Education (Secondary: Science) and Science

This combined degree offers students a secondary-school teaching qualification in science; science and geography; or science and mathematics. All students must complete a major in one teaching science area, such as biology, chemistry, geology or physics, as well as at least one year of study in a second science. One year of either chemistry or physics must be included in the science studies.

Degree pathways that result in graduates qualified to teach a science subject as well as mathematics or geography are termed "single-method" study. Degree pathways that result in graduates who will teach science subjects exclusively are called "double-method" study. Science undertaken as a double method requires students to major in one science; include a second science as a minor; and study a third science for at least one semester.

Intending combined-degree students are advised that, because not all units of study offered by the Faculty of Science relate to the teaching of science in schools, advice must be sought during enrolment to ensure that the science units chosen will prepare them for the teaching of science.

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, students must complete 240cp worth of study, including required Science units for a major in one of the approved Science areas, all professional experience placements and internship.

First year

In the first year, students begin the discipline studies for their teaching areas. All Science students must complete a total of 12 credit points in first year Mathematics. For accreditation as a Science Teacher, students must complete 12 credit points of first year Biology, Chemistry or Physics, separate to their first teaching area/major. These accreditation requirements do not apply for students who are planning to major in Geography and have Mathematics as a second teaching area. Students must refer to the unit selection guide or seek advice if unsure about unit selection.

In addition to units of study in the Faculty of Science, students also need to complete two Education core units, one in each semester. The Semester One Education unit provides an introduction to teachers and teaching, and education in general, while the 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 their first teaching area, with particular emphasis on units required for 3000-level Science units. Students also need to complete 6cp each semester for their respective second teaching area.

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 study towards their major in Science.

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 order to complete their Science major.

Fifth year

In Semester 1, students are expected to complete 12cp of Open Learning Environment (OLE) units, as well as 12 credit points of Science units. Students who intend to complete a minor need to enrol in 12cp worth of study that aligns with the pre-requisites for a minor.

In Semester 2, students have to undertake their Education specialisation, their Education option unit and their final internship.

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