BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science

Key Points

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Environmental science is the study of the Earth’s physical, chemical and biological processes and human interactions with these processes. It uses a multidisciplinary perspective to consider approaches to protect, preserve and manage the environment. Environmental science has become more important in recent years because of the need to protect the natural and human environment for present and future generations.

Program description

Environmental Science graduates are eligible for any job requiring a degree in a scientific subject, but are particularly suited for positions in:

Environmental consultancies
Environment and waste divisions of local authorities.
The Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Chemistry Divisions
Pharmaceutical, food and other industries
Non-Governmental Organizations
Government departments concerned with natural resources, heritage, environment and land use

Positions for environmental scientists typically include:

Monitor compliance with environmental regulations
Waste and natural resources management
Pollution monitoring
Environmental Impact Assessments
Environmental auditing
Design environmental management systems
Environmental risk assessments

Program structure

Environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste and natural resource management, energy production and the protection of human health are now high on the agenda of all governments, resulting in stricter norms and standards. This, in turn, has created a greater need for environmental scientists with appropriate knowledge and training.

YEAR 1

Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
Physiology and structure of plants and animals
Habitats and Ecosystems
Introduction to Chemistry for Environmental Scientists
Applied Earth Systems
Environment
Introduction to physical geography
Introduction to geology
Geological evolution of Ireland
Calculus for Science Part 1
Physics for Environmental Sciences I

YEAR 2

Practical ecological skills
Fundamentals of Ecology
Mathematical Modelling for Biological and Environmental Sciences
Introduction to Organic Chemistry for Environmental Science
Practical Environmental Science
Environment and Human Health
Quaternary Environments and Geomorphology
Introduction to Geoinformatics
Introductory Sedimentology for Non-Geologists
Physics for Environmental Sciences
Introduction to Biostatistics
Invertebrate diversity

YEAR 3

Conservation Biology
Environmental science in the field
Environmental Chemistry and Analysis
Environmental Science Literature Review

Sustainable use of freshwater
Ecology and hydrology of wetland systems
Environmental remote sensing
Sedimentary environments
Environmental Physics
Biostatistics
Electives

YEAR 4

Advanced Ecotoxicology
Landscape management and conservation
Biology and Management of Exotic Species
Architecture and Planning
Advanced analytical chemistry
Atmospheric chemistry and air pollution
Practical coastal marine science
Environmental job placement
Climate variability and change
Market forces and the environment
Food production
Environmentally protective management of pests and plant pathogens
Crop physiology and climate change
Biostatistics

*Module availability may change from year to year.

Admission requirements

As a general requirement, a Bachelor’s Degree / Baccalaureate Diploma / General Baccalaureate / Professional Degree from a recognized university is required.
In the case of international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, a degree officially translated into English will be required.
IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6 in any component (or its internationally recognised equivalent).