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

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.

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 including a focus on preparing you to teach the revised science specification at junior cycle. There are two periods of school placement during the course.

The first, of ten weeks, occurs in Year 2, and the second, of ten weeks, occurs in Year 4. During school placement, you will be supervised by an academic staff member and undertake assigned coursework.

Throughout the four years, there is a strong emphasis on acquiring practical scientific skills through laboratory work, field work and assignments. 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). This ensures that graduates are thoroughly prepared for the totality of science education in Irish schools which is well aligned with international best-practice.

This programme is offered jointly by the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Elective Route A: Biology and Chemistry

Elective Route B: Biology and Physics

Elective Route C: Biology and Agricultural Science