Bachelor of Science with concurrent Teacher Education (Physical Sciences with Chemistry AND Physics)

Why Study Science Education in Physics and Chemistry at UL?

Graduates of this Science Teaching programme are qualified to teach the following subjects in all Irish second level schools.

• Leaving Certificate Physics
• Leaving Certificate Chemistry
• Leaving Certificate Physics with Chemistry
• Junior Certificate Science

The programme is designed to produce a graduate who is highly educated and capable both academically and professionally, and who will be prepared to meet the challenges involved in teaching the physical sciences.

In common with other teacher education programmes at the University of Limerick, the B.Sc.(Ed) in Physics and Chemistry is based on the concurrent model. Academic and professional studies proceed together throughout the course and modules in the core science subjects are taken.

The first two years of study provide a foundation in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics in addition to Education and Pedagogics. The latter will focus on preparing students to teach the revised science specification at junior cycle.

In the third and fourth years, you will continue to study physical sciences at a more advanced level along with further modules in Education. This will include detailed preparation in the revised physics and chemistry senior cycle specifications.

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.

In the final year, you will undertake a project which may be in the area of Physics, Chemistry, Science Education, or Educational Theory. As part of this work you are required to demonstrate abilities in research, literature review, analysis, synthesis and interpretation of research findings as applied to the selected topic. This will develop your capacity to act as a researcher of your professional teaching practice, a key focus of both the Teaching Council and the School Self-Evaluation Process facilitated by the Inspectorate.

There are two periods of teaching practice placement during the course. The first, of six weeks, occurs in Year 2, and the second, of ten weeks, occurs in Year 4. During teaching practice, you will be supervised by an academic staff member and undertake assigned coursework.

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Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold an O3/H7 grade in Mathematics and an O4/H7 in at least one of the following: Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Physics with Chemistry;

Agricultural Science; Technology; Design & Communication Graphics /Technical Drawing.

The University’s Special Mathematics Examination is not applicable to this programme.

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

This programme has been fully accredited by the Teaching Council. Graduates of this programme are qualified for appointment to all second level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools), and for admission to the open register of the Registration Council for Secondary Teachers. Graduates achieving an adequate standard may also proceed to obtain a higher degree by research.

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