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 and Spain, and guest lectures from environmental managers and consultants.

Information on pathways, internships and careers is available in the Undergraduate Courses Brochure (PDF).

Environmental Biology is one of the degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream and the Earth & Environmental Sciences stream of the common entry Science course. After meeting the requirements for their preferred stream(s) in first year and studying at least two subjects in second year, students submit their degree subject preferences. While we aim to accommodate student preferences, places can be competitive.

For more information on choosing a degree subject 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

UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:

• Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.


• Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).

I have always been fascinated by animals and in my studies, I became increasingly drawn to understanding the impact that human activities are having on animal population dynamics. Environmental Biology covers many different scientific areas with opportunities for hands-on fieldwork. I had the opportunity to travel to Spain and Gibraltar to complete course work for terrestrial and marine ecology. At UCD, I joined the Science and Women in STEM societies and played on the female rugby team. A summer internship with the Alaska Salmon Program deepened my interest in research. I’m now beginning an MSc in Marine Science and hope to return for a PhD.

Isobel, Student