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ISUME

B.A. in Mathematics and Education

The B.A in Mathematics and Education is a four year full time degree programme in the faculty of Arts. The degree incorporates a teaching training qualification with teaching practice throughout the duration of the programme. Graduates of the programme will be excellent mathematicians and will be recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland as qualified post primary teachers of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics to Leaving Certificate Higher Level. The programme is run by the Mathematics and Education departments of NUI Galway. It has been created as a response to the growing need for excellent mathematics teachers in Irish post primary schools.

Programme Content

Mathematics

The first two years will provide students with a solid foundation in algebra, analysis and geometry that they will need for later more advanced courses. The emphasis will be on developing understanding of fundamental concepts and on developing problem solving ability. There will also be courses on basic statistics and probability. Optional topics in first year will include mathematical physics and computing studies. In the third and fourth years of the programme, there will be a variety of courses on more advanced topics such as abstract algebra, applied algebra, real and complex analysis, probability theory, coding theory, functional analysis, mathematics education, mathematical reasoning, and history of mathematics. The emphasis in these later years will be on modern mathematical ideas and on how these ideas can be applied to real life problems. Throughout the programme, students will be encouraged to develop their abilities as independent mathematical thinkers. They will be aware of mathematics as a vibrant and expanding subject in which creativity and inventiveness play a key role.

Education

The B.A. programme will develop graduates' skills in specialist teaching methodologies, and their understanding of key contemporary debates and issues in education. This will encompass the history, philosophy, psychology, sociology and technology of education. A core component of the degree is the practical teaching practice placement. Over the course of the four year degree programme, students will spend substantial periods on teaching practice in schools.

Career Opportunities

While this programme will obviously produce excellent post primary mathematics teachers, graduates' prospects are not limited to teaching. Mathematics graduates have a wide range of career options including IT, finance, actuarial work, academia etc. A wide range of educational careers will also be open to graduates, in the further and higher education sectors.