Course Summary
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Learn about the environment and the natural world around us in an applied way and make a difference to the future of the planet.
This four-year degree will equip students to manage our manmade and natural resources. Through a mix of outdoor fieldwork, high-tech laboratory practicals, computer mapping, site visits and classroom learning and activities, students gain a range of skills to thrive in the industry.
Our excellence in teaching is complemented by staff who have experience in the working environment, national and European research and community engagement. Assessments are planned so as to develop skills that employers value highly, including scientific report writing, presentations, group working and practical skills. Students have the option to study abroad for one semester with our partner university in Sweden. There is also an option to take part in a two-week international summer school in the Netherlands or Sweden.
YEAR ONE
Students immediately spend three days on field trips to explore the natural environment and build friendships in the class. Students develop core competencies in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, IT and communications.
YEAR TWO
Students undertake modules in Aquatic Ecology, Water Quality, Environmental Regulation, Climate Science, Terrestrial Ecology, Introduction to Geographic Information System, Soils and Environment, Wastewater Enquiry based learning and Sustainable Futures.
YEAR THREE
Data Management; Occupational Safety and Health (essential for work-placement the following semester); Ecological monitoring; Environmental Toxicity; Water and Wastewater Treatment Theory; Work placement and a chance to study online modules from Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment and Planning to Energy and Sustainability.
YEAR FOUR
A mix of compulsory and elective modules from Advanced GIS, Environmental Legislation and Policy, Environmental systems and Auditing, and Biomolecular Technologies; Natural Resource Management; Cleaner Production; Conservation Issues. The final year project may be practical or desktop research.
INTERNATIONAL STUDY OPTIONS
Our students can travel and learn internationally for short or long-term periods. We have an excellent international network of colleges and universities partners (e.g. Mid Sweden University, Sweden), who ensure our students have the best educational experience. Travel and learning can be part or whole funded via EU Erasmus programme. You can study abroad for a semester or year-long exchange, depending on what you want to do.
There is also an option to take part in a two-week international summer school in the Netherlands or Sweden.
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
This is an accredited course with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the largest professional body for chartered environmental scientists. All students on this course are eligible to become student members of this professional body.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
Career Opportunities
Graduates find careers with many industries, environmental and ecological consultancies, local authorities, state agencies, Inland Fisheries, NPWS, the energy sector, Irish Water and wastewater management, fishing or farming sectors.
Graduates can apply for graduate programmes and pursue a range of careers across Ireland and the world, from field-based, lab-based, and office-based roles such as environmental scientists, ecologists and environmental protection officers.
Further Study
Graduates of the Level 8 can progress to a range of Level 9 Postgraduate diplomas and/ or taught Masters in Environmental Health and Safety, Water Services Management or an applied Research masters or PhD in the Centre for Environmental Research Innovation and Sustainability (CERIS) in the Science Faculty.
Did you know?
We offer a level 7 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology and a level 6 Higher Certificate in Environmental Science with Ecology
This is a hands-on programme where 50% of your course work includes fieldwork and labs.
Students undertake a 12-15 week placement at the end of year 3. This can take place in Environmental Protection Authorities, National Parks and Wildlife services, Environmental Consultancy firms, the Energy sector or the CIRIS the Environmental research center.
Students have the option to study abroad for one semester with our partner University in Sweden. There is also an option to take part in an International two-week summer school at the end of year 1 or 2 in the Netherlands or Sweden.
This is an accredited course with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), the largest professional body for chartered environmental scientists. All students on this course are eligible to become student members of this professional body.
The employment rate in Environmental Science is extremely high with most of our students securing jobs before they complete their final exams.
Course Format
Semester 1
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Environmental Science | 05 |
| Diversity of Life | 05 |
| Introductory Chemistry 2 | 05 |
| Mathematics for Science 2 | 05 |
| Environmental Physical Science | 05 |
| Earth Science | 05 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Aquatic Ecology: Theory and Lab | 05 |
| Water Quality- Source to Tap | 10 |
| Environmental Regulation | 05 |
| Environmental Enquiry Based Learning 1 | 05 |
| Climate Science | 05 |
Semester 4
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Occupational Safety and Health | 05 |
| Ecological Monitoring | 05 |
| Environmental Toxicology | 05 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Theory | 05 |
| Environmental Ethics | 05 |
| Data Management | 05 |
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Work Placement Preparation | 05 |
| Work Placement | 10 |
| Environmental Instrumental Analysis | 05 |
| Energy and Sustainability [E] | 05 |
| Waste Management [E] | 05 |
| EIA and Planning [E] | 05 |
Semester 7
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 05 |
| Environmental Legislation and Policy | 05 |
| Project 1 | 10 |
| Advanced Environmental Instrumental Analysis [E] | 10 |
| Natural Resource Management [E] | 10 |
Semester 8
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project 2 | 10 |
| Biomolecular Technologies | 05 |
| Environmental Management Systems and Auditing | 05 |
| Advanced Eco-monitoring for Conservation [E] | 10 |
| Cleaner Production [E] | 10 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.