Expand+Course Requirements
Subjects Required
Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

General Entry Requirements
A minimum of six Leaving Certific...

Hide-Course Requirements
Subjects Required
Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science

General Entry Requirements
A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade O6 or H7, with at least two at H5, which must include the subjects Mathematics AND either English or Irish.

Leaving Certificate Mathematics Requirements
DCU does not award points for the subject of Mathematics at Leaving Certificate Ordinary Alternative or Foundation Level.

This subject will be accepted for admission purposes for the following courses:

BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies
BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
BSc in Education and Training
BA in Journalism
BA in International Relations
BA in Communication Studies
BA Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht (Irish and Journalism)
Bachelor of Civil Law (Law and Society)
BSc in Multimedia
Bachelor of Arts (Joint Honours)
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Leaving Certificate Subject Combinations
Certain subjects will not be scored separately if they occur in combination with subjects that are similar in content. In each case, the highest individual grade will be scored.

The following six groups of subjects are affected by this:
1 Music and Musicianship, Music A, Music B

2 Economics, Agricultural Economics

3 Physics with Chemistry – if combined with Physics and Chemistry, only two best scored – if combined with Physics or Chemistry, only best scored

4 History, Economics and Economic History – if all three are taken, only the best two will be scored

5 Latin, Classical Studies

6 Greek, Classical Studies

Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded in 2017 for higher level mathematics, at grades H6 and above in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Expand+Applicants who have a full FETAC Level 5 award in the appropriate qualifications and modules, with a minimum of five distinctions, can be admitted on a competitive basis to certain DCU courses. There are a limited number of places available on course...

Hide-Applicants who have a full FETAC Level 5 award in the appropriate qualifications and modules, with a minimum of five distinctions, can be admitted on a competitive basis to certain DCU courses. There are a limited number of places available on courses.

FETAC has made changes to the CAS (Common Awards System). Please refer to the DCU website for specific details on the range of FETAC awards which link into the university’s Level 8 degree courses.

General Entry Requirements

• Full FETAC Level 5 Certification must be achieved in one single sitting.

• FETAC awards are normally made up of eight minor awards, commonly known as modules.

• Five distinctions from the eight modules must be achieved.

Course Entry Requirements
Additional course requirements are indicated in the details of each course in this prospectus. This requires the attainment of performance in specifically named FETAC Level 5 awards and in some cases, the inclusion of specific modules. For example, for the BSc in Education and Training, students must attain the full FETAC Level 5 award with distinctions in five modules, but three of the distinctions must be in modules that DCU specifies. Please visit www.cao.ie/ index.php?page=fetac_search for the most up-to-date information on course requirements.

Applying to DCU

Candidates make their application to DCU through the CAO and are ranked based on their performance in the eight modules that make up their award. From 2017 the points awarded for FETAC awards will be revised.

Please visit www2.cao.ie/fetac/FETAC_scoring.pdf for scoring information.

Please note
1 A Major Award must be achieved. Component Certificates or Records of Achievement are not acceptable.

2 In certain courses, DCU will require the achievement of certain grades and/or specified components, e.g. five distinctions, including a minimum pass in Mathematics, or four specific science modules.

3 A Major Award may be achieved over a number of sittings; however, for scoring purposes, only results achieved in a single sitting, e.g. between 1st August and 31st July are assessed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their FETAC centre applies for a Major Award to FETAC where courses are taken over more than one year.

Expand+EU/EEA and Non-EU
DCU has an active mature student body and strongly encourages applications from mature candidates (those aged 23 years or above on 1st January in the year of entry). As a mature student, your wealth of knowledge and experience wi...

Hide-EU/EEA and Non-EU
DCU has an active mature student body and strongly encourages applications from mature candidates (those aged 23 years or above on 1st January in the year of entry). As a mature student, your wealth of knowledge and experience will make a valuable contribution to the university, and we are always working towards widening participation to allow mature students gain entry onto DCU courses.

What are the entry requirements?
Applying as a mature applicant means that you do not compete with Leaving Certificate students for places at DCU. Instead, experience other than examination grades is taken into consideration – this may be work experience, further studies or other relevant experience. For some courses, however, particular Leaving Certificate subjects may be necessary. In all cases, the university will want to know that you have the ability and motivation to make the most of your studies at DCU.

What supports are available for mature students?
There is a wide network of services. The Mature Student Academic Writing Week prepares you for college life through workshops on topics such as academic writing, citing and referencing. Other topics include supports for students at DCU, such as the Mathematics Learning Centre, IT supports and the Mature Student Society. You will also have access to Student Support and Development workshops throughout the academic year for example CV Clinics, Learning Students and Motivational Workshops.

What financial supports are available to mature students?
There are a number of sources, including the Government’s Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Back to Education Allowance and the DCU Student Assistance Fund, once a registered DCU student. Information on these schemes is available at www.studentfinance.ie.

Where can I find out more?
For the Mature Student Officer, please contact 01 700 6987. For general and admission enquiries, please contact the Registry on T +353 (0)1 700 5338 E registry@dcu.ie

How do I apply?
All mature applicants for full-time study must apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February in the year of entry.

Expand+There are many different ways to enter DCU. While candidates are primarily assessed on the basis of their second level examinations, other assessments are in place for mature students, students from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, students ...

Hide-There are many different ways to enter DCU. While candidates are primarily assessed on the basis of their second level examinations, other assessments are in place for mature students, students from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, students with disabilities/specific learning difficulties and transfer students. The university is committed to welcoming students from countries worldwide. For Undergraduate Admissions - General Information please go to: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/undergrad.shtml

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2017 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2017 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2017 CAO Handbook: Fee €50 Closing Date: 22nd July 2017 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2017 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2017, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2017 CAO Handbook.

Late Applications (Exception to Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these three HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2017 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.

Expand+Why DCU?
• The only environmental science and health course of its kind in Ireland.

• Students specialise in two of three streams: chemistry, physics or biotechnology.

• Opportunities to participate in multiple dedicated field trips.

• Rele...

Hide-Why DCU?
• The only environmental science and health course of its kind in Ireland.

• Students specialise in two of three streams: chemistry, physics or biotechnology.

• Opportunities to participate in multiple dedicated field trips.

• Relevant paid work experience.

• Research projects in chemistry, biotechnology and physics.
• Environmental science and environmental health are growth areas, offering excellent career prospects.

Understanding Environmental Science and Health:
In recent years, we have all become increasingly aware of environmental issues and their effects on our health. Problems such as diminishing fossil fuel reserves, radioactive and general waste management, and climate change have captured the imagination of the public and politicians alike. This course explores the environment around us, the technologies used for its analysis, and the environmental impacts of our activities from a scientific and health perspective.

You will gain an understanding of the causes of the problems we face, how to analyse them and how to gain the skills necessary to understand and reduce their impact on our environment and the public’s health.

In third year, you will choose two of three streams: biotechnology, chemistry and physics, the aim of which is to develop an in-depth knowledge of the underlying science or our physical environment and explore technologies to monitor our environment in two disciplines.

About You
If you are interested in our environment, and are looking for a career exploring and understanding the impact of changes to it, then Environmental Science and Health can provide you with the skills and experience you need.

Course Structure
One of the core objectives of this course is to integrate elements of physics, chemistry, biology and health in a multidisciplinary way, ensuring that you understand all the sciences from an environmental perspective. This will give you a greater working knowledge of the influences on the environment and, as a result, will present you with greater job opportunities when you graduate.

Year One provides the essential background knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. These are of vital importance in later years. In Year Two, you will continue to develop your knowledge in these areas from an environmental viewpoint, and begin to explore human health as well as develop IT and computing skills.

In Year Three, you choose two out of the three streams of biotechnology, chemistry and physics, allowing you to develop specialised skills in your area of interest. You will explore employer relevant environmental issues, including legislation and health and safety and you will also have the opportunity to work on a paid industrial (INTRA) placement, gaining valuable relevant work experience in your chosen area of expertise. Practical work is conducted in modern science laboratories and through onsite and field trip visits.

In Year Four you will continue with your chosen specialism. Additionally you will carry out a semester-long research project, with topics offered from across the entire Science and Health Faculty.

International Students
As a non-native English speaker who does not meet the English language requirements, you may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course. This course will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry into this course. It will also help you to adjust to the culture of Irish university learning. See page 124 of the UG College prospectus 2017 for full details of the IFC course.

Expand+YEAR ONE

Chemistry
Physics
Biology Laboratories
Mathematics
Chemistry
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Microbiology and Genetics
Interdisciplinary and Environmental Science
Physics

Year 2
Environmental Chemistry Laboratories
Micro...

Hide-YEAR ONE

Chemistry
Physics
Biology Laboratories
Mathematics
Chemistry
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Microbiology and Genetics
Interdisciplinary and Environmental Science
Physics

Year 2
Environmental Chemistry Laboratories
Microbiology and Genetics
Understanding the Body
Visualisation and Validation
Epidemiology
Environmental Biotechnology / Environmental
Physics Laboratories
Kinetics and Thermodynamics
Environmental Analysis
Linear Mathematics
Programming

YEAR THREE
Field Trip
Environmental Legislation
Health and Safety
Environmental Monitoring and Data Analysis
INTRA

BIOTECHNOLOGY PATHWAY OPTIONS
Biochemical and Microbiological Analysis
Environmental Biotechnology
Biomolecules and Metabolism

CHEMISTRY PATHWAY OPTIONS
Aquatic and Atmospheric Chemistry
Chemistry Laboratories
Organic Chemistry

PHYSICS PATHWAY OPTIONS
Geophysics
Meteorology
Atmospheric and Sound Physics

YEAR FOUR
Environmental Ethics
Literature Review
Project

BIOTECHNOLOGY PATHWAY OPTIONS
Environmental Biotechnology
Environmental Toxicology

CHEMISTRY PATHWAY OPTIONS
Environmental Organic Chemistry and Soil Science
Advanced Analytical Applications
Waste and Energy

PHYSICS PATHWAY OPTIONS
Applied Spectroscopy
Physics of Renewable Energy
Introduction to Differential Equations