Program Overview

Environmental Sciences: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Environmental Sciences: Biological and Biomedical Sciences program is a multidisciplinary academic field that comprises the study of complex interactions between biological, chemical, and physical components of the environment. This field has evolved over the last few decades as key environmental problems such as climate change, air, water, and soil pollution, sustainable development, deforestation, desertification, and urbanization have become the focus of scientists, policymakers, and the general public.

Overview of the Program

The program is designed to provide students with a broad scientific knowledge that involves a fundamental understanding of physical and life sciences, mathematics, economics, law, and social sciences. The course structure includes small-group teaching, lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, and field studies, which are blended with theoretical content to provide graduates with the training required to become successful practitioners in this field.

Course Details

• Awards: B.A. (Moderatorship) Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)
• CAO Information: CAO Points 545 (2024), CAO Code TR060
• Duration: 4 Years Full-Time

Admission Requirements

To see admissions requirements for this course, view the main Biological and Biomedical Sciences course page. All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Program Structure

The first two years of the program are common to all entrants, with students covering a number of science-based learning and practical modules.

Third Year

Mandatory modules include:

• Plants and the Irish Environment
• Fundamentals of Ecology
• Environmental Monitoring
• Global Environmental Change
• Soil Science
• Environmental Governance
• Experimental Design and Analysis
• Desk Study: Key Challenges in Environmental Science

Optional modules include:

• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Ice Age Earth
• Plant Physiology
• Blue Earth
• Understanding the Function of Marine Systems
• Field Skills in Plant and Environmental
• Science and Terrestrial Field Ecology

Students will also have the opportunity to take up to two modules from the Trinity Electives.

Fourth Year

Mandatory modules include:

• General Environmental Sciences
• Capstone Research Project
• Data Handling
• Research Comprehension
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Restoration Ecology and Rewilding

Optional modules include:

• Plant Conservation and Biodiversity
• Environmental Governance II
• Tropical Ecology
• Plant-Animal Interactions
• Vegetation Description and Analysis
• Spatial Analysis using GIS

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. Graduates pursue careers in conservation, resource management, waste management, environmental research, environmental protection, policy development, and environmental education. Many graduates move straight into environmental consultancy, while others find employment in NGOs, national and local government departments, monitoring agencies, conservation bodies, and analytical laboratories. It is also common for a number of graduates to choose to further their education by pursuing postgraduate degrees in Environmental Science and related fields.