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BSc-BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Qualification : BACHELOR OF BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH203

CAO Points : 440

Closing Date : 01 July 2023

View QQI details

With Climate Change, the global biosphere has entered a new and unchartered phase. To find solutions for this crisis, scientists need to better understand how organisms, ecosystems and the environment interact together. This course brings these disciplines together over an advanced 4-year programme.

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.

Why choose this degree?

  • By choosing this degree 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.
  • 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

COURSE STRUCTURE

FIRST YEAR

  • In first year 15 Credits of Geography, Biology, Mathematics AND either 15 Credits of Data Science OR Experimental Physics. Experimental Physics in Year 1, along with General Chemistry in Year 2 will satisfy current Teaching Council of Ireland requirements for Junior Cycle science teaching

SECOND YEARI

  • In second year 20 Credits of Biology, 20 credits of Geography; 20 credits of Statistics OR 10 Credits of Statistics AND 10 credits of General Chemistry

THIRD YEAR

  • In third year concentrate on Biological AND Geographical Sciences (30/30 Credits), OR choose to also continue with Data Science (20/20/20 Credits)

FOURTH YEAR

  • Concentrate on Biological and Geographical Sciences and associated research activities (thesis) and/or a short work placement - subject to availabiity (5 credits)
Course Duration: 4 years

Head of Department

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Biology - Paul Moynagh - Maynooth University

Head of Department

Department of Biology


Department of Human Health Institute

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Geography - Ro Charlton - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Geography - Ronan Foley - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ALL Institute

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Biology - Conor Meade - H&S

Academic

Department of Biology

Geography - Conor Murphy - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Lisa Orme - ICARUS - mu

Academic

Department of ICARUS


Department of Geography

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS


Department of Faculty of Social Sciences

Geography - Peter Thorne - Maynooth University

Academic

Department of Geography


Department of ICARUS

Options after graduation?
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; MSc in Biology; MSc in Immunology and Global Health; MSc by Research, PhD by Research.

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

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.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O4 H7
Science Yes O6 H7

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2023 to the Access Office. 

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2023

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics or Physics with Chemistry).

THE MAYNOOTH EDUCATION
Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 
 
HEAR & DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

APPLY TO THE CAO

WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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