Bachelor of Science

Course Overview

The GY301 Bachelor of Science degree programme allows you to take a variety of subjects in Science before you decide which scientific area to specialise in for your four-year honours degree. It is the ideal choice for students who are interested in several areas of science and who want the flexibility to explore their scientific interests further before committing to a particular specialism.

The programme provides a solid foundation in Science subjects in the first year, with module offerings in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Studies, Computing and Applied Mathematics.

Progressing into second and third year you can choose from a wide range of 20 different specialties, referred to as pathways, including Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Plant and AgriBiosciences, Botany and Plant Science, Zoology, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Physics and Applied Physics, Physics and Climate Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computing, Data Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology.

You can study up to three of those pathways in Year 2, continuing with up to two pathways in Year 3, before choosing a single specialism for Year 4 of the programme, giving flexibility to discover your unique interests and build a tailored skillset that will lead you onto your scientific specialism.  To ensure quality in student experience, places in some pathways are limited, a quota system applies to pathways in Year 2.

The pathways are designed and delivered by research-active lecturers and thus incorporate course content inspired by current research trends, including public policy and industry partnership, whilst emphasising the importance of science communication. Our curricula embed sustainability and the principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, feature innovative teaching methods, and draw on our wide range of strengths from across the sciences at University of Galway.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Course Outline

In each year of the programme a student studies modules to a total of 60 Credits.

Year 1

A student chooses four 15-credit modules from the following:   

• Biology BO101
• Chemistry CH101
• Physics PH101
• Mathematics (Honours) MA180
• Mathematical Studies MA161
• Applied Mathematics MP180
• Computer Science CS102

Each Year 1 module is available to each student of the GY301 Bachelor of Science programme, with no limits on places, with only the constraint that students must choose at least one module from:  MA180, MA161 or MP180. Only one of MA180 (tailored for students who may wish to consider a degree specialism in mathematics or data science) and MA161 (which guides students in analytic skills required for scientists) may be taken. The combination of modules chosen in Year 1 will be important as requirements in selecting focused pathways of study from Year 2. First year students will have an advisory session to aid in module selection, and further information and guidance can be found in the 1^st year student handbook.

Year 1 modules are supported by lectures, which provide discussion and demonstration of topics, by tutorials or workshops, and by practical classes offering extensive and hands-on laboratory experience. Students are supported by the CÉIM shared peer learning initiative, by the SUMS Centre (Support for Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) and an Advisory Scheme in which each student has a contact point with an academic staff member to help answer general queries throughout their first year.

Year 2

In Year 2 of the programme students begin a specialised path of study. Modules are grouped by focused themes providing a pathway toward a specialism. Students can study up to three pathways in Year 2, where eligibility for the pathways depends on the combination of modules chosen in Year 1. Note that places on some pathways are limited –  advisory sessions are provided, during which pathway advisors will be available to discuss module options.

 

 Years 3 and 4

In year 3 of the programme students continue their focused paths of study, retaining up to two pathways, choosing a single specialism in either Year 3 or Year 4. In Year 4 - the final year - students study advanced modules and undertake an intensive research project in their chosen area guided by an academic supervisor, leading to their specialist Bachelor of Science degree.

 

Pathways:

Pathways Years 2-4:

• Anatomy
• Applied Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Botany and Plant Science
• Chemistry
• Computing
• Data Science
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Studies and Computing
• Mathematics and Computing
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Physics and Applied Physics
• Physics and Climate Physics
• Physiology
• Plant and AgriBiosciences
• Zoology

More details on the pathway offerings, structures, and registration directions can be found in the Course Outline for GY301 Bachelor of Science here

 

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Further Education

After completing your BSc Science Programme,  University of Galway offers a range of further education opportunities, including Higher Diplomas, Taught and Research Masters programmes, and PhD Fellowships. Information on graduate programmes on offer can be located within the School webpage or Research Centre webpage as relevant to the degree pathway specialism chosen within the programme.

Some careers of past graduates include:

• Medical Devices
• Biotechnology Research and Development
• Biodiversity Specialist
• National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
• Senior Inspector, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Meteorologist, Met Eireann
• Climate Scientist
• Curator of Astronomy & Modern Physics, Science Museum, London
• Astronomer
• Laser Physicist
• Medical Physicist 
• Renewable Energy Researcher
• Oil Explorer
• Marine Environmental Monitoring Services, Marine Institute
• Quality Technician
• Pharmaceuticals
• Forensic Science
• Infectious Diseases and Environmental Microbiology
• Cancer Research
• Dietician
• Functional Ecologist, Teagasc
• Food Safety Authority, Teagasc
• Design Engineer
• Statistician
• Data Scientist
• Software Developer
• Quantitative Analyst, Mathematical Modelling
• Science Education; Second-level Science Teacher, Science Education Researcher, Lecturer.
• Quality Engineer
• Science Communicator

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

Fees: Tuition

Fees: Student Contribution

Fees: Student levy

Fees: Non EU

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