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BAgrSc Agri-Environmental Sciences
Undergraduate (Level 8 NFQ , Credits 240 )
This degree focuses on sustainable management of natural resources (soils, water, air, plants, animals, landscapes) within the context of agriculture and other land-based industries, and protection of the rural environment for future generations. This specialist applied science degree will equip you for a career at the interface between production agriculture and environmental protection, by giving you:
- An understanding of rural environmental issues in Ireland, the EU and globally.
- A detailed knowledge of sustainable agriculture and land management practices.
- The skills to contribute to farming and land-use industries, as either a scientist, advisor, consultant, planner or policymaker.
- First-hand experience of agri- environmental research as a basis for further studies.
- Interpersonal and professional skills required in a wide range of career paths.
For more information regarding this course, please click School of Agriculture and Food Science
First Year focuses on teaching basic sciences relevant to agriculture (especially biology and chemistry) and provides an introduction to rural land-use systems and environmental issues.
Second Year focuses on the principles of crop and animal production and applied agri- environmental sciences. Modules include: Ecology, Agricultural Botany, Soil Science, Applied Zoology, Microbiology and Introductions to Crop & Animal Science.
On completion of second year, you develop field skills through a week-long residential field course in the Burren, Co. Clare.
Third and Fourth Year focuses on environmental management in agriculture (e.g. management of soils, nutrients, pests, diseases), while you learn practical field and lab based skills e.g. landscape analysis using GIS. You will also study policies, schemes and practices to protect rural environments.
In fourth year, you complete advanced modules in agri-environmental management, modelling, rural conservation and sustainable agriculture, and you conduct a supervised research project and produce a thesis. This provides an opportunity to study a topic of your own choice more deeply, and gain practical experience of research and scientific writing.
Students spend an average of 40 hours per week attending lectures, tutorials and laboratory-based practical classes, and in undertaking independent study.
A combination of continuous assessment and end-of-trimester written examinations is used. A number of modules also involve written assignments and/or project-based work.
Many graduates follow career paths as environmental advisors, planners or consultants. Others work in State agencies that require both agricultural and environmental management skills, including:
- Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine
- Teagasc
- Environmental Protection Agency
- National Parks & Wildlife Service
- Local Authorities
A high proportion of AES graduates go on to further studies at postgraduate level.
A 16-weeks period of structured PWE takes place in third year. Assisted by a dedicated lecturer, students arrange the placements themselves, on a farm and with an environmental agency or company. This is a fantastic chance to get new experiences, make industry contacts, and put theory from classes to practical use. You can also elect to study abroad for one trimester, at universities including:
- Cornell University, USA
- University of California, USA
- Kansas State University, USA
- University of Queensland, Australia