BSC-BIOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCES

Interested in finding solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises? With this 4-year degree you'll explore how Earth supports a diversity of climates, landforms, ecosystems and species; and investigate how human activity impacts the environment.

November Open Days Download our Prospectus
Qualification
Bachelor Of Biological And Geographical Sciences
CAO Points
401
CAO/MU Apply code
MH203
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

Creating effective solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises requires a blended understanding of how organisms, the environment and climate interact together.

Over four years, this programme integrates cutting-edge themes in geographical and ecosystem science:

  • Exploring how the dynamic planet Earth supports a diversity of climates, landforms, ecosystems and species
  • Investigating how human activity is impacting on the environment from a local to a global scale

You will also learn state-of-the art technical skills informed by the latest research at MU and beyond, including:

  • Climate Science
  • Environmental Biology
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Advanced Field Skills
  • Ecosystem Functioning
  • Microbiomes
  • Remote Sensing
  • Molecular Ecology
  • Landscape Processes
  • Data Science and Visualisation

Our students benefit from the international strengths, advanced technical competency and expertise of both the Biology and Geography Departments. Expect to obtain integrated training in the applied areas of:

  • environmental data acquisition
  • experimental observation and analysis

Course structure

Duration: 4 years

First year

  • 15 credits Geography
  • 15 credits Biology
  • 15 credits Mathematics
  • Either 15 credits of Introduction to Data Science OR 15 credits of Experimental Physics

Second year

  • 20 credits Biology
  • 20 credits Geograph
  • 20 credits of Data Science

OR

  • 20 credits blended Data Science, Critical Skills (Communication) and Options

Third year

  • Concentrate on Biological AND Geographical Sciences (30/30 credits), OR choose to also continue with Data Science (20/20/20 credits)

Fourth year

  • Concentrate on Biological and Geographical Sciences and associated research activities (thesis) and/or a short work placement - subject to availability

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

BL1F15 - Biology

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Biology modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI102

7.5

2

Y

BI101

7.5

1

Y

GY1BF15 - Geographical Sciences

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Geographical Sciences modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY161

7.5

1

N

GY162

7.5

2

N

GY151

7.5

1

N

GY152

7.5

2

N

MT1SF15 - Mathematics

Credits: 15  |  Compulsory

Mathematics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MT101SC

5

1

Y

MT102SC

5

2

Y

MT113SC

5

Year-Long

Y

DS1F15 - Data Science

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Data Science modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

DS151

7.5

1

Y

DS152

7.5

2

Y

EP1F15 - Experimental Physics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Experimental Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

EP101

7.5

1

Y

EP102

7.5

2

Y

Year 2

BG2SM - Biological And Geographical Sciences

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Biological And Geographical Sciences modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI203

5

1

Y

GY217

5

2

Y

GY213

5

1

Y

SK252

5

2

N

SK251

5

1

N

ST201

5

1

N

ST202

5

2

N

BI207

5

1

Y

BI204

5

2

Y

GY208

5

2

N

GY214

5

2

Y

GY212

5

1

Y

BI220

5

2

Y

ST221

5

1

N

BI210

5

2

N

ST204

5

2

N

ST203

5

1

N

Year 3

BG3SM - Biological And Geographical Sciences

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Biological And Geographical Sciences modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

BI310

5

1

N

GY313

5

1

N

ST302

5

1

N

BI305

5

1

Y

BI303

5

1

Y

GY314

5

1

N

BI320

5

2

Y

GY308A

5

2

Y

GY312

5

2

N

ST304

5

2

N

GY304

5

1

Y

GY315

5

2

N

ST303

5

1

N

BI302

5

2

N

GY369

5

1

N

GY367

5

2

Y

BI306

5

2

N

ST301

5

1

N

BI352

5

1

Y

BG321

30

1

N

BG322

30

1

N

ST306

5

2

N

Year 4

BG4SM - Biological And Geographical Sciences

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Biological And Geographical Sciences modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

GY467

5

1

Y

BI453

10

Year-Long

N

BI452

10

Year-Long

N

BI450

10

Year-Long

N

GY414

5

2

Y

GY411

5

1

Y

BI451

5

1

Y

BI435

5

2

Y

GY403

10

Year-Long

Y

BI420

5

Year-Long

Y

GY412

5

2

Y

BI454

5

2

Y

After Graduation

You will learn key transferable skills, all valuable in future careers, including:

  • independent thinking and analysis
  • working with data
  • advanced technical writing
  • presentation skills
  • group-working and leadership

Examples of careers for graduates of this degree include:

  • environmental consultancy
  • geographical information systems officer
  • data scientist (environment and natural resources)
  • careers in science publishing and communication
  • biology careers in research, healthcare and conservation
  • Graduates can also continue their studies with a PME and become a post-primary teacher of Biology and Geography to Higher Level Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate Science.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present 2H5 & 4O6/H7, Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 Science subject (one of Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Physics or Physics with Chemistry).

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

Yes

O6

H7

* This course requires 2 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

There is a potential transfer opportunity into this degree from BSc Bachelor of Science MH201.

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University Department of Biology
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/biology

Maynooth University Department of Geography
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/geography

Course Query

General Query

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