Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences is by its nature a multidisciplinary research discipline – a study of the interactions between the biological, chemical and physical components of our environment.

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Environmental scientists have training that is similar to other physical or life scientists but is specifically applied to the environment. Obtaining ample field experience is therefore a key component of the course. A broad scientific knowledge is required which may also involve an understanding of economics, law and the social sciences.

Is this course for me?

This course has been designed to provide for the needs of students with an interest in this rapidly developing academic and professional field. It comprises specially designed modules plus suitable modules from contributing disciplines. There should be ample choice within the listed optional modules for a selection that reflects a particular student’s interests.

Undergraduate Prospectus

Year 1: Junior Fresh & Year 2: Senior Fresh

In the Biological and Biomedical Stream (TR060) students will study the core concepts that are fundamental to all biological systems. These will be presented in core modules during the first two years and will include: cell structure and composition, genetics and evolution, molecular biology, metabolism, anatomy and physiology of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, ecosystems and environmental biology. Students will also acquire mathematical, statistical and computational skills that are relevant for the analysis of biological systems. In addition, students have the opportunity both to expand their scientific knowledge and to pursue their individual interests by choosing from a cohort of approved and elective modules on topics such as foundation physics, geoscience, history and philosophy of science, cancer, infection and immunity, and behaviour. In the third year, students specialise in one of the 11 moderatorships offered in this stream:

Biochemistry
Botany
Environmental Science
Genetics
Human Genetics
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular Medicine
Neuroscience
Physiology
Zoology

The fundamental concepts of that discipline will be presented in core modules while students will also select from a cohort of approved modules from allied disciplines that enhance understanding of their chosen discipline and encourage interdisciplinary thinking and research. Students can also experience the wide range of knowledge and investigation available throughout the university by choosing an elective module from a selection that highlights major research themes from across all faculties. In the fourth year students choose from a selection of modules on advanced topics within their discipline. They will also undertake a research project in Trinity or in a research laboratory in another university, research institute or hospital. Throughout this programme, students will also acquire skill in problem solving and data handling and in oral and written communication.

Year 3: Junior Sophister

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 Moderatorship programme comprises specially designed modules plus a wide range of suitable modules from contributing disciplines. There should be ample choice within the listed optional modules for a selection that reflects a particular student’s interests. Field work is a core component of the course. In their Sophister years, Students may attend a number of residential field excursions both around Ireland as well as in the Canary Islands and Kenya. The Environmental Sciences Moderatorship course consists of 60 European Credit Transfer Systems (Credits) for each year. Both Junior and Senior Sophisters take a total of 45 mandatory Credits and optional modules up to the value of 15 Credits. Some modules are examined entirely by in-course assessment, but most are assessed by a combination of in-course assessment and examination.

ES3053 Freshwater Hydrobiology
ES3040 Environmental Monitoring
BO3108 Plants and the Irish Environment
BO3120 Environmental Dynamics
BO3121 Field Skills in Plant and Environmental Science (Canary Islands)
BO3122 Entomology
BO3123 Soil Science
BO3124 Economic Botany
BO3125 Diversity of Plant Morphology
ZO3010 Fundamentals of Ecology
ZO3070 Experimental Design and Analysis
ZO3085 Wildlife Biology
GL3423 Hydrology and Water Quality
GG3030 Environmental Governance I

Year 4: Senior Sophister

The Environmental Sciences Moderatorship course consists of 60 European Credit Transfer Systems (Credits) for each year. Both Junior and Senior Sophisters take a total of 45 mandatory Credits and optional modules up to the value of 15 Credits. Some modules are examined entirely by in-course assessment, but most are assessed by a combination of in-course assessment and examination.

FB4000 Research Project
BO4103 Plant Conservation and Biodiversity
BO4105 Global Environmental Change
BO4107 Plant-Animal Interactions
BO4109 Vegetation Description and Analysis
BO4110 The Evolution of Plants and Plant-Atmosphere Interaction
BO4111 Restoration Ecology and Re-wilding
ZO4060 Research Comprehension
ZO4017 Tropical Ecology
ZO4030 Data Handling
ZO4092 Environmental Impact Assessment
ES4052 General Environmental Sciences
ES4020 Water Technology
ES4054 Spatial Analysis Using GIS
GG4026 Environmental Governance II

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 and environmental education. Many graduates move straight into environmental consultancy, while others find employment in NGO’s, 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.

Admission Requirements

For general admission requirements please click here

Funding & Scholarships

For general information on the various financial options open to Trinity students, including education grants, loans, and scholarships please click here. Some of these options are open to all students, whereas some will have restrictions based on your EU/Non-EU status, course of study, and similar.

Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Programme: The Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Programme is an innovative scholarship designed to help undergraduate students from all disciplines and walks of life to develop strong research and leadership skills which will allow them to excel in both their degree programmes and their careers. Please click here for more information about the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Programme.