BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology
Science at UCD was my top choice on the CAO form. I knew then that I was interested in Biology and Chemistry as well as in Environmental Science. The Science [DN200 Common Entry] course gave me the perfect opportunity to sample many science subjects and later choose to major in the one that appealed most to me.
I chose Environmental Biology – a subject that encompasses the study of the interaction between organisms and their environment; which I felt was especially important in this era of species extinction and habitat destruction.
Majoring in Environmental Biology I had the freedom to choose from a broad range of modules including plant biology, ecology, policy management, fisheries science, genetics, biotechnology and environmental microbiology. I got the chance to experience first-hand laboratory and field work as well as gain valuable analytical and scientific writing skills. I always liked the laboratory practicals – to be able to ask a question and look for answers, and even if the answers were not like you expected them, it was interesting to try and explain why.
I spent my third year studying abroad at the University of California Berkeley in the United States (as part of the Study Abroad program offered to all students at UCD). It was a simply amazing year and gave me not only the chance to make new wonderful friends and see new places, but also experience university life elsewhere and learn from and even work alongside many world-renowned researchers in environmental science.
By then I knew I wanted to pursue a research career in science and began exploring the possibility of graduate studies. The 4th year research project that I completed on a topic in environmental microbiology has piqued my interest in this subject, and I applied for PhD positions in many U.S. as well as European universities.
Having received First Class honours grades at UCD all throughout my 4 years of study (and at UC Berkeley as well) I had the choice of picking from a number of PhD offers and I am now set to pursue a doctorate degree at Cornell University, NY, USA come September 2011..
