DN008

Pat2107

Hey!

Just wondering if anyone did an honours science degree? I am thinking about becoming a science teacher and would like some opinions on this degree...Thanks!

Crazy_marble

I enjoyed it...you can specialise into pretty much any area you want to - chemistry, physics, botany, genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, computer science, maths etc etc etc which is great if you're not exactly sure what you're interested in when you start, a situation most people are in.

The only drawback is that you might have to fight for a place in some of the more popular classes as people who applied for these at the outset (i.e. through a denominated entry degree like pharmacology) automatically make up a lot of the class. This shouldn't really be a problem though as most of the classes are fairly big.

I'd definitely recommend it from the point of view that you can take courses from all across the board and really find out what you like...does anyone really know what specific subject they want to study when they're 18? I didn't anyway...It was also great craic though I can't speak for what it's like going into first year now.

As for becoming a science teacher afterwards, I can't really offer any opinion but I know a couple of people who went this route and were successful.

Good luck with whatever you choose anyway

tribulus

I graduated this year with a science degree.

Overall I can't complain much about it. I would have thought the science education degree in DCU would be the better choice if you're set on being a teacher but yeah you'll get exposure to a broad number of subjects depending on your modules/electives and then specialise after a couple of years.

woop

good few people have asked similar questions have a search through....................theres 24 subject areas so its difficult to say for each one, do you have any idea what appeals to you................I think theres a specific science teaching course in limerick I might be wrong though
in third year

Stepherunie

Yeah UL have a specific course alright, I know a guy who did it and liked it.

I guess it basically depends on if you are dead set on being a science teacher or just want to have the option also really which you do.

seraphimvc

woop wrote: »

good few people have asked similar questions have a search through....................theres 24 subject areas so its difficult to say for each one, do you have any idea what appeals to you................I think theres a specific science teaching course in limerick I might be wrong though
in third year

lol of the dots....

OP if ya wanna know hows it feel about doing science in ucd,have a walk around the science building,take a sneak peak of the labs etc.storm into the programme office ask around.

p1akuw47h5r3it

Pat2107 wrote: »

Hey!

Just wondering if anyone did an honours science degree? I am thinking about becoming a science teacher and would like some opinions on this degree...Thanks!

I think you'd be better doing a general science degree if you want to be a teachet because if you get a degree in jus 1 paticular area you mite not be able to become a teacher of general science.

I'm no expert at all thats jus what I think and I could be wrong.

lizzyvera

You get a general science degree after 3 years and a degree in your subject after 4 years. It's worth doing the extra year. If you do a masters you start on a higher salary as a teacher, and you'll know even more about the subject.

I wanted to teach too, but the more I learn in college the more boring the leaving cert course seems.

woop

lizzyvera wrote: »

You get a general science degree after 3 years and a degree in your subject after 4 years. It's worth doing the extra year. If you do a masters you start on a higher salary as a teacher, and you'll know even more about the subject.

I wanted to teach too, but the more I learn in college the more boring the leaving cert course seems.

you do earn more and I agree that the Leaving cert course seems a bit off but it is better than the others
you do get paid better for a masters........but it is not that much

seraphimvc wrote: »

lol of the dots....

OP if ya wanna know hows it feel about doing science in ucd,have a walk around the science building,take a sneak peak of the labs etc.storm into the programme office ask around.

and yes I dont need to know grammar or any of that

Jammyc

Howdy OP Pretty sure I'll have this as my 1st choice on the CAO for next year.
You lookin to be starting next september?
Drop me a PM and we can chat boot it if ya like!

sweet-rasmus

i did the course myself and finished this year. Loads of choices and you'll be able to find what you love and stick with it.

Pat2107

What kind of jobs will it lead you into to? Is there work experiance?

rainbow kirby

There's no work experience included as part of the course - and the kind of jobs it will lead onto will depend on what you choose to study. Obviously a maths degree holder and a biochem degree holder are not going to go for the same jobs!

lizzyvera

If you want work experience as a teacher you could start by giving grinds. I did them with a great scheme called New Era in UCD where you tutor secondary school students from disadvantaged schools for free. I think most colleges have something similar. Now with that experience I can start charging for grinds, which is REALLY handy in 3rd year because I don't have enough time for a part time job.
I really enjoy helping students get into science.
You might also get work as a teaching assistant for the last few weeks of school terms, but that relies on you knowing teachers and principals.
Generally, DCU are better for work placements.