Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Using science for the good of our health.

Understanding Environmental Science and Health.

In recent years we have all become increasingly aware of environmental issues and their effects on our health. Problems such as diminishing fossil fuel reserves, radioactive and general waste management, and climate change have captured the imagination of the public and politicians alike. On this course, you will be encouraged to explore the traditional science disciplines of chemistry, physics and biology in combination with the discipline of health. In this way you will gain an understanding of the cause of the problems we face and gain the skills necessary to reduce their impact on the public's health, as well as improving the state of the environment.

About You:

If you have an analytical mind, if you are interested in the basic sciences and if you are motivated to understand and improve the environment, then look no further.

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following requirements apply: OC3 or HD3 Maths PLUS OC3 or HD3 in one of physics, chemistry, biology, physics with chemistry, agricultural science.

Course Structure:

One of the core objectives of this course is to integrate elements of physics, chemistry, biology and health in a multidisciplinary way, ensuring that you understand all the sciences from an environmental perspective. This will give you a greater working knowledge of the influences on the environment and will, as a result, present you with greater job opportunities when you graduate.

At the start of your course you will be introduced to the basic sciences along with mathematics and computing. As you progress you will discover more comprehensive areas of environmental science, ranging from atmospheric physics and environmental geophysics, to environmental biotechnology and epidemiology. Specialist subjects are introduced in Year Two and continued through Year Three. In Year Four you can select modules from biology, chemistry and physics.

In Year Three, you will have the opportunity to work on a paid industrial (INTRA) placement. Compared to other Environmental Science degrees, INTRA makes this course unique, as does the international field trip. Practical work is conducted in the modern science laboratories and through on-site visits, while much of Year Four is taken up by a significant research project.

International Stream in the B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Health Course
Students studying Environmental Science and Health have the opportunity to apply for the international stream of their programme in year one. This award* winning elite programme truly shapes students into globally engaged rounded individuals. Students take video classes with all partner institutions in areas of global societal significance. University of Wollongong leads a module international perspectives on climate change in year one; University of Colorado delivers a module on bioethical dilemmas in year two and DCU leads the module on research frontiers in year four. This is in addition to students spending a semester in a partner institution in year three.

*awards won include the Carrick Institute Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning from the Australian Government; American Council of Education award for innovative practices in international education and technology "Bringing the World into the Classroom: ACE Award to Recognize Innovative Use of Technology to Promote Internationalization"; Presidential Award for Engagement given by the U.S. President's Commission on Higher Education.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• It is the only Environmental Science and Health course of its kind in Ireland.
• Students on this course have an opportunity to participate in an international field trip in third year.
• Students have an opportunity to gain relevant, paid work experience through the INTRA programme.
• Both environmental science and environmental health are growth areas, so career prospects should be excellent following graduation.

International Students
Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course. This course will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course. It will also help you to adjust to the culture of university university learning. See www.dcu.ie/IFC fro full details of the IFC course.

Career Prospects:

Graduates will have many opportunities, both at home and abroad. Environmental Sciences is a rapidly growing area, offering careers in waste management, pollution control, environmental monitoring or health and safety, to name but a few. You could also find yourself working for a local authority, an NGO, the Environmental Protection Agency, or an environmental consultancy.

Postgraduate opportunities are also available.

What Our Graduates Say
"Studying in DCU Chemistry gave me a wide range of valuable laboratory skills as well as a significant understanding of environmental chemistry. Completing my research project in DCU Chemistry really taught me how to work in a co-operative and professional research environment, giving me a very rewarding experience."
Robert Kane, Environmental Officer, Access Waste Recycling, 2008 graduate

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OC3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS Grade OC3 or HD3 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in Mathematics PLUS GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology

FETAC Level 5
Students must present the following award with the standards specified for modules associated with that award

CASLT Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques
Distinctions in 5 modules including 4 from the following modules:
C20011 Chemistry
C20006 Biology
C20048 Physics
C20139 Mathematics
C20033 Laboratory Techniques
and
Student must have attained a minimum of pass in C20139 Mathematics

Transfer Applications
None Specified

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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