Biology, Mathematics & Education
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8) & MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Course Video
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllIf you’re interested in biology and mathematics, and think you might like to teach these subjects at post-primary level, then this course may be for you. It’s designed so that from the start, you study biology and mathematics, along with education, in an integrated manner. In third year, you’ll gain teaching experience by completing placements (which we find for you) in a post-primary school and as a third-level tutor.
The four-year BSc in Biology, 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 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.
This is a sample pathway for Biology, Mathematics & Education.
First Year
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Education
- Chemistry & Physics
- Elective module
Second Year
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Education
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Education
- School Placement – one placement in a post-primary school, and one placement as a third-level tutor.
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Mathematics
Fifth Year
- Education
- School Placement
- Research Project
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.
“Biology, Mathematics & Education was the ideal subject for me. It offers an extensive STEM education experience where the theory learned in lectures forms the foundation of teaching practice. Placements in third and fourth year gave me the opportunity to teach various classes, with the support of experienced educators. I was enabled to push the boundaries of my own teaching practice, challenge students, and foster my identity as a Mathematics and Science teacher. What made this pathway so enriching for me was the satisfaction I gained from teaching and the relationships I developed over my time in UCD.”
Rachel O’Connor, Student
Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabhàin
UUCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
