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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
162
provides an insight into the complexities of physical processes
influencing the inhabited surface of the Earth and its atmosphere
and oceans. The degree is both highly challenging and also
potentially hugely rewarding: not only do the earth sciences
underpin many of the problems currently faced by humankind,
they are also a source of many of the solutions!
Course overview
In the Junior Freshman (first) year students take six modules:
Geology; Introduction to geography I (physical); Introduction to
geography II (human-environment); Maths; Foundation physics,
and Introduction to physical chemistry.
In the Senior Freshman (second) year, students take courses in
Geology (Mineralogy, Palaeontology and stratigraphy, Petrology,
Structural geology and Mapwork, plus a module of Fieldwork);
Geography (Changing worlds and Collection and analysis of
geographical data); Geochemistry for earth scientists; Physics
for earth scientists and a module from the Broad Curriculum (see
page 14).
The Sophister (third and fourth) years enable students to take
a variety of modules from the existing Geography and Geology
degree programmes (see pages 149-150). In their Senior
Sophister year, students also have the opportunity to take
some modules drawn from outside the Earth sciences degree
programme.
Assessment
Most modules are assessed by a combination of continuous
assessment and end-of-year examinations.
Study abroad
The School of Natural Sciences has exchange agreements
with a large number of other universities where students may
carry out part or all of the Junior Sophister (third) year of the
degree. In addition, the Earth sciences degree includes at least
one
overseas field course, together with opportunities
for students to base their research project work outside
Ireland.
Career opportunities
Areas such as environmental consultancy, environmental
planning, overseas assistance, the assessment, exploitation
and management of resources, including mineral reserves
such as oil and gas, risk assessment, environmental analysis,
teaching, and research all potentially offer careers for graduates
from the Earth sciences degree.
Further information
E-mail:
Tel: +353 1 896 1713
Human genetics
COURSE CODES:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR073
15
535*
B.A.
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
OC3 or HD3 Mathematics
HC3
In two of physics,
biology, chemistry,
physics/chemistry,
mathematics and
applied mathematics
GCSE
Grade B
Mathematics
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade C
In two of physics,
biology, chemistry,
mathematics and
applied mathematics
Combinations of subjects not permitted:
Physics/chemistry with physics or chemistry
Applied mathematics with mathematics
Human genetics (TR073) focuses on the genes of humans,
while the Genetics option in Science (TR071) examines
plant, human and other animal genes.
Students who apply for the general-entry Science course
(TR071) have the option of selecting Genetics as their
specialist subject for the Sophister (third and fourth) years
of the course. See page 148.
What is Human genetics?
Human genetics is the study of genes – or heredity – in humans.
It also examines the effects of these genes on both individuals
and societies. It has developed rapidly in the last decade as new
technology has made it possible to study genes in much greater
detail. Examples of remarkable advances in knowledge include:
n
The discovery of the molecular basis of many inherited
disorders
n
The development of genetic and stem-cell-based therapies
for inherited disorders
n
The ability to trace the evolution of mankind
n
The application of DNA finger-printing to forensic science
Is this the right course for you?
Human genetics is a knowledge-driven, dynamic and exciting
field. As most graduates of this programme go on to careers in
research, you must be prepared to take this route as a career
option.
