Bachelor of Science (Education) in Biology with Physics or Chemistry or Agricultural Science

Program Overview

This four-year concurrent teacher education program equips students to teach biology to honors Leaving Certificate level, and either chemistry, physics, or agricultural science to honors Leaving Certificate level, as well as general science to Junior Certificate level. The program emphasizes practical scientific skills, education theory, and teaching practice, preparing graduates for the challenges of science teaching in Irish schools. Graduates can pursue a variety of roles in education and beyond, including teaching, laboratory work, and research.

Program Outline

Outline:

The programme is four years in duration and is based on the concurrent model of teacher education, in which educational studies and studies in biology, along with your chosen elective (chemistry or physics or agricultural science) are combined with periods of school placement in which you will gain experience of teaching. The first two years of study provide a foundation in: Chemistry Physics Biology Mathematics Education You will study education theory and practice which will equip you with teaching aptitudes and skills on which you will build a sound philosophy and approach to teaching. During the spring semester of year two, you will undertake the first of your two teaching practice placements for six weeks in a second level school. Your second placement will be in semester 1 of the final year, for 12 weeks. During these placements, you will teach junior or senior science topics to second level pupils, and you will be supervised by UL academic staff. After Year 1, you will specialize in the more advanced study of biology, and either chemistry OR physics OR agricultural science. Throughout the four years, there is a strong emphasis on acquiring practical scientific skills through laboratory work, field work and assignments. In your final year, you will select a research topic. This will develop your skills in analysis, problem-solving and scientific writing. The science pedagogics modules in your degree have been designed in close collaboration with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (who designed the new specifications) and the Junior Cycle for Teachers (who are tasked with associated professional development for teachers). In addition, the course director was a member of the development group that designed the junior cycle specification. This ensures that graduates are thoroughly prepared for the totality of science education in Irish schools which is well aligned with international best-practice. Offered jointly by the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Careers:

Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation: Agricultural Science Secondary School Teacher Biology, Chemistry & Ag. Science Teacher Chemistry and Science Teacher Emirates Cabin Crew Laboratory Technician Part-Time Ag. Science And Chemistry Teacher Physics Teacher Post-Primary Teacher Research Assistant Science Teacher Science, Biology & Physics Teacher Trainee Accountant

Other:

• Students admitted to the programme are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process.
• The aim of the programme is to educate young teachers and help them develop the skills and aptitudes to confidently face the challenges of science teaching.
• When you graduate from the programme you will be qualified to teach;
Biology to honours Leaving Certificate level Chemistry or Physics or Agricultural Science to honours Leaving Certificate level General Science to Junior Certificate level