With science courses in Universities and Colleges in Ireland varying with the same degree as types of beetle, it is a veritable mix match of scientific disciplines. Covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology. Mix these categories still further and you get the likes of Biochemistry, Geological Physics and Biogeology.
With such a diverse array of subjects is it possible to cover enough of the basics at second-level? Second-level teaching in Ireland is done through 6 years in Secondary School. The first three years are dedicated to study for what is called the Junior Certificate. Up to Junior Cert. level, science is not broken into it's respective fields but taught as a modular subject.
The final three years of secondary school are dedicated to study for the Leaving Certificate. Points obtained based on your Leaving Cert. determine what courses you qualify for in University. For Leaving Certificate, science is broken into:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
Each is taught to a fairly high standard but is it enough to cover you if you want to pursue a scientific endeavour in University. I don't think so. I think there should be an option for broader study of science at second-level without opting to study all the subjects available.
Maybe with the General Election coming up, the authorities might re-examine their policies. Maybe not.
Simon Hall is a Physics Student in Trinity College, Dublin.
Source: www.a1articles.com
