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environmental science

  • 12-03-2012 2:05pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 8


    Was thinking of applying for an environmental science course as a mature student. Was wondering if anyone can tell what the course is like...... is it difficult. Have only pass maths but have honours in physics and ag. science in school in the past.


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 59 ✭✭allquestions


    Hi decbow,

    I did environmental science as a mature student and had NEVER studied science before. Because I was interested, I picked it all up quickly. It depends on the course and where.

    Ask around and try to find someone that has done the same course as you would like to do, they'll be able to tell you about how tough the course is or what's directly involved as the reality is always a bit different to the prospectus.

    I started my science education and LYIT and it was no problem. They started from the basics in biology, chemistry, physics and maths before leading on the the more detailed and specialised areas. As everyone is coming from a different background, they cater to everyone, to have all students on a level playing field by the end of the first year.


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    Thanks for the advice:).


  • Registered Users Posts: 921 ✭✭✭MiNdGaM3


    Where are you looking to do the course? I'm in my final year of environmental and earth system science in UCC, but I branched into just Earth Science from 2nd year.
    There were a good few mature students when I started and most of them did quite well, so I doubt you'd have any problems, especially if you have a genuine interest in the subject.


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    I AM APPLYING TO UL.


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 primrose1990


    decbow wrote: »
    I AM APPLYING TO UL.

    Hi,

    Im in my final year of env science in UL, if theres anything in particular you would like to know about the course PM me :)


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  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    I am applying as a mature student. I was wondering about the maths and chemistry side of the course. As i only have pass maths in the leaving which i did years ago and i never did chemistry and biology at all. Its been a while since a sat down to write anything! Also what is the computer subject side like what does that entail? Is every subject tested at each semester? Im very interested in the environment and this course and i want to know what to expect rather than going in blind....that is...if i get accepted.:eek:


  • Registered Users Posts: 14 primrose1990


    decbow wrote: »
    I am applying as a mature student. I was wondering about the maths and chemistry side of the course. As i only have pass maths in the leaving which i did years ago and i never did chemistry and biology at all. Its been a while since a sat down to write anything! Also what is the computer subject side like what does that entail? Is every subject tested at each semester? Im very interested in the environment and this course and i want to know what to expect rather than going in blind....that is...if i get accepted.:eek:

    There are two maths modules in first year, one in each semester. I also had pass maths in my leaving cert. I would say the first module is covering the higher level leaving cert course and the second one is slightly more advanced. They're not overly challenging as the lectures/tutorials are good. There is no more maths after this.

    Chemistry is a HUGE part of the course, many of the module titles are misleading in that you wouldnt think they would be chemistry but they are, I would say maybe 50-60% of the course is chemistry, if not more. It is tough, you will cover the leaving cert chemistry course in one module in 1st year and from then on in, it is far more advanced. second year is tough chemistry wise, we had about 6/7 chemistry modules alone if I remember correctly! Having said that, many people in the course had not done chemistry for the leaving, and those that had didnt really find it an advantage anyway as the course goes way beyond LC chem. the chemistry side of it is tough, theres no point in telling you otherwise, but its doable if you keep your head down! For the most part, the lectures and tutorials are very good, and as long as you keep on top of it, it should be fine!

    There is not really any computer science part to the course. There is one module in first year, computers for scientists I think, if this is what your referring to? Don't worry about it, its only covering the basics of word/excel/powerpoint etc..

    Yes, every subject will be examined at the end of its respective semester. Some exams will be worth 100%, and some will be made up of labs/projects/exam, but all of them have some form of exam at the end.

    If there is anything else you'd like to know, let me know :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32 cavan4liam


    Would you be interested in Agri-Environmental Science?


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    YES. BUT WHERE IS THE COURSE?


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,803 ✭✭✭El Siglo


    decbow wrote: »
    YES. BUT WHERE IS THE COURSE?

    I think cavan4liam may have been talking about the Agri-Environmental Sciences course in UCD.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 32 cavan4liam


    I certainly am. Doing final year exams for it now.


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,803 ✭✭✭El Siglo


    cavan4liam wrote: »
    I certainly am. Doing final year exams for it now.

    Good luck with those!:D

    That looks like a class course. I only ever took one module in Ag back in 2008 when I was doing me BA and it was probably the reason why ended up in Environmental Science.


  • Registered Users Posts: 586 ✭✭✭Deer Hunter DL


    There is a part time course in NWRC in Derry in Countryside & Fisheries Management , it is a 2 year course and enables you to go on to UNI and slip into 3rd year degree course in Environmental Science , Marine Biology etc .or just after the 2 years of the Countryside and fisheries management you receive a subsidiary diploma that will enable you to obtain a job in the NPWS, local Co Council , Fisheries Ireland , Loughs Agency, Dept of Agri & rual development like if there came in another R.E.P.S scheme for farmers you'd be qualified to do all that etc .


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    Hi. Got the course. Any advice on preparing to go back to college as a mature sudent or env science?


  • Registered Users Posts: 8 decbow


    Hi. Got The course. Any hints or advice on preparing for the course or going back to college as a mature student?


  • Registered Users Posts: 586 ✭✭✭Deer Hunter DL


    thats great , can you tell me the details of the course you got into , i am interested in doing environmental management , i was at the Sligo IT open day and got some info on some very good environmental courses .


  • Registered Users Posts: 16 thomohawk


    thats great , can you tell me the details of the course you got into , i am interested in doing environmental management , i was at the Sligo IT open day and got some info on some very good environmental courses .

    FWIW I'm currently studying the Environmental science honours degree in Slio IT, as a mature student. would recommend the course. If you can spare 4 years...go for the level 8. I know lots doing the level 7, it's worthwhile too.


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