UCD Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Programme Office
Oifig Chlár Eolaíocht na Talmhaíochta agus an Leighis Tréidliachta, UCD
Agri-Environmental Sciences
Interested in the environment, wildlife and how we use our natural resources? Why not study for a degree in this topic and develop a rewarding career in an increasingly important sector?
Degree: BAgrSc (Agri-Environmental Sciences)
Direct entry CAO Code: DN250 AES
Agricultural Science CAO code: DN250
Length of Programme: 4 years.
Required Subjects: Irish, English, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject, two other recognised subjects.
Introduction
Agri-Environmental Sciences focuses on the study of how ecosystems function, their diverse components (plants, animals, water etc) and how to manage them effectively for sustainable use by current and future generations. The programme develops your scientific understanding of how land is used (farming, forestry, development) and its impact on the natural environment. You also acquire skills in integrated agricultural management; landscape, plant and wildlife conservation; and environmental planning and assessment.
Find out what current students think of the programme by clicking here.
Career
Opportunities
Upon graduating you will have the
scientific skills and knowledge base to give you a competitive edge in a
rapidly expanding area. Our graduates work in a whole range of roles
including researching, implementing and monitoring environmental programmes
at company, local, national and EU level.
Typical employers include state and local government agencies (EPA,
Department of Agriculture and Food, Teagasc, County Councils etc),
educational and advisory organisations, co-operatives and other agri and
non agribusinesses.
Programme Objectives
This degree programme is designed to
help you acquire:
- an understanding of environmental science and environmental management, based on sound scientific principles;
- an understanding of ecosystems and how they function, so as to be able to implement sustainable management practices;
- knowledge and skills so that you can contribute to the development and utilisation of agriculture and other forms of land use, as scientists and /or policy makers, in an environmentally informed and sensitive manner;
· an understanding of environmental issues in Ireland, in the context of agriculture and other forms of land use, and the issues in a European and worldwide context.
As well as providing you with the principles, knowledge and skills directly related to Applied Environmental Sciences, this degree programme is also designed to develop your transferable skills, such as:
- the ability to think analytically, solve problems, and be creative; and
- a range of information technology and communication skills plus interpersonal and professional development skills which can be used in many areas of professional employment.
Programme
Content
Year 1 provides a fundamental framework in the physical, biological,
and economic sciences needed to equip you with a strong base for your
degree. In addition, a specific introductory module in Agri-Environmental Sciences, involving field and project work gives a first
taste of the degree programme.
In year 2 you develop an understanding of the scientific basics of modern
agriculture and the heritage of the rural environment so that you can be
competent in dealing with farmers and other users of the land resource.
There is also a one-week residential field trip dealing with ecological and
environmental management.
In years 3 and 4 of the programme, the emphasis is on applied environmental
science subjects in the context of sustainable management of natural
resources. To aid your learning and development there is a major research
project in year 4 and frequent seminar presentations to the class.
It is important that you study the programme syllabus before making your
final choice
Click
here for year 1 programme modules and descriptions.
Professional
Work Experience (PWE)
Between April and September in
year 3 you undertake a period of Professional Work Experience. This is a
central part of the programme and it allows you further your knowledge and
skills in appropriate aspects of agriculture and environmental management.
As well as contributing to your degree, PWE will make a valuable
contribution to your CV and can lead to employment offers following
graduation.
There are opportunities to study abroad in year 3 for one semester and to
work abroad for your PWE.
Transfer/Progression Applications
The Programme normally accepts a number of transferees from Institutes of Technology who have completed relevant Higher Certificate/Ordinary Degree Programmes. Details are available from the Programme Office, contact numbers below.
Further Information:
Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine Programme Office
Room G10 (ground floor),
UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre
University College Dublin
Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
Tel: +353 1 716 7194
Fax: +353 1 716 1118
Website: www.ucd.ie/agandvet
