Ecology: Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland

Overview

Key Facts

County Galway, on Ireland’s Atlantic West Coast is a land of contrasts. Influenced by its oceanic climate, glacial history, hydrology, geology and human habitation, it has developed a variety of beautiful landscapes with unique and fascinating habitats and species. From the fertile rocks of the Burren karst limestone, to the raised bogs of the midlands, the sheer cliffs of the Aran Islands to the salt marshes of Galway Bay, there is a wealth of natural history to explore.

The  Ecology: Living Landscapes in the West of Ireland course of the University of Galway  adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to studying ecology so the learners engage with all aspects of how these ecosystems are created and maintained through natural processes and anthropogenic activity.  It will also consider conservation and sustainability issues and how a sound understanding of these ecological processes is used to combat the challenges facing the environment.

The summer school will consist of two modules, each two weeks in duration, which will focus on a selection of habitat types in the east and west of the county. The modules may be taken individually as a two week course or together as a comprehensive four week course.