Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Environmental Science with Ecology

Course Summary

Studying environmental science with ecology will allow you to learn about the environment and the natural world around us in an applied way and make a difference to the future of the plant.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

This course will equip you to manage our manmade and natural resources. Through a mix of outdoor field work, high tech laboratory practicals, computer mapping, site visits and classroom learning and activities, you gain a range of applied skills to become Environmental Scientists working in natural resource management, in many varied industries managing their environmental issues, as Ecologists, Environmental Protection Officers and in many diverse roles working with urban and rural communities.

Our excellence in teaching at IT Sligo is complemented by staff who have experience of the working environment, national and European research and community engagement. Through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, seminars, lectures and online resources we will deliver an insightful and up-to-date course. Assessments are planned so as to develop skills that employers value highly, including scientific report writing, presentations, group working and practical skills.

YEAR ONE

 Students immediately spend three days on field trips to explore the natural environment, and to build friendships in the class. Students develop core competencies in Maths, Biology, Chemistry, IT and communications.

YEAR TWO

Techniques in Ecology and Environmental Science; Aquatic Ecology and Water QualitySource to Tap; Climate Science and Environmental Regulation; Terrestrial Ecology; GIS; Soils; Environmental Microbiological monitoring; Wastewater Enquiry Based Learning.

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.

WHY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WITH ECOLOGY AT IT SLIGO? 

• A course that is practical, modern and work ready.
• Hands on experience with practical field-trips, laboratory work and 4+ months of work experience in an area that matches your specific environmental interests.
• State of the art laboratories and equipment in our new science building at IT Sligo.
• An established course which is recognised for its excellence by employers countrywide (30+ years of graduates!)
• Living in Sligo gives the opportunity to engage in outdoor pursuits such as surfing, sailing, hill walking, during your spare time.
• The IT Sligo campus is walking distance from Sligo town, there are many accommodation options and you can take advantage of Sligo’s vibrant social scene.

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.

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 IT Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Career Opportunities

Students find careers with many industries, environmental and ecological consultancies, local authorities, state agencies e.g.  EPA, Inland Fisheries Ireland, NPWS, in the energy sector and in water and wastewater management, e.g.  Irish Water. Graduates can  apply for graduate programmes or directly pursue a range of careers, from field based ,lab based, and office based roles. We have a very wide network of employer contacts, due to our many graduates in the workplace, and there is  a high rate of employment for our graduates.

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?

This is a hands-on programme, students get to perform practical work in the field and in the lab. We use ‘state-of the art equipment,’ e.g drones, computer apps and biomolecular tools during the four years.

Students become student members of Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). As a student, you can also join the Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland. There are no costs associated with these undergraduate memberships.

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8