The GY301 Bachelor of Science degree allows you to take a variety of subjects in Science before you decide which scientific area to specialise in for your four-year honours degree. It is the ideal choice if you would like the flexibility to discover your unique scientific interests, building a tailored skillset, specialising step by step as you progress from year to year.

The programme provides a solid foundation in Science subjects in the first year, with introductory module offerings in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Mathematical Studies, Applied Mathematics, and Computing.  Students choose four first year modules, where all modules are available to each student, whether you have studied a similar subject at second level or trying it for the first time, as students of various academic backgrounds are catered for and supported. The combination of modules chosen in Year 1 will be an important consideration when considering Year 2 study paths, as modules provide pre-requisite material satisfying entry into Year 2 subjects.

Progressing into second year, you can choose from a wide range of different specialties, referred to as pathways. Each pathway is a collection of complementary modules, across years 2 to 4, designed to provide a comprehensive study path and graduate skills in that subject area.

Subject areas open to you include:

• Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Plant and AgriBiosciences
• Botany and Plant Science
• Zoology
• Earth and Ocean Sciences
• Physics and Climate Physics
• Physics and Applied Physics
• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics
• Computing
• Data Science
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Pharmacology

You can study up to three of these pathways in Year 2, continuing with up to two pathways in Year 3, before choosing a single specialism for Year 4 of the programme, giving flexibility to discover your unique interests and build a tailored skillset that will lead you onto your scientific specialism. 

To ensure quality in student experience, some guiding boundaries on choice apply:

• Year 1 module selection; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Mathematics , Computing modules are available to each student, regardless of whether you have studied a similar subject at second level or trying it for the first time. Students must choose at least one mathematical module, i.e. at least one of Mathematics, Mathematical Studies or Applied Mathematics. Students cannot take both first-year modules Mathematics or Mathematical Studies, the module Mathematics is tailored for students who may wish to consider a degree specialism in mathematics or data science, and Mathematical Studies guides students in analytic skills required for scientists, sufficient when a student’s main interest is in pursuing pathways of a biological or chemical nature.
• Year 1 modules provide pre-requisite material satisfying entry into Year 2 pathways, therefore the combination of modules chosen in Year 1 will be an important consideration when considering access to pathways of study from Year 2.
• There are no limits in places in first year modules, however, to ensure quality in student experience, places in some Year 2 pathways are limited. Where student demand for a pathway exceeds the quota places, places are allocated with consideration to academic merit achieved within first year studies at the first sitting.
• The combination of pathways a student can take together, in Years 2 and 3, is dependent on timetable compatibility, which may be subject to change.

The modules and pathways of study are delivered by research-active lecturers and thus incorporate course content inspired by current research trends, including public policy and industry partnership, whilst emphasising the importance of science communication. Our curricula embed sustainability and the principles of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, feature innovative teaching methods, and draw on our wide range of strengths from across the sciences at University of Galway.

All pathways incorporate a substantive research project in Year 4, guided by academic researchers focused in the subject area, enhancing graduate attributes and employability.

Pathways in natural sciences, i.e. Botany and Plant Science, Zoology, and Earth and Ocean Sciences, embed field skills opportunities throughout the student experience.

Science students have a growing variety of international exchange opportunities, taking a semester of their study-path abroad, with partnerships in USA, Hong Kong and Erasmus to Europe. Students undertake exchanges in Year 3, eligibility is subject to achieving a minimum merit requirement averaging across first and second year studies.

Curriculum Information

• Experience an informed journey, finding your feet in year 1 exploring introductory modules.
• Unique flexibility to choose subjects from year 2 and map your journey towards your specialism.
• Unrivalled range of appealing subjects in scientific fields.
• Your gateway to a world of opportunities in industry, academia or continuing postgraduate studies.
• Innovative teaching by our world-leading scientists providing a student experience in different environments, with interesting classroom discussions and hands-on practical work in labs using our best equipment.
• Galway's location offers unique possibilities for fieldwork and interaction with our global medtech and data science industries.
• The opportunity of a semester of study abroad in Year 3 (on a competitive basis).
• Supports sustainability, embedded in the delivery of modules and within unique module offerings of sustainability focus.
• Unique final year projects supported by academic researchers, supervisors and mentoring teams engaging you within the practical and research environment of your specialised subject.
• Supportive environment in learning and in the development of graduate skills, with integrated coordinated initiatives; CÉIM peer-shared learning, SUMS, DISC, PUPS, Academic Writing Skills Hubs, Ideas Lab, Career Development Centre.  

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

On the completion of your degree, as a University of 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 instil 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.

Career areas of past graduates include:

•     Medical Devices Research and Development
•     Biotechnology Research and Development
•     Pharmaceuticals
•     Forensic Scientist
•     Infectious Diseases and Environmental Microbiologist
•     Cancer Research
•     Dietician
•     Food Safety Authority, Teagasc
•     Functional Ecologist, Teagasc
•     Biodiversity Specialist
•     National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
•     Senior Inspector, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
•     Renewable Energy Researcher
•     Oil Explorer
•     Marine Environmental Monitoring Services, Marine Institute
•     Meteorologist, Met Eireann
•     Climate Scientist
•     Curator of Astronomy & Modern Physics, Science Museum, London
•     Astronomer
•     Laser Physicist
•     Medical Physicist 
•     Design Engineer
•     Quality Engineer Technician
•     Statistician
•     Data Scientist
•     Software Developer
•     Quantitative Analyst,
•     Mathematical Modelling
•     Financial Services, Actuarial Studies
•     Science Education:
  • • Second-level Science Teacher
    • Science Education Researcher
    • Lecturer
•     Science Communicator

Science students have a growing variety of international exchange opportunities, taking a semester of their study-path abroad, with partnerships in USA, Hong Kong and Erasmus to Europe. Students undertake exchanges in Year 3, eligibility is subject to achieving a minimum merit requirement averaging across first and second year studies.

Learning and Assessment
The Bachelor of Science degree is designed to develop students’ proficiency in scientific knowledge while fostering critical thinking. Typically, engagement with each module will involve a mixture of lectures, support tutorials, and practical work, and usually assessed with a coursework element as well as an exam.

How Will I Learn?

1. Lectures - You will be guided through the key learning outcomes of a module via presentation, immerse yourself in knowledge and  receive a structured learning path. Many lecturers engage students through interactive classes, multimedia resources, practical applications, demonstration and discussion.   
2. Technology-Enhanced Learning – Your independent learning is fostered and guided by integration of tailored online tools. All modules are supported in the Canvas learning environment.
3. Laboratory Work – From wet-labs to computer-labs, the pathways offered in the programme have a strong laboratory-based learning element embedded in the modules, with students supported in being hands-on applying knowledge and observing outcomes, with skilled tutors guiding your success in the laboratory environment.  
4. Field Skills - Students can develop skills and explore learning objectives in the context of environmental studies, as applicable to some pathways of study in the programme.

How Will I Be Assessed?
Assessment is designed specifically for each module given context of the learning outcomes.

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework offers the benefit of receiving regular feedback on your progress. This may include; workings of exercises, reports on laboratory or field work, reports of statistical methods and findings, presentation through the medium of slides and posters, interactive online exercises and self-assessment quizzes, in-class quizzes.
2. Project Work - All pathways offer final-year students the opportunity to engage in a research project, exploring a subject-related topic led by you, the student, with the guidance of a supervisor, applying your skills in real-world contexts.
3. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May.

The Overall Degree mark awarded is a combination of the penultimate (third) year of study, contributing 30%, and final (fourth) year of study, contributing 70%.

Course queries:
science-engineering@universityofgalway.ie

Programme Director(s):
Dr Emma Holian
The College of Science and Engineering
E: science-engineering@universityofgalway.ie   
T: 091 492182

Q: Do I need to have done science in school to enter this course?
A: Yes, you need one ‘laboratory science’ subject alongside Maths and English. See section “Entry Requirements” for more detail.

Q: Are the first-year modules offered in the course the same as second-level subjects or do I need to have studied a subject at second-level to study that subject in first year?
A: First year modules are introductory modules in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Computing, and not necessarily the same as second-level subjects of the same name. Content in first year modules is selected to provide the required introductory material as solid foundation before entering Year 2 subjects. Students choose four first year modules, where all modules are available to each student, whether you have studied a similar subject at second level or trying it for the first time, as students of various academic backgrounds are catered for and supported.

Q: Am I guaranteed my choice of subject-pathway in year 2 and in subsequent years?
A: To access Year 2 subjects a student must have selected the required combination of first year introductory modules, and, to ensure quality in student experience, places in some Year 2 pathways are limited to a capacity quota. Where student demand for a pathway exceeds the quota places, places are allocated in order of rank with consideration to academic merit achieved within first year studies at the first sitting. Once a student begins their journey in a subject in Year 2 there is no restriction to studying that subject into Year 3 and into Year 4 if they choose to do so.

Q: Can I take any combination of pathways in Years 2 and Year 3?
A: The Bachelor of Science course offers of a wide range of choice in pathways-subjects, and its flexibility means you can take combinations of pathways at Year 2 and Year 3. Specifically at Year 3, pathway combinations are academically designed to maximise your potential graduate attributes. However, even with this flexibility and academic design, some limitations of combinations do exist due to timetable constraints. 

Minimum Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways
The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

 Other Qualifications
If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office
Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

• Most EU students applying through the CAO will be eligible for the ‘Free Fees Initiative’. You can find out more here.
• If you are eligible for a means tested SUSI grant this may cover 100% of this Student Contribution Charge. If you are 100% eligible SUSI will pay the Student Contribution Charge of €3,000 on your behalf. 
• The Student Levy It is payable by all students and it is not covered by SUSI
• Where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing year fees. This applies to non-EU fees.
• You can find additional detail on the Fees Office webpage including FAQs and how fee status is assessed.

University of Galway is committed to attracting high-calibre students from around the world. To this end, we offer a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of outside of the EU countries, in line with our strategic international priorities. For international students commencing study at University of Galway there are a number of different scholarships on offer.

Undergraduate Excellence Awards (€10,000 - €20,000):
€10,000 for one student each in the Schools of Engineering and Natural Sciences (offered for four years)

More details here

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information
Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.