Course Summary
This programme is an general entry science degree that gives students an exceptional level of flexibility. The programme builds a core foundation in key science disciplines in Year 1. This is a good choice for students who know they want to study science but are unsure about their key area at the time of application. Students are given advice during the year to help guide their decisions. Students also get to choose from elective science subjects in Year 1 before selecting a specialised honours degree at the end of that year.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Our science programmes are hands-on, with a big emphasis on developing practical skills. This means our students graduate with the skills employers want. Students spend 50% of their time in labs and have access to state-of-the-art, industry-spec equipment throughout our labs. Small class sizes ensure students always have their own lab space and are fully supported by our expert academic staff throughout their learning. We also focus on soft skills such as teamwork and communication. These skills are highly valued by potential employers.
This degree also encourages critical thinking skills in students. This aspect of education ensures ongoing professional career and lifelong learning development.
YEAR 1
The subjects studied in Year 1 include core science modules in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Information Technology and Learning to Learn. Students also select from a range of elective modules to help discover the various options available to them.
YEAR 2
Students select which pathway they would like to take. Students follow one of four designated honours degree pathways below. Please follow the links below to discover the modules on each individual programme.
AU966 BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science with Ecology
AU967 BSc (Hons) in Occupational Safety and Health
AU969 BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science
AU968 BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development
KEY SKILLS
We have embedded a range of fundamental practical science skills in this programme:
- Analytical science skills, practical skills in monitoring environmental quality
- Practical laboratory skills in methods used by analytical scientists
- Biochemistry, microbiology and analytical chemistry
- DNA technology, immunology, environmental science, occupational safety and health, pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry
- Data analysis
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and information technology
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
Career Opportunities
Graduates are employable in a wide range of industries including the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, medical device, medical diagnostic, food and beverage, construction and biotechnology sectors.
Graduates can also gain employment in government and public agencies as analysts and environmental scientists in a broad range of roles, including environmental protection.
Further Study
Following completion of Year 1 in this General Entry Science degree, students progress to Year 2 of one of the following programmes of their choice. Please follow the links below to discover the modules on each individual programme.
AU966 BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science with Ecology
AU967 BSc (Hons) in Occupational Safety and Health
AU969 BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science
AU968 BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development
Upon completion of the Level 8 honours degree, graduates may progress to postgraduate study in taught Masters programmes or Doctoral research programmes. These programmes can be studied in ATU Sligo or at other third level institutions.
Testimonials
"I chose Science (General Entry) in ATU Sligo because of the choice it gave me at the end of Year 1. I knew I wanted to study something in the science field but I wasn't quite sure of what that was exactly. This degree is perfect as it allows me to study different aspects of science before choosing one of the four specialism options on offer.
I am really enjoying this degree, especially the practical side. This is great at reinforcing the theory we learn in class. The science facilities in ATU Sligo are amazing too. The Biology modules are my favourite so far, and this is probably the area I will pursue. However, I know I will have choices at the end of the year if my mind changes. The lecturers are also a great support in this regard. Their knowledge is really beneficial in helping support me with the decision."
Seren Ward, BSc (Hons) in Science (General Entry)
Did you know?
We also offer Science (General Entry) at Level 6 - AU730 Higher Certificate in Science
ATU Sligo has one of the largest science schools in Ireland. We offer an excellent learning environment in our state-of-the-art science building with field trips, site visits and interactive modules.
Students enjoy the flexibility to choose their speciality after one year. This degree allows students to discover the many aspects of science. Therefore, students can make a much more informed decision on which field of science is where their true passion lies.
Students are given advice during the year to help guide their decisions.
Small class sizes ensure students always have their own lab space and are fully supported by our expert academic staff throughout their learning.
Students enjoy excellent hands-on laboratory experiments in our state of the art labs. This helps put the theory into practice.
Students spend 50% of their time in labs and have access to state-of-the-art, industry-spec equipment.
Students also get to choose from elective science subjects in Year 1.
Professional Accreditations are available in many of the specialist fields of study from Year 2.
We focus on hands-on skills, work experience and soft skills. These are competencies that employers are seeking. This means our graduates are career-ready on their first day at work.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Chemistry 1 | 05 |
| Physics 1 | 05 |
| Biology 1 | 05 |
| Mathematics for Science 1 | 05 |
| Information Technology 1 | 05 |
| Learning to Learn | 05 |
Semester 2
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | 05 |
| Microbiology | 05 |
| Environmental Nuisance | 05 |
| Climate Science | 05 |
| Aquatic Ecology: Theory and Lab | 05 |
| Environmental Quality Systems | 05 |
Semester 4
Semester 5
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Theory | 05 |
| Wastewater Enquiry Based Learning | 05 |
| Occupational Safety and Health | 05 |
| Statistics | 05 |
| Law and Environmental Legislation | 05 |
Semester 7
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Methods | 05 |
| Environmental Legislation and Policy | 05 |
| Advanced Geographic Information Systems | 05 |
| EMS, EIA and Planning | 05 |
| Environmental Science Research Project Part 1 | 05 |
| Work Placement | 05 |
Semester 8
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Project 2 | 10 |
| Resource Management | 05 |
| Environmental Biotechnology Bioremediation Composting Anaerobic Digestion | 05 |
| Ecological Management | 05 |
| Energy Management | 05 |
[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.