The University of Galway, also known as National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG), is a public research university located in Galway, Ireland. It was founded in 1845 as Queen's College, Galway, and became a constituent college of the National University of Ireland in 1908.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, law, medicine, engineering, and science. NUIG is known for its strengths in research, particularly in the areas of biomedicine, environmental science, and human rights.

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The GY301 Bachelor of Science degree programme 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 for students who are interested in several areas of science and who want the flexibility to explore their scientific interests further before committing to a particular specialism. The programme provides a solid foundation in Science subjects in the first year, with module offerings in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Studies, Computing and Applied Mathematics. Progressing into second and third year you can choose from a wide range of 20 different specialties, referred to as pathways, including Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Plant and AgriBiosciences, Botany and Plant Science, Zoology, Earth and Ocean Sciences, Physics and Applied Physics, Physics and Climate Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computing, Data Science, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology. You can study up to three of those 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, places in some pathways are limited, a quota system applies to pathways in Year 2. The pathways are designed and 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. Show less

Year 1
A student chooses four 15-credit modules from the following:

Biology BO101
Chemistry CH101
Physics PH101
Mathematics (Honours) MA180
Mathematical Studies MA161
Applied Mathematics MP180
Computer Science CS102
Each Year 1 module is available to each student of the GY301 Bachelor of Science programme, with no limits on places, with only the constraint that students must choose at least one module from: MA180, MA161 or MP180. Only one of MA180 (tailored for students who may wish to consider a degree specialism in mathematics or data science) and MA161 (which guides students in analytic skills required for scientists) may be taken. The combination of modules chosen in Year 1 will be important as requirements in selecting focused pathways of study from Year 2. First year students will have an advisory session to aid in module selection, and further information and guidance can be found in the 1st year student handbook.

Year 1 modules are supported by lectures, which provide discussion and demonstration of topics, by tutorials or workshops, and by practical classes offering extensive and hands-on laboratory experience. Students are supported by the CÉIM shared peer learning initiative, by the SUMS Centre (Support for Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics) and an Advisory Scheme in which each student has a contact point with an academic staff member to help answer general queries throughout their first year.

Year 2
In Year 2 of the programme students begin a specialised path of study. Modules are grouped by focused themes providing a pathway toward a specialism. Students can study up to three pathways in Year 2, where eligibility for the pathways depends on the combination of modules chosen in Year 1. Note that places on some pathways are limited – advisory sessions are provided, during which pathway advisors will be available to discuss module options.

Years 3 and 4
In year 3 of the programme students continue their focused paths of study, retaining up to two pathways, choosing a single specialism in either Year 3 or Year 4. In Year 4 - the final year - students study advanced modules and undertake an intensive research project in their chosen area guided by an academic supervisor, leading to their specialist Bachelor of Science degree.

Pathways:
Pathways Years 2-4:

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

More details on the pathway offerings, structures, and registration directions can be found in the Course Outline here.

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The National University of Ireland Galway, commonly known as University of Galway or simply NUI Galway, is a public research university located in Galway, Ireland. It was founded in 1845 as Queen's College Galway and became a university in 1908. NUI Galway is one of Ireland's leading universities, with a strong focus on research and innovation, and a reputation for excellence in teaching and learning. The university has five colleges - Arts, Social Sciences, and Celtic Studies; Business, Public Policy and Law; Engineering and Informatics; Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences; and Science. NUI Galway offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, science and technology, medicine, nursing, and business. NUI Galway is known for its research excellence, with particular strengths in areas such as biomedical science, environmental science, humanities and social sciences, and information technology. The university has several research institutes and centers focused on these areas, and has established partnerships with leading research institutions around the world. The university is located on a beautiful campus on the banks of the River Corrib, just a short walk from the vibrant city center of Galway. With its lively cultural scene, excellent restaurants and pubs, and easy access to the stunning natural beauty of the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a popular destination for students from around the world.

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it

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