Two new degree programmes have been launched by the University of Aberdeen to tie in with the Scottish Government’s key education objectives.

The courses - a BSc in education and health sciences and a BSc in education and nutrition - will help meet the government’s priority of promoting health and well being in schools, the university said.

The programmes will also help boost the number of well qualified primary teachers with specialisms.
 
Elaine Cowan, undergraduate co-ordinator for BA and combined degrees at the university’s School of Education, said building the foundations for healthy living had to begin at the earliest possible stage of learning.

“Our new degree programmes link to the current national initiative of Curriculum for Excellence,” she said. “This recognises the need to engage pupils across education with the sciences, health and nutrition and, importantly, encourage them to realise the significance and relevance of health and well being for their lives.

“It is crucial to develop the confidence, skills and abilities of new teachers to specialise within the curriculum. These new BSc degrees will provide expertise that directly meets current priorities needs in schools while also educating student teachers to provide inspirational and motivating teaching, fundamental to children’s success in schools.” 

Dr Steve Brindle, coordinator for health sciences teaching within the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, said: "Students graduating with these degrees will have a good grounding in basic scientific principals making them confident advocates for science in primary schools.

“In addition, they will have a sound knowledge of the biological, psychological and social factors which affect health making them well qualified to understand the health challenges facing the population.”