UG Prospectus 2025

72 WhyDCU? − A unique opportunity to study the human body and its role in physical activity, sport and health − Youwill study amixture of applied physical education classes, laboratories, lectures, tutorials and seminars − Supported by state-of-the-art teaching and physiology, biomechanics and psychology laboratories − A small number of places reserved for elite sportspeople − Youwill be taught in relatively small classes allowing for individual attention fromhigh-quality staff − Youwill be qualified to teach PE and Biology in post-primary schools About You Do you enjoy PE and Biology at school? Do you have a passion for sport, exercise and biology and an enthusiasm to teach these subjects? Do you have an analytical mind, particularly in relation to the body and how it works? Do you have an interest in applying scientific principles to the body and how it works? Are you enthusiastic and have an understanding of how others learn and how you can personally develop through good teaching? Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see page 174), the following entry requirements apply: minimum of O4 or H6 inMathematics PLUS minimumof O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or 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: Physical Educationwith Biology Physical education has an important influence on the long-termhealth of our children. As such, it is an integral part of the education process, one that promotes the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of a child, as well as their attitude to activity, learning and each other. This is embraced through involvement in games, health- related fitness, aquatics, gymnastics, dance, athletics and outdoor adventure education. The BSc in Physical Education with Biology is amodern course developed tomeet the changing needs of young people today in relation to physical activity, exercise and sport. Youwill be qualified to teach PE to LeavingCertificate level. Biology and Junior Cycle Science Biology is fundamental to the knowledge and understanding of the body and how it works and is a natural subject to combinewith physical education. As a graduate, youwill be qualified to teach general science to Junior Certificate level and Biology to LeavingCertificate level. Both the PE and Biology elements of this course are approved by the Teaching Council of Ireland for registration as a post-primary teacher. Course Structure This course involves 3 strands – Physical Education, Biology and Education Studies. Physical Education The physical education element of the course has theoretical and practical aspects. The theoretical part involves the academic study of humanmovement through subjects like psychology, biomechanics (the science of movement) and sociology. The practical elements will enhance your teaching skills by engaging you in a range of competitive, aesthetic, adventure, aquatic and artistic activities. Biology Youwill learn the core elements of the biology curriculum, includingmammalian anatomy and physiology, cell biology, genetics, health and junior cycle physics and chemistry. These are enhanced through exposure to laboratory work, ensuring that your theoretical knowledge is put into practice. In addition, youwill complete a number of modules focused on how to teach biology in post-primary schools. Education Studies This part of the course integrates educational theory and practise through ‘coaching rather than teaching’. This involves groupwork, reflective diaries, online reporting and reflection, case studies and other problem-based learning approaches. We aim to help you gain the skills, knowledge andmindset necessary to teach in a changing environment. Professional Placement To put all of this into practice and to provide youwith invaluable experience, youwill be placed in schools during Year 3 and Year 4. This gives you an opportunity to explore and clarifymany of the key issues youwill encounter as a teacher. BSc in Physical Educationwith Biology Post-Primary Teaching: make physical education an essential part of our children’s education and development