Environmental Biology Stage 2 (EBC2)

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 OR Earth & Environmental 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 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. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

• Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

• Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

• Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)
• Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)
• Life Below Water (SDG 14)
• Life on Land (SDG 15)

The programmes at UCD are designed to equip students with the best education in their chosen field, while at the same time embedding the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in their education where most relevant.

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