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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
146
Environmental sciences
Students who wish to study Environmental sciences apply
directly to the Science degree (TR071) and may select
Environmental sciences as their specialist subject for the
third and fourth years.
Junior Freshman (first year) prerequisites: Biology 1101
& 1102.
Senior Freshman (second year) prerequisites: 4 of the
following: Biology BY2201, BY2202, BY2203, BY2204,
BY2205, BY2206, BY2207, BY2208, BY2209, BY2210.
For details of the first two years of the Science course,
including entry requirements, see page 140.
What is Environmental sciences?
Environmental sciences is by its nature a multidisciplinary
research area – a study of the various interactions between
the biological, chemical and physical components of our
environment. 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 may also involve an understanding of economics,
law and the social sciences.
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. The programme comprises specially designed
modules plus suitable modules from contributing disciplines.
There should be ample choice within the listed optional modules
for a selection which reflects a particular student’s interests.
Field work is a core component of the course structure. Students
attend
field excursions
in their Junior Sophister (third) year;
students have a choice of up to three field trips which they can
attend, as well as a mandatory introductory field trip. In addition,
optional trips offered by Zoology and Plant sciences allow
the possibility of students to attend field courses in Terrestrial
ecology, and a Mediterranean field trip.
What will you study?
Teaching is by lecture, seminar, practical laboratory and
fieldwork classes in areas such as:
n
Environmental governance
n
Water technology
n
Global environmental change
n
Environmental chemistry
n
Terrestrial and aquatic pollution
n
Conservation and biodiversity
n
Geographical information systems.
Joint modules with other disciplines include fundamentals
of ecology, bioindicators and pollution, wildlife biology,
environmental dynamics, coastal processes and management,
and environmental impact assessment. In the Senior Sophister
(fourth) year you will research and write a thesis on an
environmental project. In the past, students have undertaken
projects on air pollution, waste management, restoration
ecology, water quality, habitat management and greenhouse
gas emissions.
Career opportunities
As a graduate in this area you will be able to take advantage of
the worldwide demand generated by increasing environmental
awareness. Many graduates move straight into environmental
consultancy or are working with regulatory authorities and
county councils. The course also provides an ideal background
for taking a higher degree or pursuing a career in business or
industry.
Further information
www.tcd.ie/Botany/undergraduate/environmental-science
