Biochemistry - Structured

Course Overview

All PhD students in the College of Science will enrol in a Structured PhD.



Research activity within the discipline of biochemistry involves some sixty postgraduate students and thirty postdoctoral researchers from all over the world. Research is carried out in the following main areas:



Cell Stress and Cell Death

Researchers in this area examine what signals arise within the cell during stress and how different stresses can cause death in certain cell types, particularly in neurons and in heart muscle cells.



Chromosome Biology

The ten research groups comprising the Centre for Chromosome Biology are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying chromosome replication, segregation, repair, and transcription. These processes are fundamental to genetics and have important implications for and other diseases.



Developmental Biology

Particular interests lie in the control of gene expression during development using the zebrafish model. Other work looks at how blood cells develop from stem cells.



Molecular Biotechnology

Research in this area focuses on the industrial application of enzymes and other biomolecules from fungi.

To be eligible to enter on a programme of study and research for the degree of PhD you must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree or presented such evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of your fitness.

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Structured PhD Biochemistry - 4 years (full-time)

Research Areas


The aim of the Apoptosis Research is to create a focused, interactive and dynamic research environment, where researchers can come together to understand the complex pathways leading to cell death and can apply this knowledge to the discovery of novel therapies for the treatment of a wide ranges of diseases. www.nuigalway.ie/research/apoptosis/index.html


The discipline of Biochemistry hosts 14 laboratory groups using modern genetic, cellular, biohemical and molecular methods to understand how cells live and die and manage the stresses of both normal and diseased states. www.nuigalway.ie/biochemistry/index.html


Many of the research groups of the discipline of Biochemistry are part of the Centre for Chromosome Biology, a focused and highly interactive group of ten laboratories investigating many aspects of chromosome biology and genome stability. The Centre provides an unparalleled environment for PhD training, with a strong focus on experimental and critical thinking skills as well as scientific independence. http://chromosome.ie/index.html