Biological and Geographical Sciences

Overview

The core areas in Biology and Geography covered by the programme provide foundation knowledge across both disciplines, and explore in different ways how the dynamic planet Earth supports such a diversity of climates, landforms, ecosystems and species, and also how human activity is impacting on all of these from a local to a global scale.

Training covers advanced technical skills in both disciplines, including geographical information systems, climate analysis, animal and plant science, molecular biology, and field-based methods, as well as advanced statistical analysis and data science.You will also learn key transferable skills for your later career, including independent thinking and analysis, advanced technical writing, presentation skills, group-working and leadership.

By choosing this Biological and Geographical Sciences course from Maynooth University you will benefit from the international strengths of both the Biology and Geography Departments, and obtain integrated training in the applied areas of environmental data acquisition and experimental observation and analysis.

The degree has been structured such that students have the option of taking at least 10 credits of both Physics and Chemistry in the early years, which satisfies the current Teaching Council requirement to teach Junior Certificate Science.

As part of a defined class group with shared interests, you will join a diverse and active body of students studying in both disciplines.

The main strengths of this degree include the advanced technical competency and expertise available from staff at Maynooth, and the variety of module options for students, alongside supporting options in Physics, Chemistry, Data Science and Statistics that provide options such as the pursuit of a science teaching career.

Career

Examples of careers for graduates of this degree include environmental consultancy, geographical information systems officer, town planning (following relevant postgraduate study), careers in science publishing and communication, as well as biology careers in research, healthcare and conservation

We offer a range of postgraduate courses which currently include: MSc in Climate Change; MA in Geography; MSc in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing; Master of Science in Biology; MSc in Immunology and Global Health; MSc by Research, PhD by Research.

On completion of a Professional Master of Education (PME), graduates of this programme are qualified to teach Biology and Geography to Leaving Certificate (HL). In addition, those graduates who studied the optional Chemistry and Physics Modules in the early years of the programme would satisfy the current Teaching Council Requirement to teach Junior Certificate Science.

Graduates can also continue their studies with a PME and become a second level Teacher of Biology and Geography to HL Leaving Certificate.