COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Galway is an interdisciplinary program that explores the interactions between humans and the environment, with a particular emphasis on the effects of modern technological advances. This degree equips students with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges and provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, policy, or further academic study at MSc and PhD level. In the first year, students build core scientific understanding through modules in biology, chemistry or physics, introduction to law, statistics, psychology, and Irish habitats, alongside an overview of contemporary environmental issues in the “Hot Topics in Environmental Science” module. In the second year, the program expands into specialised areas, including botany and plant sciences, earth and ocean sciences, microbiology, zoology, and environmental legislation, giving students a broad understanding of ecological systems and regulatory frameworks. The third year emphasises applied environmental skills and research, with modules covering nature conservation, habitat management planning, environmental microbiology, microbial genomics, plant resources and ecosystems, as well as biostatistics. Students also undertake a field course to develop practical environmental skills and choose four elective modules to tailor their learning. In the fourth and final year, students consolidate their knowledge through advanced modules in environmental impact assessment, seminars, and an advanced field course, while completing a major final year research project. Four additional elective modules allow students to specialise further in areas of personal or professional interest. The program also provides opportunities for postgraduate research in areas such as agri-environmental studies, biodiversity, biological control, and wetland management, fostering the development of highly skilled graduates ready to contribute to sustainable environmental solutions and research that addresses the ecological challenges of the modern world.