Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you are interested in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this degree subject may be for you. It’s designed so that you study mathematics, applied mathematics and education in an integrated manner. Throughout the course you will gain teaching experience through structured educational placements. The four-year BSc in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc in Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you are fully qualified to teach Applied Mathematics and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level.
Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education is one of the degree subjects in the Science, Mathematics & Education stream in the common entry Science course.
Students study the modules required for the Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. Students interested in Science, Mathematics & Education degree subjects also have the choice to pursue the modules required for degree subjects in other streams within the common entry Science course. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. This is a sample pathway for Applied Mathematics, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Scientific Enquiry
- Mathematics & Science Education & Communication
- Applications of Differential Equations
- Linear Algebra
- Numbers and Functions
- Calculus
- Mathematical Analysis
- Statistical Modelling
- Optional Modules
- Elective Module
Second Year
- Key Ideas in Education
- Science and Mathematics Pedagogy
- Computational Science
- Vector Calculus
- Oscillations & Waves
- Classical Mechanics
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Groups, Rings and Fields
- Linear Algebra
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Schools and Society
- Post-Primary Placement
- Peer-Assisted Tutoring
- Analytical Mechanics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Partial Differential Equations
- Probability Theory
- Option Modules
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Pedagogical Approaches to Mathematics and Science
- Psychology for Teaching & Learning
- Year-Long Placement in Post-Primary School
- Group Theory
- Geometry
- Complex Analysis
- History of Mathematics
Fifth Year
- Research Methods
- Professional Dissertation
- Year-Long Placement in Post-Primary School
- Continuous Professional Development
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You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Why Chose Science and Maths at UCD.
After graduating with their BSc, students proceed to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education.
Placements are integrated into this 5-year course from first year, with all undergraduate placements arranged for you. Care is taken to gradually introduce you to school placements, to enable you to build your knowledge and confidence before teaching a class of pupils.
During the last two years of the course, students complete year-long placements at two different post primary schools. These placements are designed so that students not only obtain teaching experience, but also gain a whole-of-school experience through participating in parent-teacher meetings, timetabling etc. The complete five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
“I chose UCD Science because I knew I wanted to study Mathematics. I was set on studying pure mathematics but after completing a module on mathematics education, I realised that while I have a love for mathematics, I have a passion for mathematics education and communication. The great thing about this degree is that there are a lot of options available once I graduate. The world of mathematics education and communication is so extensive, and I am keen to be a part of it in many ways. I find teaching very rewarding, so I see myself working in a secondary school to gain experience. I would love to come back to college to pursue a graduate degree and get involved in mathematics education research.”
Deeba Javadpour, Student
Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúileabháin
UCD School of Mathematics & Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: askscience@ucd.ie
