Environmental Science and Technology
DC166

Environmental Science and Technology

Course Details

CAO Code:
DC166
Course Type:
Undergraduate
NFQ Level:
8 - Please see www.qqi.ie for further information
Placement:
Yes
Delivery Modes
Full-Time
Minimum Points
441
Duration
Four Years
Phone:
+353 (0) 1
700 5134

Do you want to help solve society's greatest challenges such as climate change and environmental pollution?

Overview

Overview Icon

Get the relevant scientific skills you’ll need to tackle these complex issues on this diverse and stimulating course. 

Whether out on field trips or doing nanoscale environmental analysis in the lab, you’ll gain the analytical and practical skills to understand, protect and improve our environment. Not only that, but you’ll get to contribute in a practical way to reducing carbon on- and off-campus in our new module, Towards Zero Carbon. 

Over the four years, you’ll gain a strong scientific core in biology, chemistry, physics and maths. This is vital to working as an environmental scientist, but also gives you flexibility when it comes to your career choice. In your third year, you’ll do a nine-month work placement and you also have the chance to study abroad. And of course, throughout the course, you’ll be able to contribute practically to reducing carbon reliance.

As the world is ever more focused on protecting the environment and cutting carbon emissions, there is ongoing and increasing demand for qualified scientists. Graduates from this course typically go on to high-impact careers as research scientists in areas such as environmental protection, and water, air and soil management and conservation.

DCU People

Profile picture of Dr Brian Kelleher
Dr Brian Kelleher
Staff

My research interests lie in carbon cycling in soils, sediments and water. We study carbon in different natural forms and investigate how it cycles between phases (in air, soil and water).


Read more about Dr Brian Kelleher
Profile picture of Chloe Martin
Chloe Martin
Student

I chose the BSc in Environmental Science and Technology in DCU as it focuses on the innovative technological advancements that can help solve environmental and climate problems as well as on the re


Read more about Chloe Martin

Careers & Further Options

Careers Icon

Careers

The potential careers in environmental science and technology are diverse. The following are just some examples:

 

  • Any area of environmental research, e.g. global warming, local or regional air, water and soil pollution in universities, public bodies such as the county councils and industry (e.g. Techworks Marine)
  • Environmental protection roles in industry such as pharmaceutical (e.g. Bristol Myers Squibb), manufacturing (e.g. Ipsen Manufacturing Ireland Ltd), semi-conductor (e.g. Intel), the County Councils, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and consultancy companies
  • Waste management roles in companies such as Enrich Environmental Ltd and Covanta
  • Water protection and wastewater treatment in, for example, the county councils Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland and private consultancy companies such as Aquafact International Services Ltd
  • Environmental analytical roles in companies such as IAS Laboratories and public bodies such as Irish Water and Teagasc
  • Environmental advocacy for entities such as An Taisce and Global Action Plan
  • Parks and Wildlife officer in, for example, the National Parks and Wildlife Service
  • The marine industry, e.g. BIM, Altemar Environmental consultants
  • Research funding bodies such as Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
  • Green Economy, e.g. The Green Economy Foundation
  • The agricultural industry, e.g. environmental officer with the Department of Agriculture, EPA and the many consultancies involved in this industry

 

DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.

DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path.

Go to our Careers site to find out more about career planning, our mentorship programme, skills development and online resources for students when working on CVs and making applications.

Environmental Monitoring
Environmental Officer
Pollution Control
Waste Management
Wastewater Treatment
Water Management
Environmental Monitoring
Environmental Officer
Pollution Control
Waste Management
Wastewater Treatment
Water Management

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements Icon

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

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, or Agricultural Science.

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

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, or Agricultural Science.

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 B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

 

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

 

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Holders of Higher Certificate/National Certificates or Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree/National Diplomas with Merit or Distinction may be admitted into second year if the relevant Programme Boards are satisfied that the candidate has achieved an appropriate standard in the major subjects covered in Year One. Direct entry into third year is possible for well-motivated students holding a distinction at Diploma level in a related discipline.

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.

Course Structure

Course Structure Icon
  • Chemistry, Physics,  Biology Laboratories 
  • Mathematics 
  • Chemistry 
  • How Life Works 
  • Interdisciplinary and Environmental Science 
  • Physics 
  • Field Trip
  • Pollution and the Biosphere 
  • Environmental Chemistry, Biotechnology and Physics Laboratories 
  • Microbiology and Genetics 
  • Towards Zero Carbon 
  • Visualisation and Validation of Lab Data 
  • Biomolecules and Metabolism 
  • Physics of Renewable Energy 
  • Kinetics and Thermodynamics 
  • Environmental Analysis 
  • Probability and Statistics 
  • Programming
  • Field Trip 
  • Atmospheric and Sound Physics 
  • Separation Techniques 
  • Analysis of Environmental Samples
  • Modelling with Differential Equations 
  • Bioanalysis 
  • Environmental Biotechnology 
  • Climate and Aquatic Science 
  • Environmental Monitoring and Data Analysis 
  • INTRA (work experience)
  • Environmental Ethics 
  • Literature Review 
  • Environmental Toxicology 
  • Environmental Organic Chemistry 
  • Water and Waste Management 
  • Soil and Energy Science 
  • Analytical Applications 
  • Project

For more information on the course structure click here

Fees and Funding

Fees Icon

Fees

Student Contribution
€3,043 per annum
EU Status Fee
€6,679 per annum
Non EU Fee
€15,000 per annum

How To Apply

How To Apply Icon

Applicants presenting EU School Leaving/FETAC Level 5 examinations: Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

To apply for this programme:
Candidates should apply directly here. Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application.

Please provide 

  • Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
  • If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements.  Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to 1st July. All Non-EU candidates are advised to apply early, as places are limited.

All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February. For further information and for special application procedures for mature students, please click here

 Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which will open on the 06th November to the 1st July.

Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
 

Life On Campus

Life on Campus
DCU Campus Glasnevin

DCU Glasnevin Campus

FAQs

FAQ Icon

What do I study in the Bsc environmental science and technology?
In this programme you will study Biology, Chemistry, Physics as well as some Mathematics.

How long is the programme?
The programme is a four years Honours degree.

What can I do after the bsc environmental science and technology course?
Graduates from our program have the necessary background to work in areas as diverse as:

  • Waste management, 
  • Pollution control, 
  • Environmental monitoring 
  • Health and safety

You could also find yourself working for a local authority, an NGO, the Environmental Protection Agency, or an environmental consultancy.