BSc in Environmental Science and Technology

Key Points

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Climate change, species extinction, pollution, waste management and recycling are huge challenges we face and are now at the forefront of discourse and public debate.

These are complex phenomena that we must understand in order to address them. Environmental scientists are needed to provide technical solutions and advanced innovations through the application of chemistry, physics and biology.

This degree explores the environment, the technologies used for its analysis, and how it is affected by our activities from a scientific perspective. Students will consider and probe the problems we face and investigate ways to reduce our negative impact on the environment.

Program description

Working in the laboratory plays a vital role in your learning, and because our laboratory facilities are among the most up-to-date, you will get the most practical experience possible.

This is a four-year full-time undergraduate course. The four years are broken down as follows:

Year One: learn and develop basic knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, and biology that is the foundation for a career in environmental science. The first field trip occurs in semester 2.

Second year: taking advantage of the four study areas of the first year from an environmental point of view, in addition to developing computer and IT skills. Modules include microbiology and genetics, pollution and biosphere, water chemistry, and environmental analysis. Field trips in various subjects.

Year Three: The science of climate change is introduced and the study of climate is encouraged through field work and modules such as Environmental Monitoring and Analysis of data. Students continue to develop in environmental aspects of biotechnology, chemistry, and physics. Modules include Atmospheric and Aquatic Sciences and students have the opportunity to gain experience in a paid work placement (INTRA). This location can be anywhere that is environmentally relevant. Practical work is carried out in laboratories and through on-site and field visits.

Fourth year: Specialized modules include Toxicology, Meteorology, Renewable Energy, Soil and Waste Management. In addition, students will carry out a semester-long research project, with topics relevant to the environment offered by the entire Faculty of Sciences and Health.

Career options

Career areas

• Clean technologies
• Consulting
• Energy systems
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Green economy
• Non-governmental organization
• Waste industry

Potential careers in environmental science and technology are diverse. The following are just a few examples:

• Any area of ​​environmental research, for example, global warming, local or regional air, water and soil pollution in universities, public bodies such as county councils and industry (for example, Techworks Marine)
• Environmental protection functions in industry such as pharmaceuticals (eg Bristol Myers Squibb), manufacturing (eg Ipsen Manufacturing Ireland Ltd), semiconductors (for example, Intel), county councils, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and consulting firms
• Waste management functions in companies such as Enrich Environmental Ltd and Covanta
• Water protection and wastewater treatment at, for example, Inland Fisheries Ireland county councils, the Geological Survey of Ireland and companies private consulting firms such as Aquafact International Services Ltd
• Environmental analysis functions in companies such as IAS Laboratories and public bodies such as Irish Water and Teagasc
• Environmental impact for entities such as An Taisce and Global Action Plan
• Parks and Wildlife Officer at, for example, the National Parks and Wildlife Service
• The maritime industry, for example, BIM, Altemar Environmental consultants
• Research funding bodies such as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
• Green economy, for example, The Green Economy Foundation
• The agricultural industry, for example, environmental officer of the Department of Agriculture, EPA and the numerous consultancies involved in this industry.

Program structure

Admission requirements

• As a general requirement, a Bachelor’s Degree / Baccalaureate Diploma / General Baccalaureate / Professional Degree from a recognized university with, minimum, is required a subject in mathematics.
• For international candidates, the foreign equivalent is required. In addition, an officially translated degree will be required.
• IELTS 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in any component (or its internationally recognized equivalent).

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