This programme is aimed at students who want to develop dual, but complementary, identities of mathematician/biologist and pedagogue in order to pursue professional careers as post-primary mathematics, biology and science teachers. We value, and therefore encourage our students to develop, indepth specialist content knowledge in mathematics and biology, which, when combined with strong pedagogical expertise, the skill of critically reflecting on practice, an appreciation and knowledge of educational research, and a commitment to professional development, enables students to develop, and continue to develop throughout their careers, strong pedagogical content knowledge. We value, and therefore encourage our students to foster, a growth mindset and constructivist approach to learning and teaching mathematics, biology and science, in order to be critically engaged professionals committed to inclusive, caring, innovative, enthusiastic and inspirational teaching. We seek to ensure that all students on the programme develop the leadership and collaborative skills to positively impact the quality of post-primary mathematics and science education in Ireland through classroom-based research and ongoing critical engagement with curriculum content. We aim to ensure that graduates are equipped to contribute, as professionals, to the wider educational goals of post-primary schools and ongoing developments within the broader education community. We aim to create a learning environment where students can develop their full potential as mathematician/biologist and pedagogue in a research-intensive environment with state-of-art facilities. School placements play an essential role in the learning experience and assessment methods include reflective writing, report writing, presentations, lesson study, microteaching, and the creation of a professional portfolio. By including school placements from year one, the learning environment will constantly encourage the student to connect mathematical, scientific and educational theory with practice. In addition to lectures, tutorials, and laboratories, many of the education classes are conducted in active-learning environments where students are encouraged to contribute to, and actively participate in, class.
- School
- School of Mathematics and Statistics
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Assoc Professor Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain
- Overall Programme Credits:
- 240
- Programme Credits:
- Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0 - Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
- Stage 3: 50
Stage 4: 60
Curricular information is subject to change.
2 - Demonstrate an indepth knowledge of educational theories as related to mathematics and science education
3 - Demonstrate an indepth knowledge of educational philosophy, sociology, psychology, curriculum and assessment, and the Irish education system, and an awareness of how age, culture, and context play a role in students’ learning
4 - Apply a scientific approach – questioning, hypothesizing, testing, and evaluating – to problem-solving (K, S)
5 - Communicate and present mathematical and scientific ideas creatively in a variety of forms (e.g. oral, written, video) with confidence and enthusiasm
6 - Design and plan innovative, student-focused, content-based lessons, while remaining open to noticing and incorporating student thinking, and making in-the-moment decisions, in the classroom
7 - Manage a classroom in a socially equitable manner that encourages the formation of positive student identity and encourages student interactions and contributions
8 - Critically reflect on his/her practice and engage with educational research, in order to consistently take a “fresh” approach to teaching and developing professionally
9 - Inspire and motivate students of mathematics and science by being inclusive, caring, innovative, enthusiastic and inspirational teachers, who foster a constructivist, reform approach to learning and teaching, and motivate these students to reach their highest potential
10 - Inspire and scaffold students to a high level of engagement with learning as a holistic and life-long endeavour
11 - Recognise the importance of constantly engaging in professional development to improve practice, and use educational research as a lens to engage in reflective practice
12 - Engage positively with the mathematics and science community both inside and outside of educational sphere, and be positive role models as UCD graduates of mathematics and science.
Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.
As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.
Stage 3
Students take 10 core modules. If students did not take MST20040 in Stage 2, they must take it in Stage 3. Students must take PSY10050 in Stage 3 or Stage 4.
Stage 4
Students take 8 core modules. Students must take PSY10050 in Stage 4 if not taken in Stage 3. Suggested option modules can be chosen for the remaining credits.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
Trimester | Credits | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ENVB30010 | Systems Ecology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
MATH30340 | Peer-Assisted Tutoring | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
MST20010 | Algebraic Structures | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
MST30020 | History of Mathematics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
STAT20110 | Introduction to Probability | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ZOOL30030 | Evolutionary Biology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
EDUC30050 | Schools and Society | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ENVB30100 | Ecological and Environmental Microbiology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
MATH30390 | Mathematics Pedagogy & Curriculum in Placement | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Core Modules |
ZOOL30010 | Functional Morphology | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 2, students must take MST20040 in Stage 3. Students should take PSY10050 in Stage 3 or Stage 4 |
PSY10050 | Introduction to Psychology | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 2, students must take MST20040 in Stage 3. Students should take PSY10050 in Stage 3 or Stage 4 |
MST20040 | Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
EDUC10180 | Irish Childhoods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
SUST10010 | Introduction to Sustainability | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
BSEN10010 | Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
DSCY10040 | Childhood | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
DSCY10060 | Energy, Climate Change & Policy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students can take elective modules to complete Stage 3. Alternatively, students can taken option modules from the list below to complete Stage 3. |
PSY10040 | Introduction to the Psychology of Perception and Cognition | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
EDUC42180 | Professional Placement & Portfolio 1 | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 20 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
EDUC42850 | Teaching Science A | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
MATH40810 | Mathematics Pedagogy for Classroom Practice | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
MST30010 | Group Theory and Applications | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
MST30050 | Complex Analysis | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
EDUC42840 | Maths Pedagogy in Placement | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
EDUC42860 | Teaching Science B | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
MST30070 | Differential Geometry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 3, students must take PSY10050 in Stage 4. |
PSY10050 | Introduction to Psychology | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
EDUC10180 | Irish Childhoods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
PSY20020 | Child & Adolescent Development | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
SCI30080 | Professional Placement-Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
BSEN10010 | Biosystems Engineering Design Challenge | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
DSCY10040 | Childhood | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
DSCY10060 | Energy, Climate Change & Policy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: Students may take an option module from the list below to complete Stage 4. Students who select PSY20020 must have taken PSY10050 in Stage 3. Students who successfully complete an internship in the summer term betweeen Stage 3 and Stage 4 will be registered to SCI30080 Professional Placement module for Stage 4 credit. |
MST30030 | Financial Mathematics | Spring | 5 |
Module Weighting Info
Award | GPA | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Programme | Module Weightings | Rule Description | Description | ||
BHSCI001 | Stage 4 - 70.00% Stage 3 - 30.00% |
Standard Honours Award | First Class Honours | 3.68 |
4.20 |
Second Class Honours, Grade 1 | 3.08 |
3.67 |
|||
Second Class Honours, Grade 2 | 2.48 |
3.07 |
|||
Pass | 2.00 |
2.47 |