Applied Plant Biology BSc

Program Overview

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The Applied Plant Biology (APB) BSc (Hons) degree program at University College Cork equips students with the knowledge and skills to address critical environmental issues through plant-based solutions. The program emphasizes practical experience through laboratory, glasshouse, and field practicals, preparing graduates for careers in various sectors, including agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, and research. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, the program contributes to a more sustainable future by exploring the potential of plants in breeding higher-yielding crops, decontaminating land, and advancing biotechnology.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

• Overview: Applied Plant Biology (APB) is a four-year BSc (Hons) degree program that addresses critical environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and food security.
It also explores the use of plants in generating new products like food, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels.
• Objectives: The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address these challenges through plant-based solutions.
It emphasizes the role of plants in sustainable agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, and environmental remediation.
• Program Description: The program focuses on using living organisms, particularly plants, to tackle environmental problems and ensure food security.
It explores the potential of plants in biotechnology, sustainable agriculture, and other fields.

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Outline:

• Structure: The program is divided into four years of study.
• Course Schedule:
• Year 1:
Students take modules from either the Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) or Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (CK404) programs.
• Year 2: Students engage in laboratory, glasshouse, and field practicals.
They also visit various sites in County Cork.
• Year 3: Students participate in a residential field course in London and have the opportunity to study abroad through Erasmus.
• Year 4: Students undertake a six-month independent research project, working alongside research groups in the laboratory or field.
They also have the option to participate in a work experience module.
• Modules:
• Year 1:
Refer to Biological and Chemical Sciences (CK402) and Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (CK404) for details on Year 1 module options.
• Year 2, 3, and 4: Refer to the Academic Programme Catalogue (Applied Plant Biology) for a complete and up-to-date list of core and elective module options.
Note that modules are subject to change.

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Assessment:

• Methods:
• Written exams (before Christmas and in May)
• Continuous assessment (essays, practical exercises, field reports, multiple-choice questionnaires, presentations, project work)
• Six-month research project in Year 4
• Criteria: The range of assessments aims to provide a broad skills base relevant to future employment.

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Teaching:

• Methods: The program incorporates a combination of laboratory, glasshouse, and field practicals.
• Faculty: The program is taught by faculty members within the Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) department.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through field trips, research projects, and work experience opportunities.

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Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Plant breeders
• Crop protection scientists
• Environmental scientists
• Biotechnology professionals
• Food scientists
• Pharmaceutical professionals
• Agricultural support specialists
• Health industry professionals
• Scientific researchers
• Science managers
• Educators
• Journalists
• Computing professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• Opportunities: Graduates have excellent career prospects due to the program's emphasis on transferable skills and practical experience.
• Outcomes: The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in various sectors, including agriculture, biotechnology, environmental science, and research.

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Other:

• Program Highlights:
• The program is invaluable for students seeking careers in academia and industry.
• Graduates learn skills such as tissue culture, genetic manipulation, experimental design, data analysis, and reporting.
• The program contributes to a more sustainable future by developing sustainable agriculture and forestry systems, breeding higher-yielding crops, and decontaminating land and wastewater.
• Students have opportunities for work experience in plant-based companies and research groups in Ireland and abroad.
• The program emphasizes the importance of plants in food systems and biotechnology.

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The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. Students will be expected to pay for some small laboratory items such as lab coats and contribute towards the cost of field trips.