Science Bachelor

at National University of Ireland Galway

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 1st 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. Pathway offerings and registration directions for students of the current academic year can be found here.

 

 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.

 

Modules

 

YEAR ONE 

Students are provided with a foundation in science and take 4 modules selected from: 
• Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics.

 
YEAR TWO, THREE and FOUR
• Students generally take 3 pathways in 2nd Year, 2 pathways in 3rd Year and specialise in 1 pathway in 4th Year. 
• A variety of electives are offered across all years depending on pathway choices. 
• A quota system applies to 2nd Year pathways.

 

Pathways:
• 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 
• NEW Physics and Climate Physics 
• Physiology 
• Plant and AgriBiosciences 
• Zoology

 

Undergraduate and mature students can satisfy matriculation registration requirements for NUI Galway by achieving certain grades in the following examinations. 
 

Leaving certificate (for EU and non-EU)

You need a pass in at least six subjects in the Leaving Certificate in accordance with College requirements with:

• Minimum Grade H5 (Higher Level) in two subjects 

• Passes in the remaining four subjects at O6/ H7 
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.
 

All subjects of the Leaving Certificate are accepted for matriculation registration purposes, with the exception of Gaeilge Bonnleibhéal (Irish Foundation Level), Mathematics (Ordinary Alternative/Foundation Level and; Home Economics (General), which is recognised only for St. Angela's College, Sligo.
 

GCE and GSCE
 

You need a pass in at least six subjects in accordance with College requirements with at least:

• GCE Advanced Level: Grade C in two recognised subjects and

• GCSE Level: Grade C in four recognised subjects.
   

You should pick your subjects based on the requirements for entry to your desired course.

English Language Requirement:

IELTS :- 6.5

TOEFL :- 88

Fees: EU

€7,408 p.a. 2022/23

 

Fees: Tuition

€4,268 p.a. 2022/23

 

Fees: Student Contribution

€3,000 p.a. 2022/23

 

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2022/23

 

Fees: Non EU

€23,140 p.a. 2022/23

 

EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy** €140.  **Payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. 

NUI Galway is a research-intensive university, where our teaching is inspired by our global research impact.

 

On the completion of your degree, as a NUI Galway Bachelor of Science graduate you will be equipped with the scientific knowledge and methods, creative problem-solving aptitude and innovation ability required to foster lifelong critical thinking. 

 

Modules and pathways are designed to instill scientific techniques, transferrable skills, and the ability to work equally well individually or in teams. These skills are essential for any career orientated towards research and development (R&D) as well as many other professional careers in industrial, academic and public sectors.

 

The GY301 Bachelor of Science programme is a degree that will empower you to join the next generation of graduates who will face and solve some of the challenges of our changing world, from mitigating against irreversible climate change, meeting the world’s food and energy demands or developing knowledge and technology to protect the health of society and the environment.

 

 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