Science with concurrent Teacher Education (Science Education with Physics OR Chemistry OR Agricultural Science)

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.

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.

Offered jointly by the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Employability skills from this degree

Education

• Problem- solving skills
• Organisational skills
• Project management
• Practical skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical skills
• Research and analytical skills
• An ability to communicate information effectively

Science

• Communication skills, for presenting effective oral and written arguments
• IT skills
• Interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Organisation and time-management skills, for prioritising your teaching workload
• Self-management, for planning your own workload and reflecting on and improving personal practice

The year after graduating with this degree

The University of Limerick Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) is a detailed review of the employment outcomes of UL graduates conducted annually by the University and supported by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The survey forms part of a nationwide review of the employment outcomes of Irish University Graduates. The table below illustrates a five-year trend for UL graduate employment levels and location the year after graduation.

Further Study Options

• Master of Education
• Doctorate in Education
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Graduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering
• Master of Science in Biomedical Device Materials

Job titles for graduates with this degree

Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:

• Agricultural Science Secondary School Teacher
• Biology, Chemistry & Ag. Science Teacher
• Chemistry and Science Teacher
• Emirates Cabin Crew
• Laboratory Technician
• Part-Time Ag. Science And Chemistry Teacher

• Physics Teacher
• Post-Primary Teacher
• Research Assistant
• Science Teacher
• Science, Biology & Physics Teacher
• Trainee Accountant