1. Study
2. Undergraduate
3. Courses
4. Ecology and Environmental Biology

About This Course

Fact File

• Title

  Ecology & Environmental Biology

• Code

  CK404

• College

  Science, Engineering and Food Science

• Teaching Mode

  Full-time

• Qualifications

  BSc (Hons)

• Fees

  Student Contribution + Capitation: €3,138 See Fees and Costs for full details.

• Entry Requirements

  Refer to CK404 See Requirements for full details.

Course Outline

The BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology degree is the only one of its kind in Ireland. The course was established in response to the increasing awareness of environmental and wildlife issues. It is the study of the interactions between animals, plants and microbes and their environment. It includes the study of how individual organisms interact in communities and how communities interact with the surrounding ecosystem.

This degree addresses such questions as; what controls animal and plant distribution, abundance and biodiversity? How do energy and nutrients move around ecosystems? How do species interact with each other? It also examines the biology of various habitats from marine and freshwater to terrestrial habitats and the soil. It uses the understanding of basic ecological principles and concepts to predict and manage the environmental change caused by the human impact on natural ecosystems.

It includes subjects such as:

• Conservation
• Pest Control
• Wildlife Management
• Pollution and Ecotoxicology
• Resource Management

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

Refer to CK404 for more details.

Year 2 Modules:

Core

• AE2001- Fundamentals of Ecology  
• AE2007 - Practical Ecological Skills  
• BL2001 - Plant and Animal Genetics  
• EV2002 – Environment and Public Health
• PS2002 - Ecological Plant Physiology
• PS2003 -  Plant Identification  
• ST2001 - Introduction to Biostatistics
• ZY2000 – Vertebrate Diversity
• ZY2005 – Invertebrate Diversity
• ZY2007 – Practical Invertebrate Skills 

Electives

• ZY2006 - Vertebrate Diversity
• GS2002 – The Evolving Earth

Year 3 Modules:

Core

• AE3013 - Practical Field Ecology (residential field course) 
• BL3001 -   Literature Review
• BL3002 -   Evolution and Diversity
• BL3003 -   Conservation Biology
• BL3004 -   Research Skills in Biology
• EV3017 -   Freshwater Science
• ST3001 -   Biostatistics I
• ZY3023  -  Advanced Invertebrate Zoology

Electives

• PA3300 – Valuing the Environment
• PS3008 – Plants in Hostile Environments
• ZY3015 – Advanced Vertebrate Biology
• ZY3019 – Adaptations to Extreme Environments
• ZY3020 – Animal Behaviour

Year 4 Modules:

Core

• AE4012 – Landscape Conservation and Management (Burren residential) or
• ZY4020 – Temperate Marine Biology (Millport Residential)
• AE4016 – Advanced Ecology and Biogeography
• BL4001 – Ecology Research Project
• BL4004 – Frontiers in Biology
• EV4012 – Environmental Impact Assessments

Electives

• BL4003 – Work Placement
• PA4300 -  Market Forces and the Environment
• PS4021 – The Environmentally Protective Management of plant Pests and Pathogens
• PS4024 – Crop Physiology and Climate Change
• ST4001 – Biostatistics II
• ZY4021 – Evolutionary Ecology
• ZY4022 – Pathogen Biology, Ecology and Control

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further details on modules.

Course Practicalities

Field courses form an important part of this course. You will visit a variety of sites in County Cork in Year 2, go to Portugal in Year 3, and choose between the Burren, Co Clare, or Millport, West of Scotland, in Year 4.

Why Choose This Course

Ecology and Environmental Biology is the only degree of its kind in Ireland and was established in response to increasing awareness of environmental and wildlife issues.

A degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology provides you with a sound scientific knowledge and experience in a wide range of scientific techniques relevant to addressing current environmental issues. In particular, you will possess field skills and theoretical knowledge required for ecological work such as environmental and pollution monitoring, toxicity testing, impact assessment, and nature conservation and management.

In addition, you will learn laboratory techniques relevant to other biological fields including biochemistry, biotechnology, environmental sciences, aquaculture, fisheries and zoology.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The School of BEES operates an exchange system with North American and other European universities that allows students to substitute a year abroad for Year 3 in UCC.

A work-experience module is also available to students in Year 4, enabling you to spend 6-10 weeks in a structured working environment, where you will be evaluated both on your contribution to the placement institution and by a report on your experience.

Skills and Careers Information

A degree in Ecology and Environmental Biology allows you to work in many different fields in Ireland and abroad such as: 

• research in universities or industry
• research in government agencies such as OPW, EPA, ERU, Forestry, Fisheries
• consultancy
• journalism
• teaching at second and third level
• administration in civil service, county councils or industry
• environmental scientists in industry, agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries and government
• management conservation working in habitat management, nature reserves, landscape planning, and fisheries

Requirements

Refer to CK404

Fees and Costs

Course fees include a tuition fee, student contribution fee and capitation fee. The state will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student Contribution and Capitation Fees are payable by the student. In 2022/23 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138.

Please see Fees Office for more information.

Students will be expected to pay for some small laboratory items such as lab coats and contribute towards the cost of field trips.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK404