Science content of degree to be changed following review

THE science content of a degree needed to teach physics or chemistry is being changed after a review found the two elements were not sufficient.

A Teaching Council review panel said accreditation for the programme at University of Limerick should be conditional on a satisfactory review of the chemistry and physics elements. The four-year Bachelor of Science (Education) in Physics and Chemistry takes in around 10 students a year, giving them a science degree and a qualification to teach either subject to Leaving Certificate and science to Junior Certificate level.

It is understood the panel felt the content needed to be tailored to the needs of a teacher training programme rather than a solely science degree. It was also felt that some of the chemistry modules might need re-ordering.