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About NUI Galway
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At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Environmental Science
Course Overview
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.
Today, the necessity to understand our environment has never been more urgent and the need for environmental scientists to deal with increasingly complex issues is growing. The course provides a thorough grounding in the basic sciences in the first year, followed by the application of this knowledge to current environmental problems in the later years. While studying a broad range of subjects, students are also given the opportunity to specialise in topics of their choice.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2022
A Level Grades (2021)
nuigalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
23
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY308
Course code
Course Outline
YEAR ONE
• Biology
• Hot Topics in Environmental Science
• Introduction to Law
• Introduction to Statistical Data and Probability With either:
• Chemistry
• Physics or
• Chemistry/Physics
• Introduction to Psychology I and II
• Introduction to Irish Habitats
YEAR TWO
• Environmental Modules
• Botany and Plant Science Modules
• Earth and Ocean Sciences Modules
• Microbiology Modules
• Zoology Modules
• Environmental Legislation
YEAR THREE
• Nature Conservation and Habitat Management
• Field Course with Environmental Skills
• Habitat Management Planning
• Legislation for Environmental Scientists
• Environmental Microbiology
• Microbial Genomics
• Plant Resources and Ecosystems
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Plus four electives from a wide range of modules
YEAR FOUR
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Science Seminars
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Advanced Field Course in Environmental Science
• Microbial Ecosystems Services and Systems Biology
• Final Year Project
• Plus two electives from a wide range of modules
Further Education
Postgraduate research opportunities in the field of Environmental Science leading to MSc and PhD degrees are available within the college. Research areas currently include the fields of agri-environmental research, biodiversity, biological control, and habitat management and wetland studies.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy** €140. **Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
Find out More
Dr Mike Gormally
Programme Director
Centre for Environmental Science
T 353 (0)91 493 334
F 353 (0)91 494 578
E mike.gormally@nuigalway.ie
www.nuigalway.ie/applied_ecology_unit/
What Our Students Say

Brendan Canning | BSc (Environmental Science)
...The four years I spent studying environmental science instilled in me a keen interest in the biological sciences and has given me a deeper appreciation of the natural world around me. The combination of lectures, lab work, and outdoor field trips, I feel has provided me with both the knowledge and enthusiasm I need to succeed in my future career...