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Environmental Studies The great environmental issues that confront Irish and global society aremore than just a source of consternation and worry. They are an exciting challenge and the source of a whole range of highly involving courses and careers. So if you’re willing to do your bit for the planet, and happy to earn a good living while you’re at it, read on…
Education Students interested in this field are not lacking in choice; third level environmental science courses (from Levels 6 to 8) are available from the following institutions: DCU, DIT, IT Sligo, Limerick IT, NUI Galway, Tipperary Institute, Tralee IT, UCC, UCD, and UL. Environmental science programmes are multidisciplinary; they introduce students to the chemical, physical and biological processes that occur in the environment. The courses explore current environmental problems (e.g. air/water pollution) and their affect on public health (e.g. food/work place safety) and the natural environment (e.g. fish stocks/ biodiversity). Many of the courses also cover current environmental and health & safety legislation. Through a combination of lectures, lab work and field studies, students will learn skills such as environmental data research and analysis. Besides the level of certification, there are differences of subject matter and career opportunities between the various environmental courses on offer. For instance, DIT’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health concentrates on legislative requirements and risk management, and is highly suitable for a career as an environmental health officer. Cork IT’s Level 8 Degree in Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology meanwhile, produces graduates with the skills to thrive h. Check out the various courses on offer to find one that matches your particular talents and ambitions. Another interesting option is IT Sligo’s BSc in
Environmental Protection, which explores the science behind measuring, combating and preventing pollution. There is not much in the way of environmental studies on offer in further education. A useful course however, is the Certificate in Applied Science Laboratory Technology (Level 5). Students receive a good foundation in all the sciences (including maths), practical laboratory skills, and a European language. Certificate holders can progress to third level Environmental Science courses in DCU, IT Sligo and UCC among others.
The Work Graduates of environmental science and health degrees can find work in a number of areas: waste management, pollution control, environmental monitoring, health & safety, to name just a few. Environmental health officers ensure that the public and workers are not at risk from environmental hazards such as noise, pests, pollution or disease. They are usually employed by the local authority and spend of their time visiting sites to ensure environmental regulations are adhered too. They also play a major role in ensuring food is prepared and distributed safely and hygienically.
Working in environmental protection and conservation requires a healthy interest in science, and the ability to work in a number of environments: the office, lab, and in the field. An ability to effectively communicate complex data to non-experts is also important, as winning the hearts and minds of the public plays such a large part in protecting the environment.
Did you know? Blanket bog habitats cover 10 million hectares of the earth’s surface. Ireland possesses 8% and is the most important country in Europe for this type of habitat.
Further Resources • Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.ie • Environmental Health Officers’ Association: www.ehoa.ie • Department of the Environment, Heritage, & Local Government: www.environ.ie
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