利莫利克大學

About you

If you are considering a career in teaching and have a strong interest in science, this may be the course for you. This four-year programme attracts students who have excellent communication skills, and are strongly motivated and passionate about science teaching.

Why Study Bachelor of Science with concurrent Teacher Education (Biology and Chemistry OR Physics OR Agricultural Science) at UL?

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

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 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.

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. The primary aim of the programme is the attainment of a professional competence in teaching, and the majority of graduates pursue a career in second-level science teaching.

A number of our graduates have taken up appointments in teaching- related areas or areas outside teaching, including 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.