Plant Biology Stage 2 (PBC2)

Plant Biology is one of the degree subjects available through the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream 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 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 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.

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 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 Research labs.

More information about the internship module and application process.

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.

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.

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 Dowling, Graduate