Undergraduate courses in botany & Plant Science

Botany and Plant Science is responsible for teaching and practical components of programmes in the School of Natural Science and the Faculty of Science. This includes provision of lecture modules and practicals in the first year Biology course (BO101), two 2-unit modules in 2nd year (BT208 and BT209), three 2-unit modules in 3rd year (BT311, BT312, BT316) and six advanced plant science modules in 4th year (leading to a BSc Hons degree in Botany).

The modules provided by NUIG Botany and Plant Science (BPS) form key components of the BSc non-denominated degree. BPS modules are also key features of a number of denominated degree programmes e.g BSc (Marine Science), BSc (Biotechnology); BSc (Environmental Science) and  also BSc (Earth and Ocean Science).

Botany and Plant Science academic staff supervise 4th year Hons research projects within the BSc non-denominated degree and also can contribute final year research projects for students taking denominated degrees such as Marine Science, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. Botany also contribute to specialist undergraduate, postgraduate and adult education programmes in the Faculties of Arts, Commerce and Medicine.

Entry to undergraduate courses in Botany and Plant Science by Irish students is through the normal CAO route. Students who wish to pursue Botany and Plant Science to General or Honours BSc degree level should select the BSc Undenominated degree course. Denominated degree courses with a substantial botany and plant science component include BSc (Environmental Science); BSc (Biotechnology) and BSc (Marine Science) degrees.

Students who wish to study Botany and Plant Science in later years select Biology (BO101) as one of four 1st year subjects. While no prior knowledge of biology is necessary, foundation studies (e.g. Science subjects in Leaving Certificate to Honours standard) are desirable. In 2nd year students may take one or two of the modules offered by Botany & Plant Science. In 3rd year, students can choose to take up to three Botany and Plant Science modules. Students wishing to progress to BSc (Hons) Botany (4th year), are required to take at least two Botany and Plant Science modules during 3rd year. Students who choose Botany and Plant Science as their final (4th yr) specialisation take six advanced lecture modules in areas of research specialisation of the Botany and Plant Science academic staff, and also will have the opportunity to conduct their final year research project in one of the vibrant research groups within Botany and Plant Science.

Overseas students, including EU (ERASMUS/SOCRATES) students and non-EU students interested in following undergraduate courses in Botany should contact the Admissions Office of the University. NUI Galway has a number of Erasmus exchange schemes with universities across the EU which plant science students from across EU universities can avail of to spend some time in Botany and Plant Science in NUI Galway. Overseas students normally take one or two modules in Botany, i.e. courses given in Semester I (September to December) or Semester II (January to May), depending on the studies already pursued in their home university and/or their interests. As in the case of Irish students, assessment is by continuous assessment (laboratory component) and written examinations. The latter take place in early December and late April/early May, in the case of courses given in Semesters I and II, respectively.

The following links lead to course outlines on a year by year basis:

First Year - Botany and Plant Science contributes extensively to the First-Year Biology Course. Strong emphasis is placed on practical work and training in the laboratory, and a 9-week practical course of 2 hours per week is provided.

Second Year - Two modules, BT208 and BT209, each of 12 weeks' duration, are offered in Semesters I and II, respectively. Modules are complemented by lab practicals, scientific study visits and field courses.

Third Year - Three modules, BT311, BT312 and BT316, each of 12 weeks' duration, are offered across Semesters I and II. A special course is available to Marine Science students taking Botany as an option in 3rd year.

Fourth Year - Advanced modules are provided by the Botany and Plant Science academic staff (i.e.scientists) on specialised topics in Botany and Plant Science. The specialised advanced modules are (a) Plant Cell Biology and Evolution; (b) Advanced Algal Sciences; (c) Plant Genetics and Biotechnology for Food & Livelihood Security; (c) Applied Plant Ecology; (d) History of Plants, Atmosphere and Climate Change and (e) Current Topics in Plant Science.

Final year Botany and Plant Science students undertake a research project on a specialist topic in Botany and Plant Science which is chosen in consultation with members of staff. The results of the student's research are written-up as a short final year thesis which forms part of the final degree examination.

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