Bachelor of Science / Education (Secondary)

Program Overview

The UNSW Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) double degree is a four-year program that combines a comprehensive science education with essential classroom skills. Students gain a deep understanding of science through core subjects and nine major areas of study, while developing practical teaching experience through the Bachelor of Education component. Graduates earn a professional teaching qualification accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority, preparing them for a highly employable career in secondary-school teaching, specializing in science and mathematics.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The UNSW Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Secondary) double degree is a four-year program that equips students with a broad science knowledge and essential classroom skills. Graduates of the program will earn a professional teaching qualification while simultaneously pursuing their passion for science. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, cutting-edge facilities, and renowned academic instruction to prepare students for a range of vital teaching roles.

Objectives:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of science through core subjects, including mathematics, biology, and chemistry.
• Choose from nine major areas of study, such as biology and biodiversity, chemistry, genetics, and advanced physics.
• Develop essential classroom skills and practical teaching experience through the Bachelor of Education component.
• Prepare for a highly employable career in secondary-school teaching, specializing in science and mathematics.

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Science degree provides a foundation in science suitable for educators. Students study core subjects to expand their general science knowledge and select from nine majors, including biology and biodiversity, chemistry, genetics, and advanced physics. The Bachelor of Education component focuses on classroom experience, professional learning and development, educational psychology and theories, pedagogy, assessment, diversity, inclusivity, Indigenous perspectives, and classroom management. Students gain practical teaching experience through classroom placements, beginning in their second year of study.

Outline:

Program Content:

• Science Component:
• Core courses in mathematics, biology, and chemistry
• Nine major areas of study, including biology and biodiversity, chemistry, genetics, and advanced physics
• Education Component:
• Educational psychology and theories
• Pedagogy
• Assessment
• Diversity
• Inclusivity
• Indigenous perspectives
• Classroom management

Course Schedule:

• Four-year, full-time program
• Standard course load of four courses per semester
• Classroom placements in the second year of study and beyond

Individual Modules:

• Science Component:
• Core Courses:
• Fundamentals of Mathematics
• Introduction to Biology
• Introduction to Chemistry
• Majors:
• Biology and Biodiversity: Explores the diversity of life on Earth, including topics such as evolution, ecology, and animal behavior.
• Chemistry: Covers the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and thermodynamics.
• Genetics: Studies the principles of heredity and variation, including topics such as gene expression, genetic engineering, and human genetics.
• Advanced Physics: Explores advanced topics in physics, including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, and special relativity.
• Education Component:
• Core Courses:
• Introduction to Education
• Learning and Teaching
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Method Electives:
• Teaching Science in Secondary Schools
• Teaching Mathematics in Secondary Schools
• Education Electives:
• Inclusive Education
• Indigenous Education
• Global Education

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Quizzes
• Exams
• Practical assessments
• Teaching demonstrations

Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge and understanding of subject matter
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Teaching skills
• Professionalism

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork
• Classroom placements

Faculty:

• Renowned academics and researchers from the UNSW Science faculty and the School of Education
• Experienced teachers and practitioners

Unique Approaches:

• SciConnect: An online system that supports students throughout their science degree, providing orientation, connecting them with co-curricular opportunities, and showcasing their skills to potential employers.
• NESA accreditation: Graduates earn a professional teaching qualification accredited by the NSW Education Standards Authority, recognized throughout Australia and internationally.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Secondary-school teacher, specializing in science and mathematics
• School policy adviser
• Corporate trainer or supervisor in other industries

Opportunities:

• High demand for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) skills in various industries
• Opportunities to make a significant difference in a wide range of industries and settings
• Versatile career options that allow for exploration of different roles within science, education, and beyond

Outcomes:

• Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become effective and inspiring educators in the field of science and mathematics.
• The program prepares graduates for a range of career opportunities, both within and outside of the education sector.