Applied Plant Biology (BSc (Hons)) at University College Cork

Applied Plant Biology (APB) involves using plants to generate new products, such as foods, pharmaceuticals, or biofuels or processes, to solve environmental problems including food security and dwindling natural resources.

Applied Plant Biology involves using living organisms to deal with pollution or pests attacking crops, or to generate new pharmaceuticals or biofuels. Plants are the ideal living organisms to use in biotechnology. They are already the basis of all our food, as well as being important in medicine and the environment.

APB can contribute to a more sustainable future by developing beneficial fungi to protect plants against crop pests; by producing car fuel from renewable sources such as plant oils; by breeding higher yielding or nutrient-rich crops, or by decontaminating land and wastewater.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Many of our students obtain work experience in plant-based companies and research groups in Ireland and abroad during the summer. A work experience module is also available to Year 4 students. There are also opportunities for APB students to study for a year in universities abroad.

Skills and Careers Information

APB graduates have excellent career prospects and have entered a wide range of careers. This diversity reflects the breadth of the course and the emphasis on transferable skills and practical experience.

In some cases, our graduates work directly with plants, as plant breeders or crop protection scientists. The skills our graduates learn during the APB course mean that they are also employed in broader scientific areas such as the rapidly expanding environmental sector, as well as biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, agricultural support, and health industries.

Other graduates are also employed in scientific research, science management, education, journalism and computing, while several have set up their own companies.