Chemistry, 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 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. 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 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
You may be interested in the following blog posts: Student explains why she decided to pursue the Science Education Pathway in UCD to reach her goal of being a secondary school science teacher.
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.
“I was attracted to UCD for two reasons: the broad Science DN200 course and the incredibly active clubs and societies. The course coordinators care about your teacher training greatly, providing school placements in Years 3 and 4, and helping you to become an effective teacher. It is deeply rewarding and satisfying to help young people. I became actively involved in the UCD Dance Society competing nationally and serving as a committee member. Being part of a society is truly what makes the college experience special, and UCD offers over 80 of them!”
Aisling Benson, Student
Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin
UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: askscience@ucd.ie
