Science courses

About Science Education (bsc(ed)) in University College Cork

This degree enables you to become a fully qualified science teacher in four years.  Training takes place in UCC's state-of-the-art Eureka Centre for Inquiry Based Education in Science and Mathematics.

In Year 1 students undertake a common first-year science course with other science students, allowing time to settle in to UCC and think about a career in science teaching.

At the beginning of Year 2, you register for the BSc(Ed) and choose to specialise in either the biology or chemistry or the physics stream. You will obtain an introduction to science teaching and science education and spend some time on Teaching Placement at a local secondary school, as well as studying second-year science modules.

Year 3 is made up of another module in science education and Teaching Placement in a local secondary school as well as third-year science modules. In Year 4, all modules are education modules, with increased time spent on Teaching Placement and also time spent at lectures and laboratory practical sessions at UCC.

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

• recognise and apply the basic principles of classroom management and discipline
• identify the key characteristics of excellent teaching in science
• develop comprehensive portfolios of lesson plans relevant to the science curricula in schools.

This course takes only four years and is fully recognised by the Teaching Council as a qualification to teach science in secondary schools.

This course is unique in that you will be trained to teach science in the state-of-the-art Eureka Centre for Inquiry Based Education in Science and Mathematics in UCC.

The Eureka Centre consists of science education laboratories that are fully equipped to teach Leaving Certificate physics, chemistry and biology, a Science Resource Centre with all the teaching resources that you need for teaching these subjects, and a seminar room that is fully equipped for online teaching and learning activities.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

Teaching placement is carried out in schools within commuting distance of UCC. You will be assisted in finding schools convenient to you.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this degree are fully qualified science teachers, recognised internationally. Teaching opportunities exist not only in Ireland but also abroad and graduates of this course are currently teaching in Ireland, UK, USA, Australia, etc. 

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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