Course Summary
Plants are the ultimate solar-powered biological systems selected by evolution. Botany and Plant Science conduct fundamental and applied research on plants at all levels, including ecosystems, communities, species, individuals, tissues, cells and molecules (e.g., genetics, biochemistry). We investigate many types of plants including algae (e.g., seaweeds, diatoms), mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and flowering (seed) plants, including wild plants, model genetic organisms (e.g., Arabidopsis) and cultivated plants (e.g., crops, forestry). Plant research is the key biosciences topic for future sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Application Details
Course Code: 1SPS1
Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.
Fees
€5,750 p.a. (€5,890 including levy) 2024/25
Fees: Non EU
€15,000 p.a. (€15,140 including levy) 2024/25
Extra Information
EU Part time: Year 1 €4,250 p.a. (€4,390 including levy) 2024/25
All students, irrespective of funding, must pay the student levy of €140.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.