Environmental Science - Research

Research activity/research clusters

Environmental research is undertaken by a wide range of disciplines including Botany, Chemistry, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Microbiology, Physics and Zoology and these should be referred to for further detail. Research areas covered specifically by Environmental Science are given below.

Candidates for the degree of PhD or MSc by research must have reached a high honours standard (minimum H2.2 [or equivalent international qualification] for an MSc) at the examination for the primary degree or presented such other evidence as will satisfy the Head of School and the College of his/her fitness.

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Course Code: MSC-ENVS

MSc (full-time)

MSc (part-time)

Research Areas


Agri-environmental research:

Determination of High Nature Value farmland in Ireland.

Effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes in delivering biodiversity objectives.

Biodiversity of upland farms in relation to differing farming practices.


Biodiversity:

Climate change impacts on biodiversity.

Ecological investigations of rare or endangered species including the Kerry Slug, Carabus clatratus (ground beetle), the otter.

Use of terrestrial invertebrate species (Diptera, Carabidae, Arachnidae) as bioindicators of habitat quality.


Biological control:

Investigation of the use of potential biological control of agricultural pests and diseases.

Determination of optimum growing conditions of marsh flies (Diptera : Sciomyzidae) for use in the control of mollusc pests.

Behavioural studies on the feeding behaviour of biological control agents.


Habitat management:

Effects of forestry practices on biodiversity.

Sustainable management of protected coastal dune systems impacted by tourism.

Grazing effects on upland habitats.


Wetland studies:

Development of sustainable management practices for peatlands, fens, flood meadows and turloughs.

Impacts of agriculture and urban development on wetland function.

Peatland restoration and rehabilitation techniques.

Waste management.