If you are interested in Chemistry 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, chemistry and education in an integrated manner.

Throughout the course you will gain teaching experience through structured educational placements.

The four-year BSc Chemistry, Mathematics & Education leads directly to the one-year MSc Mathematics and Science Education. On completion of both degrees you are fully qualified to teach Chemistry 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.

Chemistry, 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 Chemistry, 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. This is a sample pathway for Chemistry, Mathematics & Education.

First Year

• Scientific Enquiry
• Mathematics & Science Education & Communication
• Introductory Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
• Linear Algebra
• Calculus
• Statistical Modelling
• Optional Modules
• Elective Module

Second Year

• Key Ideas in Education
• Science and Mathematics Pedagogy
• Physical Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Calculus of Several Variables
• Differential Equations
• Mathematical Analysis
• Elective Modules

Third Year

• Schools and Society
• Post-Primary Placement
• Peer-Assisted Tutoring
• Instrumental Analysis
• Mechanism and Stereochemistry
• Main Group Chemistry and Bonding
• Chemical Thermodynamics
• Carbonyl Chemistry and Synthesis
• Organometallic and Solid State Chemistry
• 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
• Classroom Teaching
• Group Theory
• Geometry
• Complex Analysis
• History of Mathematics

Fifth Year

• Research Methods
• Professional Dissertation
• Year-Long Placement in Post-Primary School
• Continuous Professional Development

For detailed information on subject content click here

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After graduating with their BSc, students proceed to the MSc in Mathematics & Science Education.

Placements are integrated into this course from first year. Care is taken to slowly introduce you to placements to enable you to build confidence before teaching a class of pupils.

During the last two years of the course, students are assigned 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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie