dept. of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food or 3rd level institutions
• Auditors or inspectors in the Agri-Food sector
• Quality Management / Quality Assurance roles in the Agri-Food industry
• Scientists/laboratory analysts
• Food product development scientists