Sligo Institute of Technology has linked up with the University of Manchester to offer a part-time Master's degree in science education. This is a distance learning programme, so you can do it from home and the Department of Education has confirmed that it will pay a master's allowance to any teacher who obtains this award. The course is designed to help science teachers implement the new Leaving Certificate syllabi (particularly the practical elements) and to assist those currently specialising in teaching biology to bring their expertise in chemistry and physics to a point where they could also teach these subjects at Leaving Certificate level. The course runs over two years and is modular in structure. It will be delivered in blocks of one week with approximately five weeks' attendance required at Sligo IT over the two-year programme. The course is due to start on October 30th. Contact Dr Fiona McArdle at (071) 55222.