Biology, 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 Biology 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, biology and education in an integrated manner. Throughout the course you will gain teaching experience through structured educational placements.
The four-year BSc Biology, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees, you are fully qualified to teach post-primary Biology and Mathematics to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Level and Science to Junior Certificate Level.
Key Facts:
The five-year course is fully accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
Placements are integrated into this course from first year, with year-long placements at two different post-primary schools during the final two years of the course.
Biology, 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 Biology, 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 Biology, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Scientific Enquiry
- Mathematics & Science Education & Communication
- Biology in Action
- Life on Earth
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Linear Algebra
- Calculus
- Statistical Modelling
- Optional Modules
- Elective Module
Second Year
- Key Ideas in Education
- Science and Mathematics Pedagogy
- Principles of Plant Biology & Biotechnology
- Principles of Environmental Biology and Ecology
- Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
- Calculus of Several Variables
- Differential Equations
- Mathematical Analysis
- Elective Modules
Third Year
- Schools and Society
- Post-Primary Placement
- Peer-Assisted Tutoring
- Systems Ecology
- Functional Morphology
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Evolutionary Biology
- Ecological and Environmental Microbiology
- Algebraic Structures
- 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 Mathematicss
Fifth Year
- Research Methods
- Professional Dissertation
- Year-Long Placement in Post-Primary School
- Continuous Professional Development
For detailed information on subject content click here
You may be interested in the following Blog posts: Hear from Current UCD Biology, Mathematics & Education student about her experience studying in UCD. Aisling explains why she decided to pursue the Science Education Pathway in 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.
“UCD’s reputation and wide range of amenities, clubs, and societies initially attracted me. However, my fascination with various scientific disciplines led me to discover the UCD Science course with diverse options in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Education.Motivated by a deep interest in people, pedagogical practices, and the intricacies of mathematical learning, I finalized my subject selection in Biology, Mathematics, and Education. This choice offered an all-encompassing STEM education experience, where the theoretical knowledge acquired during lectures served as the bedrock for implementing effective teaching methodologies. This pathway includes two-yearlong placements, and these significantly contributed to the development of my identity as a Mathematics and Science educator.”
Ciara Cunningham, Student
Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabhàin
UUCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: askscience@ucd.ie
