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Science: Earth & Environmental Sciences

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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Science Common Entry: Earth & Environmental Sciences Stream

Science is a common entry course, leading to a BSc degree in one of 26 degree subjects. All degree subjects are organised into thematic streams. The degree subjects in the Earth & Environmental Sciences stream are as follows:

Students interested in Earth & Environmental Sciences and Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences can study both streams in First Year.

Choosing your Degree Major

In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. They must be compatible from a content and timetable perspective, such as Mathematics and Physics and a list is not available as it can change each year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major.

About This Course

Graduates work in a number of areas, depending on their degree subject. Each degree equips students with a particular skillset that may be applied to one or more industries.

Graduates from the Earth & Environmental Sciences stream and some degree subjects within the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream work in areas including Energy, Conservation, Wildlife & the Environment and Natural Resources

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).



 


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
SCI10010 Principles of Scientific Enquiry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to pursue Environmental Biology in Stage 2 must take BIOL10110 and CHEM10050 in Stage 1. Students who complete these modules are also eligible to take Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology and Zoology in Stage 2.
BIOL10110 Cell Biology & Genetics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to pursue Environmental Biology in Stage 2 must take BIOL10110 and CHEM10050 in Stage 1. Students who complete these modules are also eligible to take Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology and Zoology in Stage 2.
CHEM10050 Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must take GEOL10060 in Stage 1.
GEOL10060 Introduction to Earth Sciences Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Environmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology or Zoology in Stage 2 must complete at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140, BMOL10030 in Stage 1 or Stage2. Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must choose GEOL10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to take Stage 2 Earth Sciences are strongly recommended to take GEOL10030 in Stage 1. GEOL10030 cannot usually be taken in the same year as Stage 2 Earth Sciences because of timetable incompatibility.
BIOL10130 Biology in Action Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Environmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology or Zoology in Stage 2 must complete at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140, BMOL10030 in Stage 1 or Stage2. Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must choose GEOL10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to take Stage 2 Earth Sciences are strongly recommended to take GEOL10030 in Stage 1. GEOL10030 cannot usually be taken in the same year as Stage 2 Earth Sciences because of timetable incompatibility.
BIOL10140 Life on Earth Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Environmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology or Zoology in Stage 2 must complete at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140, BMOL10030 in Stage 1 or Stage2. Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must choose GEOL10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to take Stage 2 Earth Sciences are strongly recommended to take GEOL10030 in Stage 1. GEOL10030 cannot usually be taken in the same year as Stage 2 Earth Sciences because of timetable incompatibility.
BMOL10030 Biomedical Sciences: Understanding Human Disease. Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Environmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology or Zoology in Stage 2 must complete at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140, BMOL10030 in Stage 1 or Stage2. Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must choose GEOL10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to take Stage 2 Earth Sciences are strongly recommended to take GEOL10030 in Stage 1. GEOL10030 cannot usually be taken in the same year as Stage 2 Earth Sciences because of timetable incompatibility.
GEOL10030 Field Geology, Level 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Environmental Biology, Cell & Molecular Biology, Plant Biology or Zoology in Stage 2 must complete at least two of BIOL10130, BIOL10140, BMOL10030 in Stage 1 or Stage2. Students who wish to continue with Earth Sciences in Stage 2 must choose GEOL10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to take Stage 2 Earth Sciences are strongly recommended to take GEOL10030 in Stage 1. GEOL10030 cannot usually be taken in the same year as Stage 2 Earth Sciences because of timetable incompatibility.
GEOL10070 Understanding Earth Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience, Physiology or Biology and Mathematics Education, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
ACM10080 Introduction to Applied and Computational Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience, Physiology or Biology and Mathematics Education, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
BIOL00010 Fundamentals of Biology Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience, Physiology or Biology and Mathematics Education, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
CHEM00010 Introductory Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience, Physiology or Biology and Mathematics Education, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
COMP10290 Computation for Scientists Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a O1 or H5 or better in Leaving Certificate Chemistry must take CHEM00010. Students who did not achieve a O2 or H6 or better in Leaving Certificate Biology must take BIOL00010. Students who did not take Leaving Certificate Physics, and who want to remain eligible for Neuroscience, Physiology or Biology and Mathematics Education, must take PHYC10070 in Stage 1 or Stage 2. Students who wish to remain eligible for Applied & Computational Mathematics or any Physics subjects who did not achieve a minimum grade of H5 in Leaving Certificate Higher applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who wish to remain eligible for Mathematics or Physics subjects in Stage 2 who did not achieve H5 or higher in Higher Leaving Cert Computer Science (or equivalent) must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - E)1 of:
Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1.
MATH00010 Introduction to Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - E)1 of:
Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1.
MATH10310 Calculus for Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - E)1 of:
Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any Students who did not achieve an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. These students then take MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 2. Students not required to take MATH00010 must take either MATH10310 or MATH10350 in Stage 1. MATH10350 is required for all Education, Mathematical or Physical Sciences degrees. Students who wish to pursue subjects in Mathematics must take MATH10350 in Stage 1.
MATH10350 Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - F)1 of:
Students take Linear Algebra in Stage 1. Students who may be interested in Mathematics or Physics subjects must take MATH10340.
MATH10290 Linear Algebra for Science Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - F)1 of:
Students take Linear Algebra in Stage 1. Students who may be interested in Mathematics or Physics subjects must take MATH10340.
MATH10340 Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
CHEM10040 The Molecular World Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
CHEM20100 Basis of Inorganic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
COMP10010 Introduction to Programming I Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
MATH10040 Numbers & Functions Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
PHIL10160 Critical Thinking Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
PHYC10050 Astronomy & Space Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
PHYC10210 Quanta, Particles & Relativity Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
PHYC10250 Thermal Physics and Materials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
STAT10010 Research Methods Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
GEOL10050 Earth and Humanity Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
STAT10050 Practical Statistics Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
ACM10060 Applications of Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
ACM10090 Climate Change:Causes & Consequences Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
CHEM10100 Aspects of Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
CHEM20140 Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
COMP10020 Introduction to Programming II Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
COMP10060 Computer Science for Engineers I Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
GEOL10030 Field Geology, Level 1 Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
GEOL10040 Earth, Environment and Society Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
MATH10320 Mathematical Analysis Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
MATH10410 Mathematics & Science Education & Communication Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
PHYC10080 Frontiers of Physics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - G) Min 0 of:
Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to you in Stage 2 of your degree. Students can choose an elective module in the Spring Trimester or can select an additional option module from the list below to complete their registration for Stage 1.Students must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 if they want to remain eligible for Biology and Mathematics Education in Stage 2
STAT10060 Statistical Modelling Spring  5

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Science: Earth & Environmental Sciences:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
EES1
Science: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceInt
SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
showAudience-audienceEU
DN200
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Application through CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Science: Earth & Environmental Sciences:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceInt
SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.