Overview
What is Environmental Sciences?
Environmental Sciences is by its nature a multidisciplinary academic field, comprising a study of the frequently complex interactions between the biological, chemical and physical components of our environment. The environmental science discipline has evolved over the last numbers of decades as key environmental problems such as climate change, air, water and soil pollution, sustainable development, deforestation, desertification and urbanisation to name a few, have become the focus of scientists, policy makers and the general public. Environmental scientists have training that is similar to other physical or life scientists, but is specifically applied to the environment. A broad scientific knowledge is required which involves a fundamental understanding of the physical and life sciences in addition to mathematics, economics, law and the social sciences.
Environmental Sciences: The course for you?
If you are interested in developing the skills required to safeguard the future of the planet through monitoring, protecting, conserving and sustainably managing the environment, then this is the course for you. The undergraduate degree course offered by the School of Natural Sciences has been designed to provide for the needs of students with an interest in this rapidly developing academic and professional field.
Environmental Sciences at Trinity
Environmental Sciences at Trinity is a multidisciplinary programme with cross-discipline contributions from the Trinity Centre for the Environment and the disciplines of Botany, Engineering, Geography, Geology and Zoology. The course is delivered through small-group teaching, lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes and field study, and these approaches are blended with the theoretical content to provide our graduates with the training required to become highly successful practitioners in this field. Fieldwork is a core component of the course structure, and students have the opportunity to attend a range of residential field excursions around Ireland, as well as in the Canary Islands and Kenya. The staff that contribute to this course are all research active and are addressing key issues in environmental sciences across temperate, tropical and polar systems. .
Graduate skills and career opportunities
As a graduate in this area you will be able to take advantage of the worldwide demand generated by increasing environmental awareness. Our graduates pursue careers in conservation, resource management, waste management, environmental research, environmental protection, policy development, and environmental education.
Many graduates move straight into environmental consultancy, while others find employment in NGOs, national and local government departments, monitoring agencies, conservation bodies and analytical laboratories. It is also common for a number of our graduates to choose to further their education by pursuing postgraduate degrees in Environmental Science and related fields.
Your degree and what you’ll study
The first two years is common to all entrants, with students covering a number of science-based learning and practical modules.
Third year
Mandatory modules include:
- Plants and the Irish Environment.
- Fundamentals of Ecology.
- Environmental Monitoring.
- Global Environmental Change.
- Soil Science.
- Environmental Governance.
- Experimental Design and Analysis.
- Desk Study: Key Challenges in Environmental Science.
Optional modules include: Hydrology and Water Quality; Ice Age Earth; Plant Physiology; Blue Earth; Understanding the Function of Marine Systems; Field Skills in Plant and Environmental; and Science and Terrestrial Field Ecology.
Students will also have the opportunity to take up to two modules from the Trinity Electives. You can learn more at: www.tcd.ie/trinity-electives/electives
Fourth year
Mandatory modules include:
- General Environmental Sciences.
- Capstone Research Project.
- Data Handling.
- Research Comprehension.
- Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Restoration Ecology and Rewilding.
Optional modules include: Plant Conservation and Biodiversity; Environmental Governance II; Tropical Ecology; Plant-Animal Interactions; Vegetation Description and Analysis; and Spatial Analysis using GIS.
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
