College of Science
BSc in
Environmental Science
Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary study
which examines the interaction between humans and
the environment with specific reference to the effects
of modern technological advances.
Course Facts
CAO Code:
GY308
The denominated degree course provides a thorough
grounding in the basic sciences and environmental
law in the first two years of the course, followed
by the application of this knowledge to current
environmental problems in later years.While studying
a broad range of subjects, students are also given the
opportunity to specialise in environmental topics of
their choice.
Entry points (2013):
400
Duration:
4 years
Average intake:
30
Entry requirements:
Minimum HC3 in two subjects and
passes in four other subjects at H or O
Level in the Leaving Certificate
including: Irish, English, Mathematics, a
laboratory science subject (i.e.
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with
Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural
Science) and any two other subjects
recognised for entry purposes.
Students are encouraged to develop their critical and
evaluative capabilities and considerable emphasis
is placed on developing communication skills, both
oral andwritten. Students also get the opportunity to
analyse situations, identify problems and to select
/ design appropriate solutions to environmental
problems through case studies and field work.
Through group and independent work, students learn
to function effectively within teams while maintaining
an attitude of self-reliance and independence.
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)
Did you know
Environmental Science students have successfully applied for
Tropical Biology Association scholarships, which have
allowed them to undertake tropical ecology courses in Africa.
www.nuigalway.ie/applied_ecology_unit
Topics include
Year 1:
Biology; Introduction to Earth & Ocean Sciences;
Introduction to Statistical Data and Probability;
Chemistry / Physics; Irish Legal System; Hot Topics
in Environmental Science.
Year 2:
Ecological Survey Techniques; Environmental
Law; Evolution & Tree of Life; Fundamentals in
Aquatic Plant Science; Plant Diversity, Physiology
& Adaptation; Ancient Earth Environments;
Introduction to Palaeontology & Evolution;
Microbes & the Environment; Laboratory Skills
in Microbiology; Invertebrate Biology; Vertebrate
Zoology.
Year 3:
Nature Conservation & Habitat Management;
Field Course with Environmental Skills;
Habitat Management Planning; Legislation
for Environmental Scientists; Plant Ecology;
Environmental Microbiology; Marine Microbiology;
Statistics.
In addition, students can take four options from a
range of third year topics including:
Field Hydrology; Geographic Information Systems;
Palaeoecology.
Year 4:
Students take a major independent research
project from a wide variety of environmental
topics. In addition, they study Environmental
Impact Assessment; Advanced Field Course in
Environmental Science; Environmental Science
Seminars; Marine Microbiology & Nutrient Cycling;
Anaerobic Microbial Biotechnology & Systems
Biology.
Students can also take two options from a range of
third and fourth year modules including: Physics of
the Environment and Advanced GIS.
Note: This programme schedule may change from
year to year.
Why study Environmental Science?
As an Environmental Science student you will:
- Become familiar with a wide range of environmental topics including
environmental law, environmental impact assessment, nature conservation
& habitat management, waste management, renewable energies, climate
change and water quality
- Develop extensive field survey skills (terrestrial and aquatic) needed for
both environmental consultancy and research in Environmental Science
- Understand the complexities of ecosystems and the need to integrate many
disciplines to solve current environmental problems
- Develop excellent communication, teamwork and leadership skills which
are essential when dealing with environmental issues and members of the
public
Career opportunities
Many of our early graduates now hold senior positions in the public service
and industry. Employers have included the Environmental Protection Agency,
Geological Survey of Ireland, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Teagasc,
Waterways Ireland, Forest Service, National Biodiversity Records Centre,
Fisheries Boards, Marine Institute and Local Authorities. In addition, many
graduates work in environmental consultancies and agri-environmental
planning agencies.
Graduate profile
Yvonne Doris,
Inspector, Office of Environmental Enforcement,
Environmental Protection Agency (BSc Environmental
Science):
“I had a wonderful time at NUI Galway.
The small student numbers in the Environmental Science
Degree course meant I made lasting friendships, some of
whom are my business contacts today. The close interaction and great help
given by lecturers and staff was invaluable during my time in Galway. A
wide range of subjects and superb lecturers gave me the knowledge and
experience to start me on the first step of my career. The many contacts
and friends I made in Galway have helped me get where I am today.
May I recommend Galway as the place to study Environmental Science.
Guaranteed fun too!”
School of Natural Sciences
Disciplines in the School of Natural Sciences which make major contributions
to the Environmental Science degree programme include Botany/Plant
Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Microbiology and Zoology. These
disciplines have a strong tradition in the field sciences both in teaching and
research allowing flexibility for students to move across disciplines.
Find out more:
Dr Mike Gormally, Course Director,
Centre for Environmental Science,
School of Natural Sciences, College of Science,
NUI Galway. T +353 91 493 334
E mike.gormally@nuigalway.ie