Agri-Environmental Sciences
BAgrSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllThis degree focuses on sustainable management of natural resources (soils, water, air, plants, animals, landscapes) within the context of agriculture and other land-based industries, and protection of the rural environment for future generations. This specialist applied science degree will equip you for a career at the interface between production agriculture and environmental protection, by giving you:
- An understanding of rural environmental issues in Ireland, the EU and globally
- A detailed knowledge of sustainable agriculture and land management practices
- The skills to contribute in future farming and land use industries, as either a scientist, advisor, consultant, planner or policymaker
- First-hand experience of agri-environmental research as a basis for further studies
- Interpersonal and professional skills required in a wide range of career paths
First Year
Module include:
- Animal Biology & Evolution
- Introductory Chemistry
- Mathematics for Agriculture
- Physics for Agricultural Science
- Land Use & the Environment
- Introduction to Biomolecules
- Cell & Plant Biology
- Information Skills
- Optional Modules including Agricultural Economics & Business.
Second Year
Focuses on the principles of crop and animal production and applied agri-environmental sciences. Modules include:
- Diversity in the Rural Landscape
- Agricultural Botany
- Soil Science
- Applied Zoology
- Microbiology
- Introduction to Crop & Animal Science
On completion of second year, you have the opportunity to develop real-world scientific field skills through participation in a week-long residential field course in the Burren, Co. Clare.
Third & Fourth Year
Focuses on environmental management in agriculture (e.g. soils, nutrients, pests and diseases). You will develop practical field and lab-based skills e.g. GIS, and study policies, schemes and practices to protect rural environments.
In fourth year, you complete advanced modules in agri-environmental management, environmental data and modelling, rural conservation and sustainable agriculture, and you conduct a supervised research project and produce a thesis. This provides an opportunity to study a topic of your own choice more deeply, and gain practical experience of research and scientific writing. Students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practical classes, and in undertaking independent study. A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. A number of modules also involve written assignments and/or project based work.
For detailed information on subject content click here.
You may be interested in the following blog post: Reasons to study Agricultural Science in UCD.
A 16-weeks period of structured PWE takes place in third year. Assisted by a dedicated lecturer, students arrange the placements themselves, on a farm and with an environmental agency or company. This is a fantastic chance to get new experiences, make industry contacts, and put theory from classes to practical use. You can also elect to study abroad for one trimester, at universities including:
- Cornell University, USA
- University of California, USA
- Kansas State University, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia
Many graduates follow career paths as environmental advisors, planners or consultants. Others work in State agencies that require both agricultural and environmental management skills, including:
- Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
- Teagasc
- Environmental Protection Agency
- National Parks & Wildlife Service
- Local authorities
A high proportion of AES graduates go on to further studies at postgraduate level.
“Watching the agricultural sector evolve into a new era driven by sustainability and environmental viability led me to choose this course. This degree has allowed me to further expand and develop my interest in this field. It is taught in a manner that combines lectures, tutorials, fieldwork and laboratories that give students a broad range of skills that are invaluable for the future. Professional Work Experience was a great opportunity to experience the real working world in a wide range of environments from farms to environmental agencies. Throughout the course there has been numerous trips to Lyons farm and Rosemount Environmental Research Station, which was an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to on-going research.”
Caroline Dardis, Student
Professor Helen Sheridan
e. helen.sheridan@ucd.ie
UCD Agriculture & Food Science School Office
Agriculture & Food Science Centre
Belfield, Dublin 4
