DN253 Agri-Environmental Sciences (ESS1)
School:
Agriculture and Food Science Interested in a rewarding career focusing on the care and management of the Irish countryside? Check out our exciting degree in Agri-Environmental Sciences.
This programme in Agri-Environmental Science is designed to help those who wish acquire a wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of the core sciences that underpin agriculture, the functionality and resilience of agro-ecosystems and the sustainable management of natural resources, which are key to the success of a sustainably competitive agriculture sector. The programme fosters in its graduates, an integrated appreciation of the benefits and value of environmental quality in farming systems, and provides a professional body of knowledge and the capacity for critical thinking that is necessary in identifying effective management solutions to complex multidisciplinary concerns in a scientifically-principled and objective way. To achieve this end, the programme provides a wide coverage of the biological and environmental sciences that underpin our understanding of natural processes within farming systems and builds on this foundation to develop an increasingly integrated understanding of agro-ecology, the farmed landscape and conservation management. An important objective of the programme is to integrate this scientific knowledge base with a broad understanding of environmental policy at Irish, European and global levels. The learning environment includes class, laboratory and field-based tuition, with an emphasis on developing key practical competencies. Student performance is assessed using a range of methods, including continuous class evaluation, written & project assignments and end of semester examinations using Written and Multiple Choice formats. The programme includes 16-20 weeks of Professional Work Experience (PWE) placement in year three, and a final year project that permits students to focus on their particular interests, and to develop self-directed learning and problem solving capacities.
- Assess potential environmental impacts, and evaluate and devise acceptable remedies to pressing agri-environmental challenges, including the amelioration of climate change, protection and management of soil quality and processes, pest and disease management, and the control of invasive species
- Develop and utilize a wide range of generic skills required for further career development through specific class exercises, Professional Work Experience placement and the final year project.
- Devise and implement effective strategies for the conservation and management of biodiversity and key ecosystem services in the rural environment
- Devise and interpret scientific investigations involving the collection, appropriate analysis and reporting of resulting observations
- Evaluate and implement solutions for environmental and conservation management problems in agriculture and related forms of rural land use
- Integrate knowledge acquired in applied plant and animal biology, and soil and environmental sciences, with a practical understanding of farm production systems
- Review scientific literature and other reliable information sources, and effectively communicate the acquired knowledge
- Understand the relevance of natural processes that underpin the multifunctional value and productivity of the rural environment
- Use a wide range of field and laboratory procedures and equipment in an efficient and safe way
- Utilise practical skills in plant and animal identification, soil and water analysis, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in environmental evaluation, analysis and interpretation
Interested in the environment and a rewarding career focusing on the care and management of the Irish countryside? Check out our degree specialising in Agri-Environmental Sciences.
Agri-Environmental Sciences focuses on the study of how ecosystems function, their diverse components (plants, animals, soils, water, etc.) and how to manage them effectively for sustainable use by current and future generations.
The programme develops your scientific understanding of how land is used (farming, forestry, infrastructural development) and the impact of this use on ecosystem processes and the natural world. In studying this degree option, you will acquire skills in integrated agri-environmental management, landscape, plant and wildlife conservation and environmental planning and assessment.
The objectives of this specialist degree option are to give you:
- An understanding of environmental science, the major issues and concerns and the knowledge necessary for effective environmental management based on sound scientific principles
- An understanding of managed ecosystems and how they function, so as to be able to implement sustainable management practices - A detailed understanding of Irish land use systems, particularly agriculture and related forms of land use
- Knowledge and skills so that you can contribute as a scientist and/or policymaker to the development of systems that protect and conserve our natural heritage in an environmentally informed and sensitive manner
- An understanding of rural environmental issues in Ireland and in a European and worldwide context - First-hand experience of applied environmental research
- A range of IT and communication skills, plus interpersonal and professional development skills that can be used in many areas of professional employment
STAGE 1
Stage 1 provides a fundamental framework in the biological, chemical, physical and mathematical sciences necessary to equip you with a strong scientific base for your degree.
STAGE 2
In Stage 2, you will build on this base by studying a wide range of applied environmental science disciplines, including Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Biology, Soil Science and Zoology and the basics of Crop and Animal Production Systems.
You will also take part in a one-week residential field course in the Burren, Co. Clare. During this field course, you will have a practical opportunity to use the scientific skills that you have developed and appreciate at first-hand the critical influence that farmers and other managers of the rural landscape have on environmental quality.
STAGES 3 & 4
In Stages 3 and 4, you will go on to develop an increasing understanding of the environmental impacts and issues associated with modern agriculture and of the natural and cultural heritage of the rural environment.
This will include the learning of practical skills relating to landscape and habitat assessment using computer-based Geographic Information Systems analysis.
To aid your learning and development, there is a major research project in the final stage of your degree, which includes a seminar presentation to your class.
PROFESSIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Between April and September in Stage 3, you will undertake a period of Professional Work Experience involving placement in a relevant working environment. This is a central part of the programme and allows you to gain practical skills which make a valuable contribution to your CV and can lead to employment offers following graduation.
Between April and September in year 3 you undertake a period of Professional Work Experience. This is a central part of the programme and it allows you further your knowledge and skills in appropriate aspects of agriculture and environmental management. As well as contributing to your degree, PWE will make a valuable contribution to your CV and can lead to employment offers following graduation.
There are also opportunities to study abroad in Australia, Europe and the USA for one semester in Stage 3 and potentially to work abroad for your Professional Work Experience.
A high proportion of Agri-Environmental Sciences graduates gain employment directly related to your degree.
You can work in a wide range of roles including researching, implementing and monitoring environmental programmes at company, local, national and EU level. Many gain employment with a growing number of private environmental consultancies.
Others gain employment in state/semi-state agencies with direct interest in the rural environment, such as the Department of Agriculture and Food, Teagasc, the Environmental Protection Agency, National Parks & Wildlife Service and local authorities.
DN010 Agricultural Science - Omnibus
DN042 Forestry
DN048 Horticulture, Landscape & Sportsturf Management
DN008 Science
