Environmental Sciences - Modules

Please note curricular information is subject to change. Information is displayed only for guidance purposes. 

Junior Sophister Modules

• PLANTS AND THE IRISH ENVIRONMENT

This module combines an introduction to the Plant Sciences and Environmental Sciences moderatorships with a series of field-based activities including a residential fieldtrip during the first week of term (Week 3). There will also be a lecture given during the field trip and three following it on specific aspects of the Irish flora.

• FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOLOGY

This module examines the factors that affect the distribution, growth and survival of plant and animal communities. It describes how organisms interact with their environment and the role that they have in ecosystem and community structure. There is an introduction to the concepts and models that help to explain and predict organism distributions and interactions. The module comprises interrelated components of lectures, practical sessions and fieldwork. It has been designed to provide a foundation to ecological theory and its application.

• ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

This module covers the tools and sampling approaches, both traditional and novel, used to characterize and monitor the quality of the environment across Europe. Students will be provided with relevant background information to understand the principles and applications of monitoring programmes. Techniques taught encompass the collection and analysis of chemical and biological samples and their application to environmental quality indices. Students will have the opportunity to apply some of these techniques during a field trip and in subsequent laboratory sessions. The field trip will conclude with a written report, detailing student’s findings in a scientific format.

For further information on course modules visit: www.tcd.ie/science/undergraduate/tr060-biological-and-biomedical-science/junior-sophister