Program Overview

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Physical Education with Biology

Course Details

CAO Code: DC205

Course Type: Undergraduate

NFQ Level: 8

Delivery Mode: Full-time

Minimum Points: 542

Duration: Four Years

Overview

This course is a brilliant opportunity to blend your interests in a substantive way and go on to make a positive impact on society through education. Once you graduate, you can teach PE and Biology up to Leaving Cert level, and Science for Junior Cert level, or choose from a wide range of other exciting career paths.

This course offers a unique blend of academic subjects, taught in a way that emphasises learning through practical experiences. During the course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the content, theory, and skills of different physical activities (such as athletics, games, aquatics, dance, and outdoor activities), biology, science and education. You’ll also improve your communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.

Careers & Further Options

When you graduate you will be qualified for teaching posts at all second-level schools (vocational, secondary, community and comprehensive schools) and for admission to the Open Register of the Teaching Council.

Graduates are qualified to teach general science to Junior Certificate level and PE and Biology to Leaving Certificate level.

Through the many skills you have learned on this course, you can also pursue other options such as coaching, sports development and further education.

Entry Requirements

• Leaving Cert: Minimum of O4 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O4 or H6 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science
• GCE A Level: GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science
• FET Level 5: Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.
• Mature Applicants: Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for, academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study, and an ability to engage and succeed on the programme.

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Applied Studies in Athletics, Games, and Aesthetic Activities
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Teaching HRA in PE
  • Motor Learning and Development
  • Microteaching and Teaching Preparation
  • Irish Education History
  • Practical Biology
• Year 2:
  • Applied Studies in Athletics, Aquatics and Aesthetic and Outdoor Activities
  • Microteaching and School Placement
  • Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences
  • Chemistry
  • Physical Activity Psychology
  • Microbiology and Genetics
  • Cell and Molecular Physiology
  • Pollution and Biosphere
  • Bioscience and Society
• Year 3:
  • Applied Study in Games
  • Inclusion and Adaptation in PE and Physical Activity
  • Program Decisions, Policy & Curriculum Models in PE
  • Mammalian and Anatomy Physiology
  • Philosophical Perspectives on Education
  • Access, Disadvantage, Equality in Education
  • Plant Science
  • Teaching Strategies and Professional Preparation
  • Teaching and Assessing JC Science
  • Professional Placement
• Year 4:
  • Sport and Exercise Physiology
  • Health and Fitness
  • Teaching and Assessing Senior Cycle Biology
  • Curriculum Development and Evaluation
  • Applied Studies in Teaching and Learning PE and Biology
  • Teaching in Online and Blended Environments
  • Professional Placement
  • School Research

Fees and Funding

• Full-time:
  • Student Contribution: €3,043 per annum
  • EU Status Fee: €7,295 per annum
  • Non EU Fee: €16,400 per annum

How To Apply

• Applicants presenting EU school leaving examinations (EU, EFTA & UK): Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May
• Applicants presenting examinations from outside the EU: No entry path
• Mature Applicants: All mature applicants apply through the CAO by 1st February
• Advanced Entry: Applications are made via the CAO Advanced Entry route which opens on the 5th of November to 1st July.