Environmental Biology

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.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

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 subject. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. This is a sample set of modules that an Environmental Biology student could study each year in UCD. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream page.

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

Students in third year have spent time studying in New Zealand, USA and Australia at the University of Auckland, University of California, Santa Barbara, and University of Melbourne.

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 officers, and university researchers and professors.

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

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in Teagasc or in research labs in UCD.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.

More information about the internship module and application process.

• 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 and
Environmental Science
askscience@ucd.ie

I had the opportunity to travel to the Costa Rican Rainforest for a two-week field trip with my classmates and lecturers. The trip to the rainforest allowed us to put the theory we had learned into practice. We had the chance to advance our skills in field sampling, monitoring and data handling and we also got to live in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world with pumas, monkeys, parrots, giant butterflies and snakes. I was a member of the Choral Scholars of UCD, as well as President and Co- Founder of UCD Women+ in STEM Society. Being a Choral Scholar has been fantastic because I have been able to earn academic credits, record CDs and travel to New York to sing in Carnegie Hall.

Sadhbh McCarrick, Graduate