Bachelor of Science (Education) in Biological Sciences with Physics or Chemistry

General Information

The Bachelor of Science (Education) degree has as its specific aims the education of students in a range of biological, agricultural, physical and related sciences in order to equip them to teach in second level schools as teachers of the following disciplines:

• biological, agricultural and related sciences up to and including senior cycle
• general sciences: biology, physics and chemistry at junior cycle level
• physics or chemistry at senior cycle level.

The course also aims to promote the development of appropriate teaching aptitudes and skills, and the provision of pedagogical experiences on which the student teacher can build a sound philosophy and approach.

Course Structure

The programme is four years in duration and is based on the concurrent model of teacher education, in which educational studies and studies in biological sciences and the chosen physical science elective are combined with teaching practice experience.

The first two years of study provide a foundation in:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Computing
• Education

During the third and fourth years specialisation proceeds through the more advanced study of biological sciences, including plant and animal production sciences, together with chemistry OR physics. In the final year each student completes a dissertation in which the student is required to demonstrate abilities in research, literature review, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of the research findings as applied to the selected topic.

During the spring semester of year two, students undertake a six-week teaching practice assignment with a further ten-week assignment during the autumn semester of year four.During both of these periods, students are supervised by faculty members of the university and undertake appropriate university-based coursework.

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Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics, Irish or another language and English).

In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate or an approved equivalent: Grade B3 in Ordinary Level Mathematics (Grade D3 in Higher Level Mathematics also suffices) and a Grade D3 at Higher Level (or Grade C3 or above at Ordinary Level) in one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Technology,Technical Drawing/Design & Communication Graphics, Construction Studies,Agricultural Science, Biology

Students admitted to the programme are required to undergo a Garda Vetting process

Career Prospects

Graduates of the degree programme are eligible for appointment to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools), and for registration with the Teaching Council.

Whereas the primary aim of the programme is the attainment of a professional competence in teaching, the course also enables students to undertake science-based careers in industry.

A number of our graduates have taken up appointments in the IT software industry, industrial training, specialist science based sales sectors and environmental science. Graduates of this programme have also undertaken further study leading to postgraduate qualifications at Graduate Diploma, Masters and PhD levels.