Earth and Environmental Science Major Teaching Area

Program Overview

This Earth and Environmental Science Major Teaching Area equips students with a solid foundation in Earth Science, climate change, and environmental preservation. Graduates are qualified to teach secondary Earth and Environmental Science, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. The program emphasizes classroom management skills, creativity, and lifelong learning, preparing students for a successful career in science education.

Program Outline

It prepares students for a career as a secondary science teacher, specifically focusing on Earth and Environmental Science for Years 7-12, including ATAR students.

Objectives:

• To develop confident and inspiring teachers with a strong grounding in learning, teaching, and curriculum.
• To equip students with classroom management skills, including handling challenging behavior and making learning engaging.
• To enable students to apply scientific and theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• To encourage students to think creatively about global challenges and inspire lifelong learning.

Outline:

Content:

• The program covers a range of topics related to Earth and Environmental Science, including:
• Environmental Biology
• Foundations of the Environment
• Atmospheric and Climate Science
• Water and Earth Science
• GIS for Environmental Management and Planning
• Teaching Science
• Teaching Senior Secondary Science
• Students can choose elective units from groups focusing on:
• Chemistry (CHE140 Fundamentals of Chemistry or CHE144 Foundations of Chemistry)
• Biology/Agriculture (ANS207 Crop and Pasture Science or BIO257 Australian Biodiversity)
• Environmental Science (ENG221 Pollution and Its Control or ENV241 Ecology)

Structure:

• The program requires a total of 30 credit points.
• 21 credit points are dedicated to required units.
• 9 credit points are allocated to specified elective units.

Course Schedule:

• The program is offered full-time or part-time.

Individual Modules:

• BIO103 Environmental Biology: This unit explores the principles of ecology and the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• ENV102 Foundations of the Environment: This unit provides a broad overview of environmental issues, including pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
• ENV242 Atmospheric and Climate Science: This unit focuses on the composition and dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere, including climate change and its impacts.
• ENV243 Water and Earth Science: This unit examines the properties and processes of water and its role in the Earth's systems, including water resources management.
• ENV303 GIS for Environmental Management and Planning: This unit introduces students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its applications in environmental management and planning.
• EDN376 Teaching Science: This unit focuses on the principles and practices of teaching science in secondary schools.
• Assessment may include:
• Assignments
• Exams
• Practical work
• Presentations
• Portfolio development

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced teaching professionals.
• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Science labs
• Tutorials
• Practical placements
• The program utilizes SimLabTM technology, a virtual classroom that provides students with practical experience in a range of teaching scenarios.

Careers:

• Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to teach secondary science, including Earth and Environmental Science, to Years 7-12 students.
• The program also provides students with the opportunity to study a second teaching area, increasing their employment opportunities.
• Potential career paths include:
• Secondary science teacher
• Environmental educator
• Science communicator
• Research assistant

Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and encourages students to stay curious about the world.
• Students are encouraged to build an online portfolio to showcase their teaching experience to future employers.
• The program offers practical placements in a variety of settings, including metropolitan, rural, remote, international, multicultural, hospital, private, and state schools.