Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including continuous assessment which involves essays, assessed practical exercises, field reports, multiple-choice questionnaires, assessed presentations and project work. In Year 4, you will undertake a six-month research project. The range of assessments provides a broad skills base of relevance to future employment.You will take a combination of laboratory, glasshouse and field practicals. Laboratory APB students carry out fieldwork as part of this course.In Year 2, you can visit various sites in Co Cork. In Year 3, you will have the option of going to Portugal. In Year 4, you can go to the Burren in Co Clare.You will also carry out an independent research project in Year 4, working alongside research groups.