BSc Ecology and Environmental Biology

The BSc (Hons) Ecology and Environmental Biology at University College Cork is a four-year honours degree that focuses on the interactions between animals, plants, microbes and their environments, including ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and environmental change. It suits students interested in ecological science, conservation, wildlife management, environmental impact assessment and field-based research, blending ecology with environmental biology and sustainability.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundational Environmental and Biological Sciences

In the first year, students follow the CK404 Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences common entry curriculum with modules such as BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics & Evolution, BL1004 Physiology & Structure of Plants and Animals, BL1006 Habitats & Ecosystems, CM1003 Introductory Chemistry for Environmental Scientists, EV1002 The Environment, GG1010 Introduction to Physical Geography and GL1001 Introduction to Geology. These units develop a broad scientific foundation in organismal biology, ecosystems, chemistry and earth systems that underpin ecological understanding and environmental investigation.

Year 2 – Core Ecological Principles & Field Skills

In second year, students begin specialised learning with core topics like Fundamentals of Ecology, Practical Ecological Skills, Invertebrate Diversity, Environmental Monitoring, and quantitative methods such as Biostatistics and Introductory Sedimentology, alongside continued laboratory and fieldwork. This year strengthens skills in ecological observation, species identification, community analysis, and data collection — essential for real-world ecology and environmental science.

Year 3 – Applied Ecology, Ecosystems & Habitat Studies

The third year emphasises applied ecological science through modules such as Environmental Chemistry & Analysis, Freshwater Science, Pollution Prevention & Control, Environmental Hydrogeology, Environmental Physics, Advanced GIS, and Soil Science. These units combine laboratory and field approaches to study energy flow, nutrient cycling, aquatic and terrestrial systems, and geospatial techniques for ecosystem assessment.

Year 4 – Research Project & Professional Integration

In the final year, students engage in advanced ecological science and independent inquiry, completing a Research Project that applies ecological theory and methods to specific environmental questions. Elective options allow deeper focus on conservation biology, wildlife management, habitat restoration or human-environment interactions. Extended fieldwork and research enhance professional readiness for careers in ecology, conservation, environmental consultancy or postgraduate study.

Focus areas (in a string):
Ecosystem dynamics, ecology and biodiversity, environmental biology, field and laboratory methods, environmental monitoring, GIS and data analysis, pollution and habitat assessment.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Explain species and ecosystem interactions; design and conduct ecological field studies; analyse environmental data; apply scientific reasoning to biodiversity, conservation and environmental problems; communicate scientific results effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The CK404 pathway is an NFQ Level 8 honours bachelor’s degree recognised within Irish and European scientific education frameworks, preparing graduates for professional and research roles in ecology, environmental management, conservation, consultancy and policy contexts.

Reputation (employability rankings):
University College Cork is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with strong research output in environmental, ecological and biological sciences — enhancing graduate prospects in environmental science, conservation, research and related sectors. (General institutional reputation context)