Plant Biology

Plant Biology seeks to deepen our understanding of plants from a genetic, physiological and ecological perspective, and to reveal the intricate interactions of plants with their environment. Plants are vital for supporting and maintaining the atmospheric and environmental conditions required for all life on earth. They are the mainstay of human and animal diets, while also providing pharmaceuticals, timber, paper and clothing.

Plants are being exploited as sources of renewable energy and biofuels and make an important contribution to measures aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. A key to the further development of plants for practical or economic use is an improved understanding of metabolic and developmental processes and their interactions with environmental factors.

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

Plant Biology is one of the degree subjects in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular 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 a Plant 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 Plant Biology • Chemistry for Biologists • + modules for 2 other Science Subjects • Elective Modules

Third Year
Plant Diseases: Biology • Plant Cell Biology • Genetics & Recombinant DNA • Working with Biological Data • Diversity of Plant Form & Function • Plant Biotechnology & Entrepreneurship • Experimental Plant Physiology • Optional Modules • Elective Modules

Fourth Year
Research Project • Biology & Ecology of Coastal Wetlands • Plant Biology Field Course • Developmental Plant Genetics • Environmental Impact Assessment • Plant Phenotyping • Programmed Cell Death in Plants • Biological Invasions

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Plant Biology graduates have obtained positions as plant and environmental scientists, pollution biologists, molecular geneticists and cell biologists, agronomists, horticulturists, foresters, park rangers, environmental consultants and heritage officers. Graduates are also eligible to pursue MSc programmes in UCD in Applied Environmental Science and Biotechnology, in addition to PhD programmes both in Ireland and abroad.

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 also completed research bursaries in UCD labs.

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).

Placing UCD Science at the top of my CAO was an easy choice as I could explore all subject areas before making an informed decision on my degree. To me, no area holds greater merit for study than plant science- its implications infiltrate all aspects of modern society from global food security to phytopharmaceuticals. I was Vice-Auditor of the UCD Biological Society. Being involved in a society allowed me to meet other people from various stages and degrees in UCD, as well as encounter some incredible scientists. The UCD O’Brien Centre for Science is home to unparalleled plant science labs and teaching facilities including the Bloom gold medal-winning UCD Evolution Garden, which are invaluable resources as I now pursue my PhD in plant genetics in UCD.
Caroline, Graduate