UG Prospectus 2025

128 WhyDCU? − Youwill be taught in relatively small classes allowing for individual attention fromhigh-quality staff − Teacher educationmodules run concurrently with science, mathematics and information technologymodules, plus school- based placements in Years 3 and 4  − Youwill be qualified to teach Mathematics and either Chemistry or Physics to LeavingCertificate level andMathematics and Science to Junior Certificate level − Strong STEMbackground for alternative careers About You Are you enthusiastic about science andmathematics? Do youwish to share your enthusiasmwith young people through a career in teaching? If you are interested in teaching future generations of business people, scientists, engineers and technologists then this course is the place to start. Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see page 174), the following entry requirements apply: minimum of O1 or H6 inMathematics PLUS minimumof O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science.  GardaVetting Garda vetting has been introduced for students who have unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults as part of their studies at DCU. Youmust successfully pass theGarda vetting process in order to complete the process of registration. Understanding: Science and Mathematics Education Mathematics, science and information technology play vital roles in our day-to- day lives, so having an understanding of these subjects is important for everyone. As a science/mathematics teacher, youwill develop your students’ understanding of theworld inwhich we live and youwill educate future generations of business people, scientists, engineers and technologists. Youwill help youngminds develop and prepare them for an increasingly technological and information-based future. Youwill also play a vital role in Ireland’s reputation as a pioneer in scientific research and education by teaching subjects that will be central to developing a scientifically, mathematically, and technologically literate citizenry and a sustainable and successful future for the country. Science andMathematics Educationwill give you a teaching qualificationwith a specialisation in chemistry andmathematics or physics andmathematics, and strong elements of information and communication technology (ICT).  Teachers with this degree are highly skilled, motivated and are highly sought after in the second-level education system. Course Structure At the beginning of the course, you will choose fromone of 2 pathways, which youwill follow throughout the 4 years of the degree:  − Physics andMathematics − Chemistry andMathematics Youwill be qualified to teach both of your 2 speciality subjects toHigher Leaving Certificate level. In Years 1 and 2, many of the science andmathematicsmodules will be taken in commonwith other Year 1 science students but youwill also takemodules in these disciplines that are specially designed for student teachers. There are also further specialist modules in education.  Years 2, 3 and 4 build on this content, while in Years 3 and 4 youwill complete an action-based education research project as well as projects in chemistry/physics. Youwill study a variety of topics in education over the duration of the course, from the history, philosophy and psychology of education to curriculum development and digital learning. Therewill be a particular focus on the teaching of science andmathematics, not only in themodules dedicated to teaching preparation but also embeddedwithin a number of chemistry, physics andmathematicsmodules.  Professional Placement Over the 4 years of the course youwill have various opportunities to gain valuable teaching experience in a range of settings such asmicro-teaching, peer-teaching, observation in schools and school-based teaching. Thesewill allow you to practise and develop the teaching skills you have learnt in the course. By engaging in micro-teaching in Years 1 and 2, youwill design, plan, teach and receive feedback onmicro-lessons. Youwill also have the opportunity to observe lessons in post- primary schools. In Year 3, youwill spend 8weeks in post-primary schools taking classes up to Junior Certificate level. Finally, all of the second semester in Year 4 is spent taking both junior and senior cycle classes in your chosen subjects.   Youwill enjoy strong support fromDCU throughout your professional placements, making it easier to go frombeing a student to professional teaching. BSc in Science andMathematics Education Post-Primary Teaching: Be part of the next generation of inspiring post primary science teachers