Overview

CÚRAM Research Centre for Medical Devices, funded through Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland at University of Galway, is now enrolling for its Teachers in Residence Programme 2024-2025. Now in its ninth year, the initiative is designed to foster science education by bridging the gap between scientific research and the classroom at both primary and secondary school levels.

The programme incorporates researchers from four additional Research Centres across Ireland: APC Microbiome Ireland Research Centre; BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre; FutureNeuro Research Centre for Neurological Diseases; and SSPC Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, all funded through Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.

Available for five primary and five secondary school teachers, the programme will run as a series of ten, one-hour online sessions between October 2024 and March 2025. Participating teachers will receive 10 ECTS through University of Galway’s Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development, fully funded by CÚRAM. Teachers and their students have the opportunity to visit science centres and exhibits across Ireland, also fully funded by CÚRAM.

Participants will learn about and receive resources for the classroom, including science engagement activities and lesson plan kits developed by teachers for teachers, that are linked with the primary and junior cycle science curricula. Teachers will also collaborate with scientific researchers to develop engaging, relevant educational materials to enrich classroom instruction and spark students’ interest. To learn more, and explore lesson plan kits developed by previous years’ teachers (including Irish language versions), visit: https://curamdevicesengage.ie/teachers-in-residence/.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over 21 years of age. A Level 8 undergraduate qualification or equivalent is required. Applicants must be a qualified teacher or in a course to become a qualified teacher.

100% subsidy available to all teachers from CÚRAM Research Centre for Medical Devices.

What you will Learn

Topics include:

1. Medical devices
2. Sustainability and bioeconomy
3. Microbes and microbiome
4. Neurological disorders
5. Medicine and drug delivery

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciate and illustrate medical devices research that is happening in Ireland in the following areas: 1) biomaterials, 2) cardiovascular system, 3) brain and nervous system, 4) musculoskeletal system, and 5) stem cells and regenerative medicine.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the impact on healthcare that Irish researchers are having on a global level.
3. Design content and relevant assessment techniques for the classroom linked to the curriculum that informs students about Ireland’s medical devices research and MedTech industry.
4. Implement enquiry-based learning approaches to teaching STEM subjects and integrate these techniques into their practice.
5. Formulate and apply STEM engagement activities to foster pupils’ interest in science.
6. Apply Science Capital Teaching Approach methods to teaching STEM subjects.
7. Analyse barriers to pupils learning STEM subjects in the classroom and develop strategies to addressing the difficulties.

Assessments

• Continuous Assessment (70%)
• Oral, Audio Visual or Practical Assessment (30%)

Contact

If you have any questions about this course, please contact:

Micro-credentials Team,
University of Galway

Email: Micro-credentials

How to Apply

From the 1st April 2025, you can apply for this micro-credential through our Online Application Portal.

Learn more about our application process.

Apply here: Online Application Portal

When completing your application please make sure to select the following categories:

Academic level: Micro-credentials and CPD
College/Interest type: Micro-credentials/CPD Postgrad Level 9
Academic programme: Arts & Social Science Postgrad Microcredentials - CPC17

You will need to manually enter the Module Name and Code under ‘Module Name’ on the second page of your application. Please copy the name and code below:

STEM Engagement Resources for Teachers - ED6180