QUALIFICATION/CERTIFICATION

QQI Level 5 Award in Applied Ecology 5M5028

Duration: 1 year

Fee: €50

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

Also includes Online Course on Climate Change:
• Our students will receive certification on completion of an inspiring Rewrite programme, covering the foundations of climate science and exploring the many different touchpoints for climate change in our lives. www.rewriteclimate.com

Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally

HOW WILL I LEARN?

This course provides a strong theoretical and practical foundation in environmental science, exploring everything from local ecosystems to global environmental issues. Students will study topics such as plant science, biodiversity, carbon footprints, the greenhouse effect, and Permaculture Design.

Hands-On Learning

• The course emphasises “learning by doing,” with regular field trips to key ecological sites, including:

• Botanic Gardens – Biodiversity Trail & Tree Study

• Trinity College Biodiversity Garden

• Bull Island – Alder Marsh Study

• IMMA – Grassland & Woodland Habitat Study

• Malahide Castle – 3-Habitat Biodiversity Study

• River Ward – Visual Assessment & Kick Sampling

• River Liffey & Boyne – Water Quality Analysis in Lab

• Permaculture Farm Visit

On-Campus Garden Projects
Students will also carry out biodiversity studies in a dedicated No Mow Zone at the North Strand Campus, working in teams and applying statistics. Guest lecturers will lead workshops in entomology (the study of insects).

Environmental Laboratory

Students will have access to a newly equipped Environmental Lab, where they will gain hands-on experience in:

• Soil testing

• Water quality analysis

• River water sampling and testing

• Microbiology studies

Work Experience & Study Approach
The course includes a mandatory work placement with environmental organisations, providing valuable field experience. Learning is delivered through a mix of:

• Classroom sessions

• Laboratory practicals

• Field work

• Online and onsite study

• Independent assignments

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

A full Award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. You will be assessed throughout and at the end of the year (Continuous Assessment). On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction grade.

WHAT WE WOULD LIKE FROM YOU!

Are you passionate about saving the planet? Does climate change and sustainability concern you? Do you want to make a difference in your career choice? This is the course for you!

CAREER/PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES

After the Course students will be uniquely positioned to understand and contribute to the biggest issues which face our planet today: climate change and biodiversity protection.

Students may also progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme. This course may link to:

UCD Sustainability (DN240)
DCU Climate and Environmental Sustainability (DC294); Humanities (DC009) (Geography)
TU Dublin: Planning & Envir. (TU835); Sustainable Energy Engineering (TU801)
UCD: Arts (DN520) Geography etc.
Maynooth UNI: Arts (MH101) Geography etc.
Dkit: Environmental Science (DK887)
TUS Thurles: Environmental Science & Climate Change (US736)
ATU Sligo: Envir. Sc & Ecology (AU966) etc. Limerick Uni: Environmental Science (LM066); MTU Cork: Environmental Engineering (MT878) ;SETU Waterford: Engineering (Sustainable Energy) (SE700) etc

Also, Cathal Brugha FET College Science Students who graduate & meet the entry requirements for ATU Sligo are guaranteed places on most of their Level 6/7 Science courses. Laboratory apprenticeships are also an option.

Click this course code 5M5028 to see progression routes.  

SEE WHAT STUDENTS SAY

'EBS helped me to move my career in a new direction. Doing the course gave me time to reflect on my next steps, insights into which aspects of environmental work I would like to pursue, and the chance to develop new skills. Cathal Brugha College provides an inclusive and supportive learning space for students of all ages and backgrounds, mainly thanks to the energy and dedication of its teaching staff. The small class size, friendly atmosphere, and central location added greatly to the experience. Every day was different, and all the field trips were both useful and enjoyable. I am now working part-time with the social enterprise Pocket Forests and part-time as part of the Irish Jesuit Province Ecology Team.'

Siobhan McNamara, Student 2022-2023

‘Completing the Environmental Biodiversity and Sustainability course at Cathal Brugha FET (2023/24) was an incredibly rewarding experience. I really appreciated the breadth of topics covered and the opportunity for in-person, hands-on learning through field surveys across a range of habitats. Studying biogeography and the impacts of climate change on ecosystems deepened my understanding of global environmental challenges. The course also gave me valuable insight into what sustainable action looks like in practice. I’m grateful for the skills and knowledge gained, which I’m now applying in conservation projects and environmental education.'

Monika Hegarty, Student 2023-2024

Cathal Brugha FET Campus featured on East Coast FM

Max Kane visited the campus to interview Anne O'Brien and some students about the Environmental Science and Biodiversity course for East Coast FM as part of their ‘Ours to Protect’ Podcast / environmental series. You can listen to the interview below or visit their website.

Ours to Protect Podcast

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Leaving Certificate/LCA

• Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. (RPL Recognition of Prior Learning)

• If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment

• Mature applicants welcome

  Enquiries: anne.obrien@kmcfe.cdetb.ie

Apply for the Course Now