BSc in Environmental Toxicology (ab initio)
BSc in Environmental Toxicology
| Duration | Mode | Level | Application to | Latest Points | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | Full Time | 7 | CAO |
|
Environmental toxicology is a branch of toxicology that became established in the mid-1960s. In essence, it is the multi-disciplinary study of the effects and detection of toxic substances in the environment.
Environmental toxicology draws upon both basic and applied scientific knowledge to understand natural and anthropogenic (man-made) pollutants’ life cycle and their impact on structures and functions of biological and ecological systems. In this programme, the effects of environmental toxins will be investigated at the level of molecules, cells, tissues, organs, organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. The main questions posed by environmental toxicologists are: how pollutant causes harmful effects, how can we measure the extent of the effects, and what can we do to prevent or minimize the risk to biological and ecological systems?
As well as possessing specialist scientific knowledge, environmental toxicologists are required to have strong communication skills (written and oral), IT skills, time management skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Graduates of this course will acquire an indepth understanding and appreciation of the complexities of environmental toxicology while mastering competencies in the practical in-vivo and in-vitro assessment of toxicants.
This unique three-year ab initio level 7 degree programme provides an integrated, coordinated and comprehensive education in environmental toxicology. It will equip you to work in a wide range of sectors such as pharmachemical and healthcare companies, contract research and testing, chemical and manufacturing companies, government environmental and regulatory agencies, health services (among others). In addition, the recent enactment of a European Union Directive called REACH, which deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances, mandates the environmental toxicity assessment of chemicals which are in common use.Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
Grade D3 at ordinary level in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
FETAC
FETAC applicants to this programme must hold the following award: Laboratory Techniques (CASLT). They are also required to have the module Mathematics (C20139) included in their award or alternatively have Leaving Certificate Mathematics. They must also possess distinctions in three modules.
Modules
Year 1Learning to Learn, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics for Scientists, Information Technology for Scientists, Current Scientific Issues through Enquiry-Based Learning and Scientific Computing.
Year 2
Biochemistry, Genetics & Forensics, General & Applied Microbiology, Analytical Techniques, Organic Chemistry, Mathematics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Physical & Inorganic Chemistry and Probability & Statistics.
Year 3
Biochemical & Forensic Toxicology, Ecotoxicology, Analytical & Forensic Toxicology, Toxicological Pathology, Genotoxicology, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Toxicology and Occupational Regulatory Affairs.
Progression
As a graduate of this programme you are eligible to apply to join the BSc (Hons) in Human & Animal Toxicology or the BSc (Hons) in Applied Biosciences at AIT or related Level 8 programmes at other third-level institutions. The course provides suitable training to enable graduates to pursue a variety of career opportunities. These include employment in the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries; in research and development laboratories, in ensuring the safety of new products; and in regulatory agencies concerned with the monitoring and control of toxic agents. A number of graduates of this course have obtained employment as environmental science technicians.
Professional Recognition
Career Opportunities
The course provides suitable training to enable graduates to pursue a variety of career opportunities. These include employment in the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries; in research and development laboratories, in ensuring the safety of new products; and in regulatory agencies concerned with the monitoring and control of toxic agents. With the recent enactment of environmental legislation, several graduates of this course have obtained employment as environmental science technicians.
