B.A Environmental Sciences: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences: Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year honours degree that explores how biological, chemical and physical systems interact in the environment and how humans can monitor, protect and sustainably manage natural resources. It suits students who want to combine scientific understanding of ecosystems, organisms and environmental processes with analytical, laboratory and field skills to address environmental challenges such as climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

Curriculum structure

First Year – Foundations in Biology, Environment & Science

In Year 1, students take foundational modules common to the Biological & Biomedical Sciences stream such as From Molecules to Cells, Organisms to Ecosystems, Chemistry for Biologists, Mathematics, Statistics and Computation, and choose introductory environmental modules such as Spaceship Earth: An Introduction to Earth System Science and Introduction to Geology. These units introduce biological systems, ecosystem structure, basic chemistry and earth processes, and equip students with essential analytical and laboratory skills.

Second Year – Core Biological and Environmental Sciences

In the second year, students continue in the Biological & Biomedical Sciences stream with more advanced topics in molecular biology, ecology, and environmental biology, alongside quantitative methods and elective options that can include environmental and earth science modules. This year strengthens understanding of how organisms interact with their environments and develops field and lab competencies for scientific data collection and analysis.

Third Year – Specialisation in Environmental Sciences

Year 3 marks formal progression into the Environmental Sciences specialisation within the Biological & Biomedical Sciences degree. Students study core environmental science modules focused on ecosystem dynamics, environmental change, sustainability, and related laboratory and fieldwork techniques. They also choose allied science electives that enhance interdisciplinary understanding of environmental systems.

Fourth Year – Advanced Topics & Research Project

In the final year, students explore advanced environmental science topics such as environmental assessment, conservation biology or climate science and complete a substantial research project that applies scientific inquiry to a specific environmental problem, often involving fieldwork, laboratory analysis and scientific communication. This year emphasises independent research, data interpretation and professional scientific skills.

Focus areas (in a string):
Environmental systems, ecosystem dynamics, sustainability, environmental monitoring, biology and ecology, environmental fieldwork, laboratory science.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Explain biological and environmental interactions; apply scientific methods and data analysis; conduct field and laboratory research; interpret environmental data; communicate scientific findings effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The degree is an NFQ Level 8 honours bachelor’s degree with interdisciplinary scientific training that prepares graduates for roles in environmental consultancy, conservation agencies, research institutions, government and NGOs.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Trinity College Dublin is ranked #75 globally and #1 in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings (2025), offering strong academic and research credentials in environmental and life sciences, supporting high graduate employability.