Environmental Biology focuses on the biological aspects of environmental science. It equips students with a strong background in ecology and its application to environmental assessment and management. Marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are studied through the disciplines of plant, animal and microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, global change biology, pollution biology, soil science and wildlife ecology. There’s a strong emphasis on vocational skills and links with industry. Core modules include mock environmental impact assessment, field-based sampling in Ireland, Spain and Costa Rica, and guest lectures from environmental managers and consultants.

Environmental Biology is one of the degree subjects available through either the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences OR Earth & Environmental Sciences streams in the common entry Science course.

Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. This is a sample set of modules that an Environmental Biology student could study each year in UCD.

First Year

• Scientific Enquiry
• Cell Biology & Genetics
• Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biology in Action
• Life on Earth
• Linear Algebra for Science
• Calculus for Science
• Optional Science Modules
• Elective Module

Second Year

• Biomolecular Lab Skills
• Scientific Communication
• Principles of Environmental Biology & Ecology
• Chemistry for Biology
• + modules for 2 other Science Subjects
• Elective Modules

Third Year

• Wildlife Conservation & Fisheries Management
• Analysis of Environmental Materials
• Working with Biological Data
• Diversity of Plant Form & Function
• Ecological and Environmental Microbiology
• Optional Modules
• Elective Modules

Fourth Year

• Research Project
• Bioassessment of Freshwaters
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Peatlands and Environmental Change
• Tropical Field Ecology
• Ecological Mapping
• Foodborne Pathogens
• Ornithology
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• Marine Community Ecology
• Biological Invasions

Timetables & Assessment

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

Students in third year have spent time at the following universities:

• University of Auckland, New Zealand
• University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
• University of Melbourne, Australia

Environmental Biologists pursue a wide range of careers such as:

• Fisheries managers
• Environmental consultants
• Habitat ecologists
• Pollution biologists
• Wildlife and conservation officers
• National park supervisors
• Technical and scientific supervisors
• University researchers and professors

Graduate opportunities are also available for students to pursue MSc or PhD programmes. Taught MSc programmes at UCD include Applied Science (Environmental Science), Environmental Sustainability (Online) and Global Change: Ecosystem Science and Policy.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Dr Jan-Robert Baars
UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science
Science Centre (West)
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie