BSc in Environmental Protection SG 432

Course Description:

Protection of the environment is critical for the future of the planet and mankind. This course in Environmental Protection presents exciting opportunities and challenges to contribute to this endeavour. The aim of the course is to provide the student with a range of skills in a variety of analytical laboratory based techniques as well as ecological field work used in environmental monitoring and assessment. Course delivery involves a combination of field trips, laboratory work, site visits, project work and lectures.

The modules on this course begin with Diversity of Life, The Environment Around Us, Ecological Methods, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Biology and Information Technology in first year to give the student an all round basis for progressing to subsequent years of the course.  Building on this foundation, students in second and third year learn techniques for determining the quality and characteristics of various components of terrestrial, air and aquatic environments and will be able to assess the effects of human activity on a variety of ecosystems. Other Modules examine Waste Management, Water and Wastewater Treatment and include Policy Issues, Legal requirements and environmental compliance, prosecutions and public awareness.

A Team Project in Final Year brings together the knowledge, skills and techniques learned during the course. 

Key Skills:

• Assess the quality and characteristics of various components of terrestrial, air and aquatic environments
• Assess the effects of human activity on ecosystems
• Learn techniques for measuring land, air and water quality
• Learn a range of chemical, physical, biological, microbiological, ecological and instrumentation techniques
• Legal requirements and policy – environmental compliance – prosecutions – public awareness
• Learn how to present your laboratory and filed based acquired data and findings in a variety of presentation formats, oral and written.

Further Study Opportunities:

Suitably qualified graduates may progress on to the final year of the Honours Degree in Environmental Science.

Career Opportunities:

The course provides the knowledge and skills to have a rewarding career in the area of environmental science and protection.

Typically graduates from this course find employment as environmental officers in environment and waste divisions of local authorities, industry, environmental consultancy companies or in government bodies, such as the EPA, Fishery Boards etc.  As an Environmental Scientist, you may be engaged in the implementation of European Community and Irish legislation, environmental protection and ecological conservation, the management of pollution control facilities, and soil, water and air testing.

2009 Points:

235

Award:

Ordinary Degree                              

Level:

7 

Duration:

3 years

Course places:

 24 

For further information, contact:

Dr Anne O’Donohue
T:  071 9155358
E: odonohue.anne@itsligo.ie

Dr Billy Fitzgerald
T:  071 9155284
E: fitzgerald.billy@itsligo.ie