School of Science

Welcome to the School of Science at ATU Donegal. We provide a friendly, inclusive, student orientated approach to Teaching and Learning. We encourage and facilitate small group teaching and in a recent survey of our current students 90% of our students would choose the School of Science again if they had to start over.

The School has expanded rapidly over the last 10 years and this is due to the attractive range of courses on offer and the exciting student experience that awaits. Students can progress from Higher Certificate to Doctoral level. Students can gain extra qualifications in the form of Special Purpose Awards in Civic/Social engagement, industrial studies and student-led initiatives. We are committed to promoting Civic Engagement and to supporting our students in becoming active citizens.

The School boasts state-of-the-art facilities including in-house hospital wards, new science laboratories, veterinary and dental nursing suites, all of which simulate the working environment and support the Teaching and Learning ethos of our School. 

We provide education that meets the needs of industry, employers, academic and research careers. Our courses are an excellent blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills which are focused on producing work ready graduates who meet the needs of employers. Practical skills are reinforced with work placements with over 50% of our programmes having an in-built work placement. The School continually reviews its existing courses to ensure that they meet the demands of students, employers and society in general.
 
The diversity of the current programmes, combined with the academic expertise and industrial and commercial awareness within the School, ensures that the programmes offered by the School of Science continue to meet the ever-changing needs and requirements of employers and the research community.

We continue to evolve and develop programmes that meet the demands of industry and employers. Our staff provide the highest quality Teaching and Learning environment for our students and our graduates continue to surpass expectations and push boundaries within their chosen careers and professions. A fact that we at the School of Science are extremely proud of. 

Did you know:

  • There are plenty of jobs in science and technology particularly in ICT, software, pharma and medical devices
  • There are over 120,000 employed in tech sector many in companies which didn’t exist 10 years ago
  • Graduates with science qualifications make money and progress faster in this career
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates have cross-marketability of skills
  • Similar salaries exist between men and women in the STEM fields
  • Basic skills gained in your STEM course won’t become obsolete.

Department of Nursing and Health Studies

If you are looking for a rewarding career in Nursing, Early Childhood Care, Health and Social Care then look no further than the Department of Nursing and Health Studies at ATU Donegal.

We live in a constantly changing world, but that’s nothing to worry about, as change spurs innovative ideas and stretches possibilities. How do you prepare for that? You learn. Knowledge is an exceptionally important gift but real understanding comes from experience. The type of experience that enables you to adapt what you’ve learned to whatever opportunities come your way.  That’s why our courses include early contact with the real world of Nursing and Healthcare. That’s what gives meaning and authenticity to your course. This experience will provide you with multiple opportunities to develop, integrate and consolidate the knowledge and skills learned throughout your programme of study in the Department of Nursing and Health Studies.

The career opportunities from our programmes are endless. Our course in Early Childhood Care, Health and Education can lead to Primary Teaching. If you are interested in a career in Youth, Community Work or Social Work then our Level 6 and 8 courses in Health and Social Care will provide you with that pathway.  If you have already attained your level 8 qualification and want to enhance your skills then why not consider our taught Masters programmes in Advancing Health and Social Care and Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs.

We provide nursing programmes in General, Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Nursing. All courses are accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. An extensive part of these programmes are the placements in healthcare settings. Career opportunities locally, nationally and internationally await for our nursing graduates. 

Department of Science

The Department of Science at ATU Donegal is a dynamic and vibrant Department which has expanded rapidly over the past five years. This growth can be attributed to the Department developing new niche programmes in Science related disciplines such as Veterinary Nursing, Dental Nursing, Agriculture and Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science. 

The demand for graduates with qualifications in Science and Science related disciplines is expected to remain high within the Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, Agriculture, Food and Healthcare sectors. The blend of academic and practical skills which you will develop while studying with the Department of Science at ATU Donegal will leave you well placed to achieve employment or progress your studies in your chosen field.  

2018 will be the first year of our new BSc (Hons) in Agriculture with degree award options in Animal and Crop Science and Environmental Management. Students on this programme have a full semester placement in Year 2. The work placement element of our programmes provides exceptional learning opportunities for our students and it also creates a valuable network of employers for students seeking future employment. 

Ireland is home to many of the top global Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical companies and together with our Bioanalytical Science programme, our new programme in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Science will leave our graduates well placed to secure employment in these ever-expanding sector.  If having completed your degree, you are inspired to research, opportunities to complete Masters and Doctoral research are also available in the Department of Science at ATU Donegal. 

If you are interested in becoming a secondary school teacher then the BSc Bioscience level 7, followed by the level 8 add-on programme in Bioanalytical Science or the four year BSc (Hons) in Bioanalytical Science, will provide you with a pathway to teaching Biology and Science. This progression pathway has been accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland. Many of our past graduates have secured employment as secondary school teachers in the region and beyond. 

Our Veterinary Nursing, Dental Nursing and Pharmacy Technician programmes also have extensive in-built placements. From Semester 1, Year 1 students will be placed in the work environment, thus combining workplace learning with the fantastic Teaching and Learning provided by ATU Donegal staff delivering these programmes.