Technology, Engineering and Graphics (Post-Primary) - BEd (Hons)

Program Overview

The Technology, Engineering, and Graphics (Post-Primary) – BEd (Hons) program is a four-year undergraduate program that prepares students to become post-primary teachers in these areas. The program focuses on designing, innovating, and finding creative solutions to challenges facing society and industry. Students gain hands-on learning experience through school placements, industry connections, and access to specialized facilities. Graduates are eligible to register as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) in Ireland and pursue careers in teaching, industry, or other related fields.

Program Outline

Technology, Engineering and Graphics (Post-Primary) – BEd (Hons) - TUS

Degree Overview:

This is a four-year, full-time undergraduate program offered through a partnership between TUS and DCU. The first two years of study take place at the TUS Athlone campus, and the final two years at the DCU Institute of Education in Dublin. The program aims to prepare students to become post-primary teachers in the areas of Technology, Engineering, and Graphics. It focuses on designing, innovating, and finding creative solutions to challenges facing society and industry. The BEd TEG qualifies graduates to teach Technology, Engineering, and Design and Communication Graphics subjects at the post-primary level.

Objectives:

• Develop professional knowledge and practice in teaching technology, engineering, and design and communication graphics.
• Enhance competencies in subject domains, including computer-aided design and mechatronics.
• Foster hands-on learning through school placements, including observation, peer-teaching, team-teaching, and school-based placements.
• Engage students in the wider school community through activities, initiatives, and work outside of classroom teaching.
• Support professional development through experienced school placement tutors and school-based cooperating teachers.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Semester 1 (TUS Athlone Campus):
• Education Theories 1 (5 credits)
• Graphics 1 (Plane Geometry) (5 credits)
• Models and Modelling (5 credits)
• Materials & Processing Technology (10 credits)
• Electronics (5 credits)
• Semester 2 (TUS Athlone Campus):
• History of Education in Ireland (5 credits)
• Graphics 2 – Descriptive Geometry (5 credits)
• Graphicacy and Modelling (5 credits)
• Mechanics and Process Technology (10 credits)
• Applied Control (5 credits)

Year 2:

• Semester 1 (TUS Athlone Campus):
• Technology Subjects Pedagogy 1 (5 credits)
• Graphics 3 – Advanced Geometry (5 credits)
• Design Learning (5 credits)
• Thermal Manufacturing Technology (10 credits)
• ICT & Connected Devices (5 credits)
• Semester 2 (TUS Athlone Campus):
• Microteaching and Teaching Preparation (5 credits)
• Graphics 4 – Applied Geometry (5 credits)
• Design Realisation (5 credits)
• Manufacturing Technology (CAE) (10 credits)
• Manufacturing Systems (5 credits)

Year 3:

• Semester 1 (DCU Campus, Dublin):
• Education Theories 2 (Psychology, Philosophy and Sociology) (5 credits)
• Introduction to Inclusive Education (5 credits)
• Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (5 credits)
• Technology Subject Pedagogy 2 (5 credits)
• Process Design (Teacher Education) (5 credits)
• Semester 2 (DCU Campus, Dublin):
• Developing a Research Perspective (5 credits)
• School Placement (25 credits)

Year 4:

• Semester 1 (DCU Campus, Dublin):
• Curriculum, Policy and Assessment (5 credits)
• Teacher Studies & Teacher as Professional (5 credits)
• Technology Teacher Education Capstone Project (10 credits)
• Extended Research Project (10 credits)
• Semester 2 (DCU Campus, Dublin):
• Advanced School Placement (30 credits)
• Uaneen (Non-contributing) Module (5 credits)

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, projects, and reports.
• Exams: Written examinations covering course content.
• Presentations: Oral presentations on research or project work.
• Practical Assessments: Demonstrations of skills and knowledge in practical settings.
• School Placements: Observation, peer-teaching, team-teaching, and school-based placements.
• Reflective Practice: Written reflections on teaching experiences and professional development.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Formal presentations of course content.
• Tutorials: Small group discussions and problem-solving sessions.
• Workshops: Hands-on activities and practical demonstrations.
• Seminars: Guest speakers and presentations on relevant topics.
• School Placements: Supervised teaching experiences in post-primary schools.
• Online Learning: Access to online resources and materials.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are eligible to register as Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) and apply for employment as teachers of Technology, Engineering, and Design and Communication Graphics in post-primary schools in Ireland. Other career opportunities include:

• Industry roles in design, engineering, and technology.
• Media and communications roles.
• Governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Other:

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.
• Students have opportunities for international mobility and STEM industry placements.
• The program provides support for professional development through experienced school placement tutors and school-based cooperating teachers.
• The program is designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful teachers in the 21st century.