Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geosystems

Course Overview

There is a growing demand for a work force literate in the scientific and geographic protocols used to advance environmental issues such as climate change, energy use, sustainable development, and policy. This new degree course will allow you to become an expert in many decision-making fields that now rely on a fundamental understanding of how human activities depend upon natural systems, through the interpretation of the scientific, spatial, and economic aspects of geographic principles and processes.

This new programme - beginning in 2020 - is aimed at motivated school leavers and mature students with a strong interest in how natural systems function and how the ecosystem goods and services provided by the environment are impacted by human activity.Interdisciplinarity at the heart of understanding human-nature interacting is reflected in the programme structure with the disciplines of Geography, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Botany & Plant Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics, the School of Law, and the School of Political Science and Sociology coming together to deliver this innovative programme.

Fieldwork facilitates an understanding of geographic concepts in ways that the classroom cannot. The course therefore focuses on field-based learning to provide students with diverse opportunities to supplement their academic learning with hands-on research and technical experiences outside the classroom.

As a graduate of this programme, you will become an expert in human-environment relationships with a focus on the spatial dynamics of the natural world and the sustainable management of our natural resources.With this skill set you will be equipped to integrate scientific understanding into existing decision making processes.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Geography is crucial in informing genuine public concerns about environmental loss and degradation, as well as human-induced climate change. The Geography & Geosystems programme offers clear pathways that lead to an array of career opportunities across a wide range of interests including governmental, policy, and business sectors. Guidance will be offered throughout the programme to ensure students are undertaking the most appropriate modules for their own personal career goals and development.

Potential Career Pathways for graduates include:

• Geographic Information System analyst
• Environmental consultant
• Environmental education officer
• Environmental manager
• Nature conservation officer
• Sustainability consultant
• Waste management officer
• Water quality scientist
• Wildlife manager/ecologist
• Oceanographer
• Marine scientist
• Coastal manager
• Soil and plant scientist
• Climatologist
• Earth Observation analyst
• Teaching (Geography)
• And others