Education (Secondary: Mathematics) and Science
This degree allows graduates to qualify as secondary-school teachers in the curriculum area of mathematics; or in mathematics and science.
Candidates who wish to teach mathematics exclusively are able to specialise in this curriculum area; others can choose their second major from a wide range of physical sciences.
The two degrees are completed in five years. It is possible to withdraw from the Bachelor of Education program at any time and complete a Bachelor of Science only, but students who do so after Year 1 will not receive full credit towards the BSc for all units of study completed. This means completing the Bachelor of Science as a single degree will take in excess of three years.
Requirements for completion
In order to complete this combined degree, the students must complete 240cp worth of study, including required Mathematics units for a major in Mathematics, all professional experience placements and internship.
First Year
In the first year, students begin the discipline studies for Mathematics and Education. Students are expected to complete 12 credit points worth of study in Mathematics, as well as 12cp worth units for a second teaching area or science units of their interest. Priority must be given to their Mathematics units and the Education core units. The Semester One Education unit provides an introduction to teachers and teaching, and education in general while Semester Two Education unit is devoted to human development and education, focusing on children and adolescents.
Second Year
Students are expected to continue their discipline studies in the second year. For each semester in their second year, students have to enrol in 12cp in Education core studies as well as 6cp of study in Mathematics, with particular emphasis on Mathematics units required for 3000-level Mathematics units. Students who are intending on a secondary teaching area in science need to complete respective units for their teaching area; otherwise, they can enrol in science units relating to their interest or minor.
Third Year
In Semester 1, students are expected to begin their curriculum studies, worth 6cp for each teaching area. They are also expected to continue 12 credit points of 3000-level Mathematics towards their major in Mathematics.
In Semester 2, the students are expected to engage in 24 credit points of Education studies, including their first professional experience.
Fourth Year
In Semester 1, students are expected to continue their Education studies, worth 24 credit points, including their second professional experience.
In Semester 2, students are expected to commence studies in educational research as well as special education. The students are also expected to engage in 12cp worth of studies in 3000-level Mathematics, in order to complete their Mathematics major.
Honours
Education honours is an integrated program undertaken during the final three semesters of an undergraduate degree. It consists of two enrolled units Education Honours Preliminary and Education Honours dissertation.
Contact/further information
Dr Alison O’Grady
Phone: 02 9351 7044
Email:
Learning Outcomes
This course prepares graduates for:
- A deep understanding of the subject areas and disciplines in which they have undertaken major studies.
- An evolving and contemporary understanding of schooling, the role of teachers and the purpose and function of schooling.
- A capacity to innovate, construct, implement and apply appropriate syllabus and curriculum experiences for secondary students.
- The maturity and humanity necessary for excellence in professional teaching.
- An ability to maintain, enquire into and evaluate their own professional development.
- The capacity and ability to critically analyse new professional and policy developments.
- The flexibility to undertake various roles and responsibilities in educational contexts to prepare them for leadership roles