Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (Direct Entry)

Are you concerned about the quality of our environment? Do you want to understand more about the global and national challenges of climate change and sustainability?  Would you like a career helping to make improvements to our environment for the benefit of this and future generations? Do you want a challenging career and one tailored to meet the needs of a wide spectrum of employers? Then perhaps you should study Environmental Science at UL.

The direct entry route to Year 1 of this degree at UL is via LM066 Environmental Science.

Note: You can also enter LM066 Environmental Science via LM123 Biological and Chemical Sciences Common Entry whereby you choose LM066 Environmental Science as your exit route at the end of Year 1.

Why Study Environmental Science at UL?

Maintaining both the quality of life and a clean and healthy environment is now a major concern of Government, employers, non-governmental organisations and citizens. The EU now has a very comprehensive environmental policy, and as a Member State, Ireland is obliged to act in accordance with this policy.

More stringent environmental requirements are being placed on industry and community in areas such as energy usage, waste minimisation, waste management, recycling, sustainability, water and air quality. Consequently, there is a strong demand for graduates with a scientific understanding of environmental and health and safety issues, together with a full knowledge of technological and management methods available to help improve the quality of our environment. What makes Environmental Science at the University of Limerick distinctive is its relevance to industry and business, through a focus on environmental technology, environmental management, sustainability, and health & safety in the workplace.

Having followed a broad common first year, you will be provided with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and ecology, and with an in-depth knowledge in environmental technology, environmental management, conservation and waste management.

The main areas of study will include

• Environmental Science - the application of the fundamental sciences to environmental issues
• Environmental Management - the assessment of a broad range of issues around global warming and sustainability and how strategies can be developed and implemented to protect and sustain all aspects of the environment.
• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – the use of a vast array of data sources and mapping techniques to evaluate environmental patterns and trends at regional level and beyond
• Clean Technology - the design and application of cleaner technologies and processes to minimise the negative impacts of technology on the environment
• Waste Management - the study of the physical methodologies and techniques for dealing with increasing levels of waste generated by the manufacturer and consumer
• Health & Safety - a complementary area to environmental science which specifically focuses on the causes and consequences of poor workplace practice and performance, and the resulting immediate and long-term impacts on human health and safety, whether in the workplace or in the broader community