theirishtimes--2020-05-26--More women opting to breastfeed to protect babies against coronavirus

More women are choosing to breastfeed their babies and are breastfeeding for longer to help protect against Covid-19 , it has emerged .
Prof Fergal Malone , master of the Rotunda Hospital , said mothers had become more aware of the immune benefits of breastfeeding and warding off infection because of the global pandemic .
He said fewer than 50 patients at the Rotunda had tested positive for Covid-19 and there had been “ no Covid babies ” to date .
All patients scheduled to undergo elective procedures are tested for coronavirus 24-48 hours prior to admission , including those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Out of 9,000 inpatients and outpatients ongoing here at any one time , that is actually a very small proportion , ” Prof Malone said .
“ The vast majority of women with confirmed Covid infection have already delivered and all those who have delivered , they and their babies have done very well.
” He said the Rotunda has a “ drive-through service ” where patients drive up to the gate of the hospital , roll down the window and are swabbed before driving away .
The results are available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women at the hospital , including those with Covid-19 , were encouraged to breastfeed .
“ We do see more positivity towards breastfeeding now .
Patients who might have been nervous about breastfeeding and who felt they wouldn ’ t be able to are realising that the immune benefits of breastfeeding are significant .
Breastmilk is effective against infectious diseases as it strengthens the immune system by transferring antibodies from mother to baby , according to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) .
Lactation consultant and general practice nurse Orla Dorgan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre GP practice , has also noticed an increase in the number of mothers choosing to breastfeed .
“ They know it will give baby more protection if somebody close to them was to get [ Covid-19 ] , ” she said .
“ But more so , women are breastfeeding for longer now .
I have had a good few messages from women where they want to breastfeed for a longer duration .
Instead of weaning from breastfeeding during this crisis , they are waiting until the Covid-19 crisis is over .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expecting their second and third babies who never breastfed their first babies and due to everything going on want to breastfeed.
” The Rotunda has carried out more than 2,000 Covid-19 tests in the past 10 weeks on patients , hospital staff , nursing home residents , GPs , paramedics , and Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin Port Authority staff .
A sophisticated genetic analyser machine , purchased by the hospital more than a year ago , has enabled it to turn around Covid-19 tests results within two to three hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ difference to the hospital ’ s ability to “ normalise ” the birthing process for women as much as possible , as patients are categorised as positive or negative within a short period , according to Prof Malone .
Partners can not accompany patients on outpatient visits due to concerns about social distancing , which has been “ disappointing for families ” , he says .
To make up for this , patients are allowed to FaceTime and/or take videos of scans .
Partners are being facilitated to attend births .
‘ THE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ Just as society was changing dramatically , so too was the world of Helen O ’ Donnell .
The healthcare worker gave birth to her first baby , John , on March 13th , two weeks before the lockdown was introduced .
Ms O ’ Donnell , who is from Blarney , Co Cork , had always planned to breastfeed , but the global public health crisis motivated her to continue feeding when , at times , she felt like giving up .
An emergency Caesarean section made it “ more difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but , with the support of lactation consultants and La Leche League , a voluntary organisation supporting women to breastfeed , two months on she continues to breastfeed .
“ I would definitely be more inclined to continue breastfeeding .
My plan was to breastfeed until about six or seven months but I may have given up if this virus wasn ’ t around .
It has made me more determined to plough along with it .
The closeness that you feel to your baby , too , it really is lovely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says she was lucky she gave birth before the lockdown , as this allowed her partner to be at her side for the birth .
She is keen to avoid frequenting busy areas with her newborn , despite the recent easing of restrictions , due to concerns about the virus .
“ I am happy enough to stay away .
I ’ ve been to the supermarket twice .
My partner has been doing most of the shopping .
I wouldn ’ t bring John ] into a supermarket or shop .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the post office , and when we were there was nobody there at the time .
I would always have a cover over him out walking .
I am paranoid , ” she says .
Cavan resident Megan Keaney gave birth to her first baby , Eira , earlier this month and continues to breastfeed .
She says the virus has made here more intent on breastfeeding .
“ I had always planned to breastfeed but the virus makes me more determined to breastfeed .
Everything else is out of our control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , it ’ s definitely worth doing.
” She has linked up with two lactation consultants at Cavan General Hospital and says the support she has received around breastfeeding has been amazing .
Despite spending the past month in hospital , Keaney says she is happy to stay at home for now .

Breastmilk is effective against infectious diseases as it strengthens the immune system by transferring antibodies from mother to baby. Photograph: iStock
More women are choosing to breastfeed their babies and are breastfeeding for longer to help protect against Covid-19, it has emerged.
Prof Fergal Malone, master of the Rotunda Hospital, said mothers had become more aware of the immune benefits of breastfeeding and warding off infection because of the global pandemic.
He said fewer than 50 patients at the Rotunda had tested positive for Covid-19 and there had been “no Covid babies” to date.
All patients scheduled to undergo elective procedures are tested for coronavirus 24-48 hours prior to admission, including those coming for planned inductions and Caesarean sections.
READ MORE
“Out of 9,000 inpatients and outpatients ongoing here at any one time, that is actually a very small proportion,” Prof Malone said. “The vast majority of women with confirmed Covid infection have already delivered and all those who have delivered, they and their babies have done very well.”
He said the Rotunda has a “drive-through service” where patients drive up to the gate of the hospital, roll down the window and are swabbed before driving away. The results are available within hours.
Prof Malone said all women at the hospital, including those with Covid-19, were encouraged to breastfeed.
“We do see more positivity towards breastfeeding now. Patients who might have been nervous about breastfeeding and who felt they wouldn’t be able to are realising that the immune benefits of breastfeeding are significant.
Antibodies transfer
Breastmilk is effective against infectious diseases as it strengthens the immune system by transferring antibodies from mother to baby, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Lactation consultant and general practice nurse Orla Dorgan, who is based at the Cork Medical Centre GP practice, has also noticed an increase in the number of mothers choosing to breastfeed.
“They know it will give baby more protection if somebody close to them was to get [Covid-19],” she said.
“But more so, women are breastfeeding for longer now. I have had a good few messages from women where they want to breastfeed for a longer duration. Instead of weaning from breastfeeding during this crisis, they are waiting until the Covid-19 crisis is over.
“Also, I have mums who are expecting their second and third babies who never breastfed their first babies and due to everything going on want to breastfeed.”
The Rotunda has carried out more than 2,000 Covid-19 tests in the past 10 weeks on patients, hospital staff, nursing home residents, GPs, paramedics, and Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin Port Authority staff.
A sophisticated genetic analyser machine, purchased by the hospital more than a year ago, has enabled it to turn around Covid-19 tests results within two to three hours.
The swift service has made a huge difference to the hospital’s ability to “normalise” the birthing process for women as much as possible, as patients are categorised as positive or negative within a short period, according to Prof Malone.
Partners cannot accompany patients on outpatient visits due to concerns about social distancing, which has been “disappointing for families”, he says.
To make up for this, patients are allowed to FaceTime and/or take videos of scans. Partners are being facilitated to attend births.
‘THE VIRUS MAKES ME MORE DETERMINED TO BREASTFEED’
Just as society was changing dramatically, so too was the world of Helen O’Donnell.
The healthcare worker gave birth to her first baby, John, on March 13th, two weeks before the lockdown was introduced.
Ms O’Donnell, who is from Blarney, Co Cork, had always planned to breastfeed, but the global public health crisis motivated her to continue feeding when, at times, she felt like giving up.
An emergency Caesarean section made it “more difficult” to breastfeed in the early days but, with the support of lactation consultants and La Leche League, a voluntary organisation supporting women to breastfeed, two months on she continues to breastfeed.
“I would definitely be more inclined to continue breastfeeding. My plan was to breastfeed until about six or seven months but I may have given up if this virus wasn’t around. It has made me more determined to plough along with it. The closeness that you feel to your baby, too, it really is lovely,” says O’Donnell.
She says she was lucky she gave birth before the lockdown, as this allowed her partner to be at her side for the birth.
She is keen to avoid frequenting busy areas with her newborn, despite the recent easing of restrictions, due to concerns about the virus.
“I am happy enough to stay away. I’ve been to the supermarket twice. My partner has been doing most of the shopping. I wouldn’t bring John] into a supermarket or shop. The only place he’s been is to the post office, and when we were there was nobody there at the time. I would always have a cover over him out walking. I am paranoid,” she says.
Cavan resident Megan Keaney gave birth to her first baby, Eira, earlier this month and continues to breastfeed. She says the virus has made here more intent on breastfeeding.
“I had always planned to breastfeed but the virus makes me more determined to breastfeed. Everything else is out of our control so if I can do anything to help, it’s definitely worth doing.”
She has linked up with two lactation consultants at Cavan General Hospital and says the support she has received around breastfeeding has been amazing.
Despite spending the past month in hospital, Keaney says she is happy to stay at home for now.


theirishtimes--2020-05-26--Next government could bring in work-from-home tax incentives – Taoiseach

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has suggested that the next government could encourage people to work from home in the long term by offering them income tax incentives .
Government formation talks are continuing , with negotiators from Fianna Fáil , Fine Gael and the Green Party expected to hold a session on the economy on Tuesday .
Tánaiste Simon Coveney last night told a Fine Gael reference group that the party will ensure the next government is prudent in its economic approach .
Mr Coveney and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have also been in contact with some Independent TDs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to meet Mr Martin , Mr Varadkar and Green leader Eamon Ryan later this week .
All sides are now downplaying earlier expectations that a deal will be finalised by the end of this week , with the end of next week now seen as a more realistic timeframe by which a draft programme for government can be agreed .
All three parties have suggested that encouraging people to work from home should be pursued after the coronavirus crisis has passed , and Mr Varadkar has said that consideration should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestion was made to the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader in a letter from Dermot O ’ Leary , the general secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union , who also sent a similar letter to Mr Martin .
Mr Varadkar said in his reply that Mr O ’ Leary ’ s “ suggestions on staggering primary school , secondary school and college start times has merit and requires further consideration as do income tax incentives to encourage more people to work from home ” .
A Government spokesman added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow more home-working and also more flexible working .
It could therefore make sense for the next government to look at ways of encouraging more home-working in the long run .
And the proposal for tax incentives , suggested by the NBRU , is certainly worth considering.
” Mr Martin also told Mr O ’ Leary that all options must be considered in helping public transport deal with the effects of the virus , such as “ staggering starting times for schools , third-level institutions and workplaces as well as supporting those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fianna Fáil did not provide further clarity on what kind of support Mr Martin envisaged for working from home .
The joint framework document already agreed between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael said the public sector would be mandated to “ move to 20 per cent home and remote working in 2021 ” and that “ incentives ” would be provided for “ private sector employers to do likewise ” .
Green sources said they are likely to push in the government talks for a new public transport strategy implemented in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be replicated in other cities such as Limerick , Cork , Galway and Waterford .
A joint National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council coronavirus “ mobility intervention programme ” is seeking to turn the heart of Dublin city into a “ pedestrian , cyclist , public transport priority zone ” .
Large-scale bus diversions , restrictions on cars and a widespread reallocation of road space to pedestrians and cyclists are planned .
While they are temporary , Green sources said they provide a template for permanent change in cities .
Green Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other cities in the Dáil last week and a well-placed source said the party will also push for such a move in government formation talks , as well as accelerating BusConnects plans in a number of cities .
“ Let ’ s do BusConnects for other cities , ” the source said , adding that big changes can be made in cities relatively rapidly .
Mr Ryan last week told the Dáil : “ Our bus network capacity will be significantly restricted if we are still applying the social distancing measures .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in providing other safe modes for people to get into work and the obvious way for a lot of people is to walk or cycle .
”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggested the next government could encourage people to work from home by offering them income tax incentives. Photograph: Dave Meehan
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has suggested that the next government could encourage people to work from home in the long term by offering them income tax incentives.
Government formation talks are continuing, with negotiators from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party expected to hold a session on the economy on Tuesday.
Tánaiste Simon Coveney last night told a Fine Gael reference group that the party will ensure the next government is prudent in its economic approach.
Mr Coveney and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin have also been in contact with some Independent TDs in recent days and the Regional Independent Group is due to meet Mr Martin, Mr Varadkar and Green leader Eamon Ryan later this week.
READ MORE
All sides are now downplaying earlier expectations that a deal will be finalised by the end of this week, with the end of next week now seen as a more realistic timeframe by which a draft programme for government can be agreed.
All three parties have suggested that encouraging people to work from home should be pursued after the coronavirus crisis has passed, and Mr Varadkar has said that consideration should be given to income tax incentives.
The suggestion was made to the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader in a letter from Dermot O'Leary, the general secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, who also sent a similar letter to Mr Martin.
Policy
Mr Varadkar said in his reply that Mr O’Leary’s “suggestions on staggering primary school, secondary school and college start times has merit and requires further consideration as do income tax incentives to encourage more people to work from home”.
A Government spokesman added: “Current Government policy is to encourage firms to allow more home-working and also more flexible working. It could therefore make sense for the next government to look at ways of encouraging more home-working in the long run. And the proposal for tax incentives, suggested by the NBRU, is certainly worth considering.”
Mr Martin also told Mr O’Leary that all options must be considered in helping public transport deal with the effects of the virus, such as “staggering starting times for schools, third-level institutions and workplaces as well as supporting those who wish to work from home”.
Fianna Fáil did not provide further clarity on what kind of support Mr Martin envisaged for working from home. The joint framework document already agreed between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael said the public sector would be mandated to “move to 20 per cent home and remote working in 2021” and that “incentives” would be provided for “private sector employers to do likewise”.
Public transport strategy
Green sources said they are likely to push in the government talks for a new public transport strategy implemented in Dublin as a result of the virus to be replicated in other cities such as Limerick, Cork, Galway and Waterford.
A joint National Transport Authority and Dublin City Council coronavirus "mobility intervention programme" is seeking to turn the heart of Dublin city into a "pedestrian, cyclist, public transport priority zone".
Large-scale bus diversions, restrictions on cars and a widespread reallocation of road space to pedestrians and cyclists are planned. While they are temporary, Green sources said they provide a template for permanent change in cities.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan raised introducing similar plans in other cities in the Dáil last week and a well-placed source said the party will also push for such a move in government formation talks, as well as accelerating BusConnects plans in a number of cities.
“Let’s do BusConnects for other cities,” the source said, adding that big changes can be made in cities relatively rapidly.
Mr Ryan last week told the Dáil: “Our bus network capacity will be significantly restricted if we are still applying the social distancing measures. This gives us an opportunity or necessity in providing other safe modes for people to get into work and the obvious way for a lot of people is to walk or cycle.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--Swimming to be banned at Merrion strand due to poor water quality

Swimming is to be banned at Merrion strand in Dublin Bay because of persistent problems with bathing water quality – it is the first Irish beach to have such a permanent prohibition .
The move follows publication of the EPA Bathing Water in Ireland report for 2019 , which confirms the beach was classified as “ poor ” for the fifth year in a row under EU standards .
Dublin City Council indicated in January if it failed to meet the minimum standards for a fifth consecutive year , a “ permanent prohibition ” on bathing will be put in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water quality improved across the country in 2019 .
– 95 per cent of bathing waters ( 140 of 147 ) met or exceeded the minimum required standard , up from 94 per cent in 2018 ; – 107 ( 73 per cent ) were classified as “ excellent ” , up from 103 ; – 24 ( 16 per cent ) were classified as “ good ” , up from 22 ; – Nine ( 6 per cent ) were classified as “ sufficient ” , down from 12 .
EPA director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Merrion Strand after five years at poor status is disappointing and action must be taken to ensure no other bathing water is declassified in future.
” Portrane ( the Brook ) beach in Co Dublin ; Ballyloughane and Clifden beaches in Co Galway and Lilliput at Lough Ennell , Co Westmeath , were also deemed poor .
The Brook beach and Ballyloughane risk being declassified next year as they have failed to meet minimum standards for the fourth year in a row .
The main difficulty at Merrion strand is the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the beach ; the Elm Park and Trimleston streams .
They are polluted due to misconnections where domestic plumbing goes into the wrong pipe and goes directly into the stream ; leaks , spills and overflows from wastewater collection systems and run-off from roads .
Other potential pollution sources include urban wastewater discharges , birds and dogs .
A new task force set up by Dublin City Council is focusing on improving bathing water quality at Merrion strand and Sandymount strand .
Dublin City Council is also working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources related to the wastewater network including misconnections , combined sewer overflows and pumping station overflows .
Dublin City Council is investigating the possibility of creating wetlands to improve water quality in the Elm Park stream , while a €9.2 million research project called Acclimatize aims to identify the main sources of pollution in the Dublin Bay area .
Ongoing difficulties at the nearby Ringsend wastewater treatment works , which is operating at overcapacity and not in compliance with EU environmental regulations , are dealt with under the EPA urban wastewater treatment report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern at Merrion strand , precautionary advice is issued to the public , confirmed EPA programme manager Mary Gurrie .
Pollution incidents reported to the EPA decreased from 55 in 2018 to 50 .
Fifteen of these were related to problems at wastewater treatment plants but “ do not appear to have caused a deterioration in bathing water quality ” .
“ More improvements in operation , management and maintenance of plants and networks are still needed , ” the report warns .
Three bathing waters , all in Dublin , were classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foot , Sandycove ( classified as “ excellent ” ) , White Rock Beach in Killiney ( “ excellent ” ) and Sandycove Beach ( “ good ” ) .
Inchydoney East Beach in Co Cork and Cúas Crom , Co Kerry , will be classified later this year .
“ Ireland has many beautiful beaches .
Enjoying these natural amenities can be good for our physical and mental wellbeing , and it is therefore essential that Ireland maintains good bathing water quality , ” Ms Gurrie added .
Throughout the summer water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting bathing waters are displayed at www.beaches.ieThe bathing water report is available on the EPA ’ s website .

Merrion strand: the beach is the first in Ireland to face a permanent bathing ban.
Swimming is to be banned at Merrion strand in Dublin Bay because of persistent problems with bathing water quality – it is the first Irish beach to have such a permanent prohibition.
The move follows publication of the EPA Bathing Water in Ireland report for 2019, which confirms the beach was classified as "poor" for the fifth year in a row under EU standards.
Dublin City Council indicated in January if it failed to meet the minimum standards for a fifth consecutive year, a "permanent prohibition" on bathing will be put in place.
Overall, however, bathing water quality improved across the country in 2019.
READ MORE
The main findings were:
– 95 per cent of bathing waters (140 of 147) met or exceeded the minimum required standard, up from 94 per cent in 2018;
– 107 (73 per cent) were classified as “excellent”, up from 103;
– 24 (16 per cent) were classified as “good”, up from 22;
– Nine (6 per cent) were classified as “sufficient”, down from 12.
EPA director Dr Micheál Lehane said: "Declassification of Merrion Strand after five years at poor status is disappointing and action must be taken to ensure no other bathing water is declassified in future."
Portrane (the Brook) beach in Co Dublin; Ballyloughane and Clifden beaches in Co Galway and Lilliput at Lough Ennell, Co Westmeath, were also deemed poor. The Brook beach and Ballyloughane risk being declassified next year as they have failed to meet minimum standards for the fourth year in a row.
The main difficulty at Merrion strand is the impact from two polluted streams which flow on to the beach; the Elm Park and Trimleston streams.
They are polluted due to misconnections where domestic plumbing goes into the wrong pipe and goes directly into the stream; leaks, spills and overflows from wastewater collection systems and run-off from roads. Other potential pollution sources include urban wastewater discharges, birds and dogs.
A new task force set up by Dublin City Council is focusing on improving bathing water quality at Merrion strand and Sandymount strand.
Dublin City Council is also working with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Irish Water to address pollution sources related to the wastewater network including misconnections, combined sewer overflows and pumping station overflows.
Pollution incidents
Dublin City Council is investigating the possibility of creating wetlands to improve water quality in the Elm Park stream, while a €9.2 million research project called Acclimatize aims to identify the main sources of pollution in the Dublin Bay area.
Ongoing difficulties at the nearby Ringsend wastewater treatment works, which is operating at overcapacity and not in compliance with EU environmental regulations, are dealt with under the EPA urban wastewater treatment report. If problems there are cause for concern at Merrion strand, precautionary advice is issued to the public, confirmed EPA programme manager Mary Gurrie.
Pollution incidents reported to the EPA decreased from 55 in 2018 to 50. Fifteen of these were related to problems at wastewater treatment plants but “do not appear to have caused a deterioration in bathing water quality”.
“More improvements in operation, management and maintenance of plants and networks are still needed,” the report warns.
Three bathing waters, all in Dublin, were classified for the first time: the Forty Foot, Sandycove (classified as "excellent"), White Rock Beach in Killiney ("excellent") and Sandycove Beach ("good"). Inchydoney East Beach in Co Cork and Cúas Crom, Co Kerry, will be classified later this year.
“Ireland has many beautiful beaches. Enjoying these natural amenities can be good for our physical and mental wellbeing, and it is therefore essential that Ireland maintains good bathing water quality,” Ms Gurrie added.
Throughout the summer water quality information and details of any incidents affecting bathing waters are displayed at www.beaches.ieThe bathing water report is available on the EPA's website.


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--Is it too late to apply for a postgraduate course in teaching?

I am completing my BA in Irish and Spanish and , given the likely turmoil in the private sector due to the pandemic , am strongly considering applying for teaching .
It is too late to apply for teaching in either primary or post-primary ?
Having spent over 40 years in the classroom at both second and third level , I can honestly say that I loved every minute of it .
Helping young people grow their understanding of your subject matter and watching some of them decide to shape their careers around my subjects is truly energising .
Income @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in occupational choice , but how you feel when the clock goes off in the morning is 10 times more important .
It will be a key determinate factor in your ongoing overall physical and mental well-being .
Primary and post-primary teaching are very different in terms of the nature of your daily working experience .
Obviously , you would be teaching a far broader curriculum at primary than your current subjects of Irish and Spanish .
Whereas at post-primary , you would probably be teaching exclusively these subjects .
It is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apply to the Postgraduate Application Centre ( PAC ) in Galway ( www.pac.ie ) , which handles applications on behalf of the Irish universities who offer postgraduate masters in education ( PME ) programmes in second-level teaching .
Trinity College Dublin also offers PME programmes and it has extended its closing date for maths , applied maths , Gaeilge and modern languages to Sunday next May 31st , 2020 .
If you want to go down the PAC route for September 2021 , you will be able to apply from early November next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February next .
You are fortunate in that your degree subjects are both contained within the list of priority subjects identified by the Government as currently requiring increases in teacher supply ( other subjects on this list are mathematics , applied mathematics , physics , chemistry , German , French , and Italian ) .
With regard to the PME in primary education offered by DCU and Mary Immaculate College , the application dates are also closed for the current year .
Applicants should apply in the autumn through the Postgraduate Applications Centre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still consider for both primary and post-primary is Hibernia College , which offers a two-year professional masters in primary and post-primary education .
Hibernia College ( hiberniacollege.com ) has two distinct entry seasons : spring and autumn .
Applications will open in mid-June with final deadline mid-July .
Interviews will run until mid-August , with a course starting date in early September .
All qualified candidates who apply before the final deadline will be called to interview .
So , if you are interested in starting a primary or post-primary teacher training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this Sunday to complete a Trinity post-primary application , or you can log onto the Hibernia college website where its open days , road shows and online webinars for its autumn 2020 enrolments are available .

There are still postgraduate options available for both primary and post-primary teaching. Photograph: iStock
I am completing my BA in Irish and Spanish and, given the likely turmoil in the private sector due to the pandemic, am strongly considering applying for teaching. It is too late to apply for teaching in either primary or post-primary?
Having spent over 40 years in the classroom at both second and third level, I can honestly say that I loved every minute of it. Helping young people grow their understanding of your subject matter and watching some of them decide to shape their careers around my subjects is truly energising.
Income level and lifestyles may be important factors in occupational choice, but how you feel when the clock goes off in the morning is 10 times more important. It will be a key determinate factor in your ongoing overall physical and mental well-being.
Primary and post-primary teaching are very different in terms of the nature of your daily working experience. Obviously, you would be teaching a far broader curriculum at primary than your current subjects of Irish and Spanish. Whereas at post-primary, you would probably be teaching exclusively these subjects.
READ MORE
It is too late in the current academic year to apply to the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) in Galway (www.pac.ie), which handles applications on behalf of the Irish universities who offer postgraduate masters in education (PME) programmes in second-level teaching.
Trinity College Dublin also offers PME programmes and it has extended its closing date for maths, applied maths, Gaeilge and modern languages to Sunday next May 31st, 2020. If you want to go down the PAC route for September 2021 , you will be able to apply from early November next, with the application process closing in February next.
Teacher supply
You are fortunate in that your degree subjects are both contained within the list of priority subjects identified by the Government as currently requiring increases in teacher supply (other subjects on this list are mathematics, applied mathematics, physics, chemistry, German, French, and Italian).
With regard to the PME in primary education offered by DCU and Mary Immaculate College, the application dates are also closed for the current year. Applicants should apply in the autumn through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (PAC).
One route you can still consider for both primary and post-primary is Hibernia College, which offers a two-year professional masters in primary and post-primary education.
Hibernia College (hiberniacollege.com) has two distinct entry seasons: spring and autumn. Applications will open in mid-June with final deadline mid-July. Interviews will run until mid-August, with a course starting date in early September.
All qualified candidates who apply before the final deadline will be called to interview.
So, if you are interested in starting a primary or post-primary teacher training programme this year, you have until this Sunday to complete a Trinity post-primary application, or you can log onto the Hibernia college website where its open days, road shows and online webinars for its autumn 2020 enrolments are available.


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--CAO Q&A: Everything you need to know about the change of mind process in 2020

Now that the Leaving Cert has been cancelled and you have no further contact with your teachers in school ( due to Department of Education guidelines ) it is now time to review your course choices - and get them right .
Here ’ s some advice on how to handle the Central Applications Office ( CAO ) process .
Q .
Why is now a good time to reassess my CAO options ?
A .
When you made your initial CAO application you were probably focused on preparations for your mocks or Post Leaving Cert ( PLC ) programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those pressures , and you have just over a month to finalise your list of course choices .
Many applicants use the initial CAO application in January as a holding exercise , to secure access to a college place in September .
It will soon be time for you to submit a definitive list of options .
Ask yourself which course or courses will build on your interests and aptitudes and enhance your capacity to enter the labour market at the end of third level .
Q .
How should I go about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to be aware of the courses on offer .
The CAO handbook for 2020-21 was printed in the summer of 2019 and is based on information from the colleges that operate through the CAO system .
Since then , the colleges have withdrawn , amended or added many courses .
The CAO website , cao.ie , has an up-to-date list of these amendments .
To examine the current list of courses on offer through the CAO , including programme details , check qualifax.ie .
A drop-down menu classifies every course under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agriculture and horticulture ; architecture ; art and design ; arts and social science ; built environment ; dentistry ; education ; engineering and technology ; human medicine ; law ; nursing ; other healthcare ; pharmacy ; physiotherapy ; science ; applied science ; and veterinary medicine .
Explore your options within these classifications .
No matter what points you get following the grade assessment process now taking place in your school , or through your PLC course , there are courses on offer from colleges at higher certificate and both ordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your circumstances .
Q. I know where to find information on all the courses ; how do I apply it to myself ?
A .
Most students have been through this process with their school guidance counsellor over the past year .
If you are still uncertain , follow these steps : * Take the interest assessment test on qualifax.ie and careersportal.ie and see if they highlight any areas of particular interest to you .
* Reread the results of other interest inventory or differential aptitude tests you undertook in the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the direction of one or more of the 17 course groupings listed .
* Look at your results over the past few years , including the results of your Junior Certificate .
Are you performing above your average in one or more subjects ?
These may be the ones to pursue on an undergraduate course .
* Reflect on any work experience in transition year or the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme ( LCVP ) to see whether it enthused or discouraged your interest in an occupation or career path .
* Reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two years .
Which ones did you enjoy studying most ?
The answers to all these questions may help you to narrow your course choices down to a relatively small number of options .
Q .
Where can I find career-specific information to help me to finalise my choices ?
A .
One of the most helpful resources for exploring career options is the Careers Portal website ( careersportal.ie ) .
This site also has an ‘ interest inventory ’ which will help match your courses to areas you are interested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well open your mind to possibilities you hadn ’ t considered .
Many of us have preconceived notions , which are often inaccurate , of what particular occupations involve .
If you are interested in listening to people talk about what a particular job really entails , the site has more than 100 employees of major Irish employers talking about the realities of their day-to-day work .
Having access to a site where employers are promoting opportunities in their companies or industry is of benefit to those interested in the labour market , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or adult CAO applicants considering a career change .
Remember , cao.ie features links to all colleges offering places , as well as the online application system to register the change-of-mind option .
Q .
Must all applicants get involved in the change-of-mind process ?
A .
Yes , all applicants need to review their application before the CAO deadline of 5.15pm on July 1st .
Q .
What if I am happy with the choices I made in January ?
A .
If you ’ re comfortable with your initial choice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to do is check your list against the latest published list of courses on offer from the CAO .
Ensure that all your courses are still on offer and that there are no new ones that you might like to consider .
Make sure you still meet all the subject , levels and entry requirements .
If you are uncertain about these , go to the subject-choice module on the Qualifax website , where the entry requirements for all courses are outlined .
If , for example , you have informed your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher to ordinary level maths , you may have forgotten that a grade H4 at higher level is a minimum requirement for some choices .
If some courses are no longer open to you , remove them now from your CAO course list .
After reviewing your choices , if you are happy with your application , you need take no further action .
You do not need to communicate in any way with the CAO .
Q. I applied for the five Level 8 medical-degree programmes and took my Hpat assessment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A .
You will have the result of your Hpat test by now or be about to receive it .
This assessment is marked out of 300 .
Your assessed grades converted into CAO points , up to a maximum of 550 points , plus one extra point for every five you score over 550 - up to the maximum CAO score of 625 - will be added to your Hpat score , to give a possible maximum score of 865 points .
Applicants with the highest combined points will secure a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering medical degrees .
I would advise anyone who has used up their first five Level 8 choices to list undergraduate medical degrees to use options six to 10 to list five other degree programmes , which you may consider if you do not get a place in medicine .
Every year more than 1,000 CAO applicants with more than 500 points don ’ t get any offer because they didn ’ t list any course with fewer than 500 points .
Remember , any graduate with a 2:1 or better in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postgraduate medical place by taking the Gamsat ( Graduate Medical School Admissions Test ) test .
This may be an alternative route into medicine if you fail to secure a place this year .
Q .
What if I want to change my order of preference or add new course choices to my existing CAO application ?
A .
Many students in the middle of sixth year are unclear about what they want to study at college and use the January application as a holding exercise .
Now is the time to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are not selecting an occupation for the rest of your life .
You are just choosing areas of academic study that you would enjoy over the next three or four years .
Remember , up to 40 per cent of all undergraduates take a postgrad course immediately after their undergrad studies , to move onto the first step on their career ladder .
Now , however , is not the time to contemplate that step , which may be five or six years away , depending on the course you study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply record online the change I wish to make on my application record ?
A .
If you want to make any adjustment to either or both lists , you must re-submit the entire list in the order you now want .
If you list only the extra course or courses , your original choices disappear from your application .
Finally , if you wish to change your application , or if you didn ’ t list any course on your January application and are listing some courses for the first time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1st deadline .
Q .
Is it too late to apply for a college place through the CAO in the coming academic year ?
A .
It is too late to apply to the CAO , as the final deadline was May 1st for those seeking a first-year undergraduate place for the first time .
* If you are a registered college student and fail your exams in June , or wish to change your course , you have until July 22nd to apply to the CAO .
* For second-level or PLC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a CAO place , note that once the colleges know how many applicants they have for each course after the July 1st deadline , they will seek applications for available or vacant places , which will then be listed on the CAO website .
* Such vacant places are normally offered immediately after the CAO first round offers in August .
Any applicant , including new applicants , can register any such courses on their existing or new CAO application .

Planning on starting college in September? It will soon be time for you to submit a definitive list of course options as the CAO’s Change of Mind deadline approaches.
Now that the Leaving Cert has been cancelled and you have no further contact with your teachers in school (due to Department of Education guidelines) it is now time to review your course choices - and get them right. Here’s some advice on how to handle the Central Applications Office (CAO) process.
Q. Why is now a good time to reassess my CAO options?
A. When you made your initial CAO application you were probably focused on preparations for your mocks or Post Leaving Cert (PLC) programme. Your mind is now free of those pressures, and you have just over a month to finalise your list of course choices.
Many applicants use the initial CAO application in January as a holding exercise, to secure access to a college place in September. It will soon be time for you to submit a definitive list of options. Ask yourself which course or courses will build on your interests and aptitudes and enhance your capacity to enter the labour market at the end of third level.
READ MORE
Q. How should I go about making these choices?
A. You need to be aware of the courses on offer. The CAO handbook for 2020-21 was printed in the summer of 2019 and is based on information from the colleges that operate through the CAO system. Since then, the colleges have withdrawn, amended or added many courses. The CAO website, cao.ie, has an up-to-date list of these amendments. To examine the current list of courses on offer through the CAO, including programme details, check qualifax.ie.
A drop-down menu classifies every course under the following headings: administration and business; agriculture and horticulture; architecture; art and design; arts and social science; built environment; dentistry; education; engineering and technology; human medicine; law; nursing; other healthcare; pharmacy; physiotherapy; science; applied science; and veterinary medicine.
Explore your options within these classifications. No matter what points you get following the grade assessment process now taking place in your school, or through your PLC course, there are courses on offer from colleges at higher certificate and both ordinary and honours degree levels, to suit your circumstances.
Q. I know where to find information on all the courses; how do I apply it to myself?
A. Most students have been through this process with their school guidance counsellor over the past year. If you are still uncertain, follow these steps:
* Take the interest assessment test on qualifax.ie and careersportal.ie and see if they highlight any areas of particular interest to you.
* Reread the results of other interest inventory or differential aptitude tests you undertook in the past two or three years. They may point in the direction of one or more of the 17 course groupings listed.
* Look at your results over the past few years, including the results of your Junior Certificate. Are you performing above your average in one or more subjects? These may be the ones to pursue on an undergraduate course.
* Reflect on any work experience in transition year or the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) to see whether it enthused or discouraged your interest in an occupation or career path.
* Reflect on the subjects you have studied for the past two years. Which ones did you enjoy studying most? The answers to all these questions may help you to narrow your course choices down to a relatively small number of options.
Q. Where can I find career-specific information to help me to finalise my choices?
A. One of the most helpful resources for exploring career options is the Careers Portal website (careersportal.ie). This site also has an 'interest inventory' which will help match your courses to areas you are interested in. The interest inventory results may well open your mind to possibilities you hadn't considered. Many of us have preconceived notions, which are often inaccurate, of what particular occupations involve.
If you are interested in listening to people talk about what a particular job really entails, the site has more than 100 employees of major Irish employers talking about the realities of their day-to-day work. Having access to a site where employers are promoting opportunities in their companies or industry is of benefit to those interested in the labour market, whether school leavers looking down the line or adult CAO applicants considering a career change. Remember, cao.ie features links to all colleges offering places, as well as the online application system to register the change-of-mind option.
Q. Must all applicants get involved in the change-of-mind process?
A. Yes, all applicants need to review their application before the CAO deadline of 5.15pm on July 1st.
Q. What if I am happy with the choices I made in January?
A. If you're comfortable with your initial choice of courses and their order, all you need to do is check your list against the latest published list of courses on offer from the CAO. Ensure that all your courses are still on offer and that there are no new ones that you might like to consider. Make sure you still meet all the subject, levels and entry requirements. If you are uncertain about these, go to the subject-choice module on the Qualifax website, where the entry requirements for all courses are outlined.
If, for example, you have informed your school that you wish to drop from higher to ordinary level maths, you may have forgotten that a grade H4 at higher level is a minimum requirement for some choices. If some courses are no longer open to you, remove them now from your CAO course list.
After reviewing your choices, if you are happy with your application, you need take no further action. You do not need to communicate in any way with the CAO.
Q. I applied for the five Level 8 medical-degree programmes and took my Hpat assessment. Do I need to do anything else?
A. You will have the result of your Hpat test by now or be about to receive it. This assessment is marked out of 300. Your assessed grades converted into CAO points, up to a maximum of 550 points, plus one extra point for every five you score over 550 - up to the maximum CAO score of 625 - will be added to your Hpat score, to give a possible maximum score of 865 points.
Applicants with the highest combined points will secure a place at one of the five colleges offering medical degrees. I would advise anyone who has used up their first five Level 8 choices to list undergraduate medical degrees to use options six to 10 to list five other degree programmes, which you may consider if you do not get a place in medicine.
Every year more than 1,000 CAO applicants with more than 500 points don’t get any offer because they didn’t list any course with fewer than 500 points.
Remember, any graduate with a 2:1 or better in a Level 8 degree can apply for a postgraduate medical place by taking the Gamsat (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) test. This may be an alternative route into medicine if you fail to secure a place this year.
Q. What if I want to change my order of preference or add new course choices to my existing CAO application?
A. Many students in the middle of sixth year are unclear about what they want to study at college and use the January application as a holding exercise. Now is the time to make your final choices but bear in mind that you are not selecting an occupation for the rest of your life. You are just choosing areas of academic study that you would enjoy over the next three or four years.
Remember, up to 40 per cent of all undergraduates take a postgrad course immediately after their undergrad studies, to move onto the first step on their career ladder. Now, however, is not the time to contemplate that step, which may be five or six years away, depending on the course you study.
Q. Is it enough to simply record online the change I wish to make on my application record?
A. If you want to make any adjustment to either or both lists, you must re-submit the entire list in the order you now want. If you list only the extra course or courses, your original choices disappear from your application.
Finally, if you wish to change your application, or if you didn’t list any course on your January application and are listing some courses for the first time, do it some days before the July 1st deadline.
Q. Is it too late to apply for a college place through the CAO in the coming academic year?
A. It is too late to apply to the CAO, as the final deadline was May 1st for those seeking a first-year undergraduate place for the first time.
* If you are a registered college student and fail your exams in June, or wish to change your course, you have until July 22nd to apply to the CAO.
* For second-level or PLC students who have not yet applied for a CAO place, note that once the colleges know how many applicants they have for each course after the July 1st deadline, they will seek applications for available or vacant places, which will then be listed on the CAO website.
* Such vacant places are normally offered immediately after the CAO first round offers in August. Any applicant, including new applicants, can register any such courses on their existing or new CAO application.


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--CAO applications: ‘It’s not just that the goalposts have moved. . .’

What course should I do ?
What interests me ?
What college would I like to go to ?
Should I look at further education ?
At the best of times , filling out that CAO form requires a lot of thought .
But during a pandemic that has closed schools – so students don ’ t get face-to-face meetings with guidance counsellors – and left most of the world in a state of stress and anxiety , it can be even harder to stay focused .
While most students will have met their guidance counsellor in recent months to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courses , and may have completed interest inventories in their career classes , others will remain unsure .
And there ’ s more to consider than just the course ; it ’ s also important to consider what campus feels right for you .
Big or small ?
In the suburbs or the city centre ?
What sort of sports facilities and student societies does it have ?
Most college open days will have taken place before the lockdown but , if not , there are virtual tour options available .
We asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify the right course in the right place .
Dr Stephen Ryan is schools liaison officer at the University of Limerick and he moonlights as a comedian .
Beatrice Dooley is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors .
Beatrice Dooley : It ’ s not just that the goalposts have moved ; the entire football pitch has disappeared from beneath your feet .
We can not predict the future but whatever happens will be the same for all Leaving Cert students in the country .
Stephen Ryan : I can empathise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been the best during the pandemic .
Filling out your CAO now , despite it feeling different from other years , is essentially the same .
The same advice applies , and that is to ensure you put down the courses you would like to do in the order of your preference .
While it feels like there are a lot of things you can not control at the minute , this is not one of them .
You possibly now have more time than ever to research , reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you .
Beatrice Dooley : Look at previous exam results .
Are you achieving particularly well in certain subjects ?
What subjects do you enjoy the most , and can this help you reveal your strengths ?
If you have any work experience to draw from – perhaps as part of Transition Year or the Leaving Cert Vocational Programme ( LCVP ) – consider what aspects you liked and disliked .
Spend some time thinking about your future and researching your preferred courses .
You need to inform yourself about the course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it offers , as well as your options after graduation .
Stephen Ryan : I ’ m always an advocate of guiding people towards what they feel they would love to do rather than what they feel they should do .
Beatrice Dooley : If you ’ re not in the zone to make decisions on a lifelong career , that ’ s okay .
Many people now change careers several times throughout their working lives , and many third-level courses offer a solid foundation with a variety of postgraduate course options .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for common entry courses in a broad area that interests them .
This can be an arts , science or engineering course , for example , with students choosing their specialist subjects after first year .
A broad entry course takes the pressure off the CAO application – and there is that added pressure this year .
I did history , politics , sociology and social studies at UL , and that general arts course gave me more options .
We have a lot of general entry courses here at UL including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more options .
Beatrice Dooley : Use online tools to explore different career paths , but consult with a few people to make sure you get a balanced overview .
CareersPortal.ie has comprehensive information about different careers and industries as well as interviews with professionals in different fields explaining their role .
You can also look at Qualifax.ie and see any areas of particular interest to you .
5 Think of your goals Stephen Ryan : What do you want out of a course – and of life ?
Do you want a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you a mortgage ?
Do you want to be an entrepreneur ?
Different people want different things in life so there is no set pattern for what people should be doing .
Stephen Ryan : Students are not in school so they may not be making as much use of their guidance counsellors .
But they are a great resource for students : they know a lot of their students ’ interests and can help guide them .
Beatrice Dooley : If you really don ’ t have any idea of what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance counsellor by phone , Zoom or whatever online platform your school recommends .
During this virtual meeting you can evaluate your options including non-CAO options such as Post Leaving Cert ( PLC ) courses , apprenticeships , traineeships or work experience which can serve as an alternative vocational route or a way into CAO courses at a later stage .
Stephen Ryan : Look at someone you admire in an area you might like to get into .
With LinkedIn , you can see what courses they studied and how it helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 Look beyond the course Stephen Ryan : There ’ s more to learn in college than what ’ s on your course .
I perform comedy as an aside but I got into it through the UL Comedy Society .
I got opportunities to perform at Forbidden Fruit and the Edinburgh Festival .
There are loads of skills you can gain and friends you can make through college clubs and societies .
People are changing careers so much these days and what employers really want are rounded people with transferable skills .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ now I lecture in history and I do stand-up comedy , and both jobs involve writing and have a performance aspect .
Beatrice Dooley : The CAO is not the only show in town .
A survey of employers in January 2019 showed that graduates from apprenticeships and PLC courses are rated as highly as graduates from third-level colleges .
You can research these on ThisisFET.ie and use the links to apply for courses .
“ Many further education colleges and PLC providers continue to accept applications until all places are filled and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date , ” says Dooley .
PLC courses qualify you with a level five or six qualification , can serve as a “ backdoor ” into third-level courses , and suit students who are not in a position to embark on a three- or four-year programme , whether that ’ s for financial , personal , health , visa or other reasons .
They ’ re also ideal for any student unsure if a course is right for them and wants to try a short course as a trial before committing to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a strong emphasis on practical skills and suit hands-on learners .
You get on-the-job training and earn as you learn , as you ’ re paid for the duration of the apprenticeship .
There are over 40 apprenticeships available in areas including accounting , insurance , engineering , logistics , construction , electrical , engineering , ICT , hospitality and the motor industry .
You ’ ll get more information on Apprenticeships.ie .
Then there are traineeships , which combine learning in an education setting with workplace learning .
They ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ETBs ) in partnership with employers in areas that have skills shortages such as business , construction , finance and fashion .
Information is available from your local ETB or on FetchCourses.ie .
Beatrice Dooley : Keep an eye on CAO deadlines .
They may be different this year .
Keep an eye on the CAO website and communications as they come in from the CAO and the colleges .
Some deadlines have already passed – any course listed as “ restricted ” in the CAO handbook had a February 1st deadline .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ overlook level six and seven courses and thereby limit their options .
Many level six and seven courses can be a better fit for your abilities and most offer the possibility of progression on to level seven or eight .
Beatrice Dooley : A common pitfall is to limit the courses in your CAO application based on what points you think you will get .
At this stage , it is your interests and aptitudes that should guide you as you enter your course choices .
Stephen Ryan : Your entire life does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have opportunities to change you mind .
Yes , spend sufficient time evaluating your options but don ’ t put undue pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision .

There’s more to consider than just the course - it’s also important to consider what campus feels right for you.
What course should I do? What interests me? What college would I like to go to? Should I look at further education?
At the best of times, filling out that CAO form requires a lot of thought. But during a pandemic that has closed schools – so students don't get face-to-face meetings with guidance counsellors – and left most of the world in a state of stress and anxiety, it can be even harder to stay focused.
While most students will have met their guidance counsellor in recent months to go through the process of identifying suitable courses, and may have completed interest inventories in their career classes, others will remain unsure.
’It’s not just that the goalposts have moved; the entire football pitch has disappeared from beneath your feet.’
And there’s more to consider than just the course; it’s also important to consider what campus feels right for you. Big or small? In the suburbs or the city centre? What sort of sports facilities and student societies does it have? Most college open days will have taken place before the lockdown but, if not, there are virtual tour options available.
READ MORE
We asked two experts for their advice on how to identify the right course in the right place. Dr Stephen Ryan is schools liaison officer at the University of Limerick and he moonlights as a comedian. Beatrice Dooley is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors.
1 Pandemic panic
Beatrice Dooley: It's not just that the goalposts have moved; the entire football pitch has disappeared from beneath your feet. We cannot predict the future but whatever happens will be the same for all Leaving Cert students in the country.
Stephen Ryan: I can empathise with students because my own concentration levels haven't been the best during the pandemic. Filling out your CAO now, despite it feeling different from other years, is essentially the same. The same advice applies, and that is to ensure you put down the courses you would like to do in the order of your preference. While it feels like there are a lot of things you cannot control at the minute, this is not one of them. You possibly now have more time than ever to research, reflect and ensure you choose the best course for you.
2 Know yourself
Beatrice Dooley: Look at previous exam results. Are you achieving particularly well in certain subjects? What subjects do you enjoy the most, and can this help you reveal your strengths? If you have any work experience to draw from – perhaps as part of Transition Year or the Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP) – consider what aspects you liked and disliked. Spend some time thinking about your future and researching your preferred courses. You need to inform yourself about the course itself, the college and the supports it offers, as well as your options after graduation.
Stephen Ryan: I'm always an advocate of guiding people towards what they feel they would love to do rather than what they feel they should do.
3 Think broad
Beatrice Dooley: If you're not in the zone to make decisions on a lifelong career, that's okay. Many people now change careers several times throughout their working lives, and many third-level courses offer a solid foundation with a variety of postgraduate course options.
Stephen Ryan: A lot of students go for common entry courses in a broad area that interests them. This can be an arts, science or engineering course, for example, with students choosing their specialist subjects after first year. A broad entry course takes the pressure off the CAO application – and there is that added pressure this year. I did history, politics, sociology and social studies at UL, and that general arts course gave me more options. We have a lot of general entry courses here at UL including a general arts course which gives you more options.
4 Research
Beatrice Dooley: Use online tools to explore different career paths, but consult with a few people to make sure you get a balanced overview. CareersPortal.ie has comprehensive information about different careers and industries as well as interviews with professionals in different fields explaining their role. You can also look at Qualifax.ie and see any areas of particular interest to you.
5 Think of your goals
Stephen Ryan: What do you want out of a course – and of life? Do you want a job that will be safe and get you a mortgage? Do you want to be an entrepreneur? Different people want different things in life so there is no set pattern for what people should be doing.
6 Use your guidance counsellor
Stephen Ryan: Students are not in school so they may not be making as much use of their guidance counsellors. But they are a great resource for students: they know a lot of their students' interests and can help guide them.
Beatrice Dooley: If you really don't have any idea of what to do, make an appointment with your guidance counsellor by phone, Zoom or whatever online platform your school recommends. During this virtual meeting you can evaluate your options including non-CAO options such as Post Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, apprenticeships, traineeships or work experience which can serve as an alternative vocational route or a way into CAO courses at a later stage.
7 Someone you admire
Stephen Ryan: Look at someone you admire in an area you might like to get into. With LinkedIn, you can see what courses they studied and how it helped them to get where they are.
8 Look beyond the course
Stephen Ryan: There's more to learn in college than what's on your course. I perform comedy as an aside but I got into it through the UL Comedy Society. I got opportunities to perform at Forbidden Fruit and the Edinburgh Festival. There are loads of skills you can gain and friends you can make through college clubs and societies. People are changing careers so much these days and what employers really want are rounded people with transferable skills. I did a PhD in history; now I lecture in history and I do stand-up comedy, and both jobs involve writing and have a performance aspect.
9 Forget the CAO altogether
Beatrice Dooley: The CAO is not the only show in town. A survey of employers in January 2019 showed that graduates from apprenticeships and PLC courses are rated as highly as graduates from third-level colleges. You can research these on ThisisFET.ie and use the links to apply for courses.
“Many further education colleges and PLC providers continue to accept applications until all places are filled and may not have a specific application closing date,” says Dooley.
PLC courses qualify you with a level five or six qualification, can serve as a “backdoor” into third-level courses, and suit students who are not in a position to embark on a three- or four-year programme, whether that’s for financial, personal, health, visa or other reasons. They’re also ideal for any student unsure if a course is right for them and wants to try a short course as a trial before committing to a longer programme.
Apprenticeships, meanwhile, have a strong emphasis on practical skills and suit hands-on learners. You get on-the-job training and earn as you learn, as you're paid for the duration of the apprenticeship. There are over 40 apprenticeships available in areas including accounting, insurance, engineering, logistics, construction, electrical, engineering, ICT, hospitality and the motor industry. You'll get more information on Apprenticeships.ie.
Then there are traineeships, which combine learning in an education setting with workplace learning. They're delivered by education and training boards (ETBs) in partnership with employers in areas that have skills shortages such as business, construction, finance and fashion. Information is available from your local ETB or on FetchCourses.ie.
10 Watch deadlines
Beatrice Dooley: Keep an eye on CAO deadlines. They may be different this year. Keep an eye on the CAO website and communications as they come in from the CAO and the colleges. Some deadlines have already passed – any course listed as "restricted" in the CAO handbook had a February 1st deadline.
11 All sixes and sevens
Beatrice Dooley: Some students tend to overlook level six and seven courses and thereby limit their options. Many level six and seven courses can be a better fit for your abilities and most offer the possibility of progression on to level seven or eight.
12 Don’t choose on points
Beatrice Dooley: A common pitfall is to limit the courses in your CAO application based on what points you think you will get. At this stage, it is your interests and aptitudes that should guide you as you enter your course choices.
Stephen Ryan: Your entire life does not depend on the CAO application and you have opportunities to change you mind. Yes, spend sufficient time evaluating your options but don't put undue pressure on yourself to make the perfect decision.


Why study pharmacy?

We ’ re all waiting for the pharmaceutical industry to deal with coronavirus .
Until they develop treatments and a vaccine , people will keep getting sick and dying , and it ’ s unlikely that the world can return to any semblance of normality .
But what would a career in pharmaceuticals look like ?
We spoke to Dr Michelle Flood , a lecturer in pharmacy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland .
“ I chose pharmacy because I liked chemistry , maths and people so it seemed a good fit for that balance of interests , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she initially worked as a community pharmacist before doing her PhD and becoming a full-time lecturer .
“ People underestimate the number of roles that pharmacists have , ” she says .
“ We ’ re all familiar with the community pharmacist , where you can get advice about ailments and medicines , prescriptions filled , emergency contraception and vaccinations .
Pharmacists also work with GPs and other healthcare professionals to make sure medicines are safe and to get the dosage right .
“ We work in hospitals as part of complex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physiotherapists .
Pharmacists may specialise in a particular area including oncology ( cancer treatment ) , critical care , clinical trials and paediatrics .
We have a key role in providing information and the safe and rational use of medicine , because medicines can cause harm if not used with the right safety precautions .
“ Our next most common role is in the pharmaceutical industry ( including pharmaceutical firms ) , where we take part in research and development , clinical trials , quality assurance , regulatory and medical affairs .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy roles , including the Health Products Regulatory Authority ( which regulates and clears medicines for use ) , the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority ( an agency that works to improve health and social care services ) , in the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland .
There are pharmacists working in the big audit firms as well as in start-up enterprises and technology and innovation roles , while another good chunk – like me – go into academia and research.
” Flood says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of careers and to draw on all the skills a pharmacy degree will give them .
“ These include problem-solving , critical thinking , attention to detail , research , teamwork and , because people who work as pharmacists want to help others , they tend to have the interpersonal skills that are important for employers in all industries .
“ The role is so diverse that the difficulty is in choosing one area .
When you work as a pharmacist , you can become a part of your patient ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by how people can overcome the most extraordinary challenges .
The most rewarding part of the job has been the trust placed in me , and it ’ s been great to be able to make such an impact.
” RCSI ’ s school of pharmacy and biomolecular science puts an emphasis on experiential learning , and modules are built around bodily systems and patient needs , rather than areas such as pharmaceutics , pharmacy management and pharmaceutical chemicals .
Students learn clinical skills , undertake placements and take electives in non-pharmaceutical areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , students can undertake a level eight pharmacy degree at Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork .
UCC ’ s module includes the physiochemical basis of pharmaceuticals , cellular and molecular basis of drug action and toxicity , musculoskeletal and dermatology systems , oncology and malignant diseases and novel drug delivery .
At Trinity College , meanwhile , modules include neuropharmacology and clinical therapeutics , addiction pharmacy , integrated pharmacy skills and blood , cardiovascular and renal pharmacology .
Waterford Institute of Technology runs a level eight pharmaceutical science degree aimed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries , while IT Sligo has a similar level eight pharmaceutical science course with a focus on drug development .
Two-year level six pharmacy technician courses , which prepare graduates for work alongside pharmacists , are available at IT Tralee , Letterkenny IT , IT Carlow , and Technological University Dublin .
“ I was doing a bachelor of arts in music and history at Maynooth University and working part time in a pharmacy .
I loved working on the healthcare counter and later in the dispensary .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help people .
“ After my arts degree , I took a year out to work full time in a community pharmacy and make sure I wanted to commit to another five years .
“ People who enjoy helping others and are good listeners can make good pharmacists .
An important part of the job is interacting with patients and answering any queries or concerns they have and also counselling on medications , so having good communication skills is essential in community pharmacy , skills which you can develop with experience over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important to be as organised as possible when working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressurised environment so everything runs as smoothly as possible .
“ Covid-19 has had a major impact on how community pharmacists work – primarily in terms of consultations and how we can interact with patients.A top priority has been making sure that patients , particularly those cocooning , are still able to receive their medication , so volunteer groups have been helping to deliver medication and we have been contacting patients by phone and counselling on their medications or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adapting to this ‘ new normal ’ has been difficult , but pharmacists are still working with the patient at the forefront of all they do .
“ The world of pharmacy is constantly changing , and the learning never really stops , so a huge part of the job is keeping on top of these changes and new medications , services or processes , and making sure your knowledge is as up to date as possible .
“ The hours can be long and some days can be more challenging than others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the times we are currently in , but it is a great career with so many opportunities and paths you can take , and it ’ s great to have these options .
”

We’re all waiting for the pharmaceutical industry to deal with coronavirus. Until they develop treatments and a vaccine, people will keep getting sick and dying, and it’s unlikely that the world can return to any semblance of normality.
But what would a career in pharmaceuticals look like? We spoke to Dr Michelle Flood, a lecturer in pharmacy at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
“I chose pharmacy because I liked chemistry, maths and people so it seemed a good fit for that balance of interests,” says Flood.
When she qualified, she initially worked as a community pharmacist before doing her PhD and becoming a full-time lecturer.
READ MORE
“People underestimate the number of roles that pharmacists have,” she says. “We’re all familiar with the community pharmacist, where you can get advice about ailments and medicines, prescriptions filled, emergency contraception and vaccinations. Pharmacists also work with GPs and other healthcare professionals to make sure medicines are safe and to get the dosage right.
“We work in hospitals as part of complex care teams including nurses, doctors and physiotherapists. Pharmacists may specialise in a particular area including oncology (cancer treatment), critical care, clinical trials and paediatrics. We have a key role in providing information and the safe and rational use of medicine, because medicines can cause harm if not used with the right safety precautions.
“Our next most common role is in the pharmaceutical industry (including pharmaceutical firms), where we take part in research and development, clinical trials, quality assurance, regulatory and medical affairs.
"There are also pharmacists in regulatory and policy roles, including the Health Products Regulatory Authority (which regulates and clears medicines for use), the HSE and the Health Information and Quality Authority (an agency that works to improve health and social care services), in the Economic and Social Research Institute and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. There are pharmacists working in the big audit firms as well as in start-up enterprises and technology and innovation roles, while another good chunk – like me – go into academia and research."
Michelle Flood of RCSI. Photograph: Lafayette Photography
Help others
Flood says they encourage students to explore the full range of careers and to draw on all the skills a pharmacy degree will give them. “These include problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, research, teamwork and, because people who work as pharmacists want to help others, they tend to have the interpersonal skills that are important for employers in all industries.
“The role is so diverse that the difficulty is in choosing one area. When you work as a pharmacist, you can become a part of your patient’s lives and I’ve been struck by how people can overcome the most extraordinary challenges. The most rewarding part of the job has been the trust placed in me, and it’s been great to be able to make such an impact.”
RCSI’s school of pharmacy and biomolecular science puts an emphasis on experiential learning, and modules are built around bodily systems and patient needs, rather than areas such as pharmaceutics, pharmacy management and pharmaceutical chemicals. Students learn clinical skills, undertake placements and take electives in non-pharmaceutical areas including philosophy or design.
Outside RCSI, students can undertake a level eight pharmacy degree at Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork. UCC's module includes the physiochemical basis of pharmaceuticals, cellular and molecular basis of drug action and toxicity, musculoskeletal and dermatology systems, oncology and malignant diseases and novel drug delivery. At Trinity College, meanwhile, modules include neuropharmacology and clinical therapeutics, addiction pharmacy, integrated pharmacy skills and blood, cardiovascular and renal pharmacology.
Waterford Institute of Technology runs a level eight pharmaceutical science degree aimed at preparing students for the industry roles in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, while IT Sligo has a similar level eight pharmaceutical science course with a focus on drug development.
Two-year level six pharmacy technician courses, which prepare graduates for work alongside pharmacists, are available at IT Tralee, Letterkenny IT, IT Carlow, Athlone IT, and Technological University Dublin.
CAO POINTS 2019
Pharmacy (RCSI): 565
Pharmacy (Trinity): 567
Pharmacy (UCC): 577
Pharmaceutical science (WIT): 298
Pharmacy technician (IT Letterkenny): 216
URSULA FEENEY
RCSI MPharm class of 2019
Ursula Feeney
"I was doing a bachelor of arts in music and history at Maynooth University and working part time in a pharmacy. I loved working on the healthcare counter and later in the dispensary. I loved the customer interaction and being able to help people.
“After my arts degree, I took a year out to work full time in a community pharmacy and make sure I wanted to commit to another five years.
“People who enjoy helping others and are good listeners can make good pharmacists. An important part of the job is interacting with patients and answering any queries or concerns they have and also counselling on medications, so having good communication skills is essential in community pharmacy, skills which you can develop with experience over time.
“It’s also important to be as organised as possible when working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressurised environment so everything runs as smoothly as possible.
“Covid-19 has had a major impact on how community pharmacists work – primarily in terms of consultations and how we can interact with patients.A top priority has been making sure that patients, particularly those cocooning, are still able to receive their medication, so volunteer groups have been helping to deliver medication and we have been contacting patients by phone and counselling on their medications or answering any queries this way.
“Adapting to this ‘new normal’ has been difficult, but pharmacists are still working with the patient at the forefront of all they do.
“The world of pharmacy is constantly changing, and the learning never really stops, so a huge part of the job is keeping on top of these changes and new medications, services or processes, and making sure your knowledge is as up to date as possible.
“The hours can be long and some days can be more challenging than others, as with any job and particularly with the times we are currently in, but it is a great career with so many opportunities and paths you can take, and it’s great to have these options.”


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--Coronavirus fallout means universities look to online delivery

As restrictions aimed at curtailing the spread of Covid-19 are likely to continue for several months , life for many students starting third level is likely to be very different this year than previously .
Flexibility will be key in the coming months as most college settings don ’ t support spatial separation and will have adopted special measures to ensure syllabus delivery .
While many in-person classes will remain suspended , the syllabus will have to be taught using a different but no less effective approach to teaching .
Many academic programmes are increasingly utilising elements of remote learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In this blend of traditional in-person teaching and online delivery , students will no longer have to be present for every lecture as they often were before .
Instead , they will make use of “ virtual learning platforms ” to view lectures , participate in class discussions or engage in group work .
When news broke in March that restrictive measures were about to be introduced to curtail the pandemic , planning was already under way at the country ’ s third-level institutions as they considered how to deal with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams were fast approaching and college authorities had to rethink how they could help students achieve their educational goals in such a tight time frame .
Many third-level institutions already had the tools needed for remote learning .
And work began almost immediately on the complex task of moving academic courses online as college authorities set about ensuring continuity for students without compromising the integrity of academic programmes .
This meant assuaging student concerns .
Course materials had to be made available , clear guidance provided about what would be expected of students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the curriculum had to be delivered in a way that would be accessible to all and instructors would have to encourage feedback , provide analysis of ongoing work as well as devising suitable end-of-year assessments .
Lecturers quickly scrambled to master the multiple tools needed to deliver classes remotely .
Classes , lectures and tutorials were streamed from home and new methods adopted that would allow for fair assessment of students in the absence of the traditional end-of-year exams .
Thanks to the creativity and expertise of staff who helped deliver academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disruption , but would still ensure the desired outcome for students , the sector has undergone seismic change .
Third-level institutions will plan for the day they can increase student presence on campus again .
But even in the event of a return in the short term , chances are that virtual learning platforms are here to stay and will continue to feature as a key delivery mechanism for third-level education .

Third-level institutions will plan for the day they can increase student presence on campus again. File photograph: Getty
As restrictions aimed at curtailing the spread of Covid-19 are likely to continue for several months, life for many students starting third level is likely to be very different this year than previously.
Flexibility will be key in the coming months as most college settings don’t support spatial separation and will have adopted special measures to ensure syllabus delivery.
While many in-person classes will remain suspended, the syllabus will have to be taught using a different but no less effective approach to teaching.
Many academic programmes are increasingly utilising elements of remote learning as a central feature of curriculum delivery.
READ MORE
In this blend of traditional in-person teaching and online delivery, students will no longer have to be present for every lecture as they often were before. Instead, they will make use of “virtual learning platforms” to view lectures, participate in class discussions or engage in group work.
When news broke in March that restrictive measures were about to be introduced to curtail the pandemic, planning was already under way at the country’s third-level institutions as they considered how to deal with the disruption that would follow.
The end-of-year exams were fast approaching and college authorities had to rethink how they could help students achieve their educational goals in such a tight time frame.
Many third-level institutions already had the tools needed for remote learning. And work began almost immediately on the complex task of moving academic courses online as college authorities set about ensuring continuity for students without compromising the integrity of academic programmes.
This meant assuaging student concerns. Course materials had to be made available, clear guidance provided about what would be expected of students for the remainder of the academic year, the curriculum had to be delivered in a way that would be accessible to all and instructors would have to encourage feedback, provide analysis of ongoing work as well as devising suitable end-of-year assessments.
Fair assessment
Lecturers quickly scrambled to master the multiple tools needed to deliver classes remotely. Classes, lectures and tutorials were streamed from home and new methods adopted that would allow for fair assessment of students in the absence of the traditional end-of-year exams.
Thanks to the creativity and expertise of staff who helped deliver academic programmes in a way that would minimise disruption, but would still ensure the desired outcome for students, the sector has undergone seismic change.
Third-level institutions will plan for the day they can increase student presence on campus again. But even in the event of a return in the short term, chances are that virtual learning platforms are here to stay and will continue to feature as a key delivery mechanism for third-level education.


theirishtimes--2020-05-25--CAO Change of Mind: Why study Biotechnology?

Biotechnology will play a crucial role in developing and delivering therapies , vaccines and antibody tests as well as diagnosing diseases .
So what would a career in biotechnology look like ?
We spoke to Professor Greg Foley , a chemical engineer in the department of biotechnology at DCU .
Professor Greg Foley of DCU ’ s biotechnology department explains : “ A lot of people think of genetic engineering and biology .
Biotechnology includes food processing , microbial processing and brewing.
” The role of biological processes in brewing , fermenting and food production .
Biotechnology dates back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected the best crops to grow and cross-breed .
Even yogurt is produced by biotechnology .
It ’ s also how waste and wastewater are processed .
And biotechnology plays a central role in drug development .
“ Today , drugs are manufactured using genetically engineered mammalian cells , including antibodies for cancer treatments .
Drugs have become increasingly sophisticated and Ireland has become a global biopharma hub , particularly in north Dublin.
” During good economic times , biotech grads have tended to go straight into the jobs market but , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recession -they are more likely to stay on for postgraduate and doctoral research .
“ Students often have a perception that , if they study , they will be doing lab work in quality control and assurance but they may also be involved in general troubleshooting in a plant , or doing a lot of work on documentation for what is a heavily regulated industry .
They do very varied jobs and many companies run graduate training programmes where graduates may be moved from one part of the plant to another and learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that DCU ’ s biotechnology graduates have strong teamwork and oral communications skills .
“ Our graduates have tended to go into business areas including technical sales where you need a deep knowledge to sell the product and support client needs .
Some go into teaching , with many teaching Leaving Cert biology .
And of course many go into industry .
Biotech graduates have studied engineering , cell biology and bioinformatics ( which uses computer science , maths , statistics and biology to analyse and interpret biological data ) so they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjects and learn in different ways.
” Who is suited for a biotechnology course ?
“ When I asked about why they ’ d studied biotechnology , I was expecting them to say they loved knowledge and want to make discoveries , but it turned out that they all wanted to make a difference , and some of them had relatives with various illnesses .
Maths helps with any science subject as does computer science but even some of the good students might struggle with it sometimes.
” In DCU ’ s biotechnology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics , chemistry and biology as well as maths and bioprocessing .
In year two , modules include microbiology & genetics , cell structure & function and biomolecules & metabolism .
In year three , students look at gene cloning & gene expression among other modules , while year four includes industrial bioprocessing .
Maynooth University and NUI Galway also offer level eight biotechnology degrees where modules include data science , microbiology , pharmacology , modern biotechnologies , cellular biotechnology , food biotechnology and scientific communication .
IT Sligo ’ s level eight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of biological systems for medical and industrial uses , while CIT ’ s pharmaceutical biotechnology course produces graduates who can design new medicines using biological approaches .
“ I chose biotechnology because , although I liked all my subjects , I had a particular interest in science and maths .
I ’ d done biology and physics in school and knew I wanted to go into science - but I didn ’ t know exactly what type .
“ At an open day in DCU , I realised it lined up with what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was broad enough I could keep my options open .
“ Biotechnology includes a mix of biology and engineering modules , and it ’ s about making biology useful enough to make products including food ( beer , bread , cheese , yogurt ) and medicines .
It ; ’ s about modifying cells so they produce the protein you want them to make .
You do genetics and cell biology ; you learn how cells can interact with one another to make processes .
“ I ’ m currently working with MSD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make proteins and separate them out from the other molecules , such as waste .
The proteins can then be used to help people who are sick .
“ I love working here and would hope to do a masters down the line .
Biotech is expanding and growing in Ireland and I think there will continue to be lots of opportunities .
”

Biotechnology will play a crucial role in developing and delivering therapies, vaccines and antibody tests as well as diagnosing diseases.
So what would a career in biotechnology look like? We spoke to Professor Greg Foley, a chemical engineer in the department of biotechnology at DCU.
Professor Greg Foley of DCU’s biotechnology department explains: “A lot of people think of genetic engineering and biology. Biotechnology includes food processing, microbial processing and brewing.”
The role of biological processes in brewing, fermenting and food production. Biotechnology dates back to the earliest days of agriculture where farmers selected the best crops to grow and cross-breed. Even yogurt is produced by biotechnology. It’s also how waste and wastewater are processed.
READ MORE
And biotechnology plays a central role in drug development. "Today, drugs are manufactured using genetically engineered mammalian cells, including antibodies for cancer treatments. Drugs have become increasingly sophisticated and Ireland has become a global biopharma hub, particularly in north Dublin."
During good economic times, biotech grads have tended to go straight into the jobs market but, during downturns - such as the current Covid-19 recession -they are more likely to stay on for postgraduate and doctoral research.
“Students often have a perception that, if they study, they will be doing lab work in quality control and assurance but they may also be involved in general troubleshooting in a plant, or doing a lot of work on documentation for what is a heavily regulated industry. They do very varied jobs and many companies run graduate training programmes where graduates may be moved from one part of the plant to another and learn about how it works.”
Foley says that DCU’s biotechnology graduates have strong teamwork and oral communications skills. “Our graduates have tended to go into business areas including technical sales where you need a deep knowledge to sell the product and support client needs. Some go into teaching, with many teaching Leaving Cert biology. And of course many go into industry. Biotech graduates have studied engineering, cell biology and bioinformatics (which uses computer science, maths, statistics and biology to analyse and interpret biological data) so they have to cope with a lot of different subjects and learn in different ways.”
Who is suited for a biotechnology course? “When I asked about why they’d studied biotechnology, I was expecting them to say they loved knowledge and want to make discoveries, but it turned out that they all wanted to make a difference, and some of them had relatives with various illnesses. Maths helps with any science subject as does computer science but even some of the good students might struggle with it sometimes.”
In DCU’s biotechnology course, all students start by studying physics, chemistry and biology as well as maths and bioprocessing. In year two, modules include microbiology & genetics, cell structure & function and biomolecules & metabolism. In year three, students look at gene cloning & gene expression among other modules, while year four includes industrial bioprocessing.
Maynooth University and NUI Galway also offer level eight biotechnology degrees where modules include data science, microbiology, pharmacology, modern biotechnologies, cellular biotechnology, food biotechnology and scientific communication.
IT Sligo’s level eight medical biotechnology course focuses on the application of biological systems for medical and industrial uses, while CIT’s pharmaceutical biotechnology course produces graduates who can design new medicines using biological approaches.
CAO points 2019
Biotechnology (Maynooth): 429
Biotechnology (NUI Galway): 473
Biotechnology (DCU): 476
Pharmaceutical biotechnology (CIT): 388
Bioanalysis (TU Dublin): 200
Fiona Boyle photographed on her graduation day with her parents.
Fiona Boyle, DCU BSc Biotechnology 2019
“I chose biotechnology because, although I liked all my subjects, I had a particular interest in science and maths. I’d done biology and physics in school and knew I wanted to go into science - but I didn’t know exactly what type.
“At an open day in DCU, I realised it lined up with what I was interested in and that it was broad enough I could keep my options open.
“Biotechnology includes a mix of biology and engineering modules, and it’s about making biology useful enough to make products including food (beer, bread, cheese, yogurt) and medicines. It;’s about modifying cells so they produce the protein you want them to make. You do genetics and cell biology; you learn how cells can interact with one another to make processes.
“I’m currently working with MSD Ireland on protein purification, where we make proteins and separate them out from the other molecules, such as waste. The proteins can then be used to help people who are sick.
“I love working here and would hope to do a masters down the line. Biotech is expanding and growing in Ireland and I think there will continue to be lots of opportunities.”