3711 - Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education - Primary

This double degree course provides the opportunity to focus on science concepts as well as the theory and practice of teaching. On completion of the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (primary) program of studies, graduates will have a sound preparation for entry into the science and/or education and training professions.

Students must complete teaching practice which consists of a minimum of 80 days of satisfactory supervised school experience. Those students who are employed in schools must complete a minimum of 50 per cent of supervised placement in a setting other than the school in which they are employed. Students must be available to undertake fieldwork placements full time. Students will be required to complete projects related to their field visits.

Specific learning objectives for the Bachelor of Education include the development of confident and competent teachers well equipped to effectively apply their knowledge and skills to a diverse range of learners and key curriculum areas within schools. Life long learning is encouraged and the ability to be critical, self reflective practitioners who draw upon current research as well as their own experiences to enhance pedagogy. The science component of the degree allows students to do complete a major and minor sequence in two areas of science. Students will develop the necessary skills to critically analyse and communicate scientific ideas and information, and develop the capacity to apply disciplinary knowledge and critical thinking to define and analyse problems, and develop effective solutions.

To receive the awards of Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education, a student must successfully complete units totaling 192 points consisting of:

(a.) Studies in science (96 points). Students must complete a major sequence in a science discipline (48 credit points - normally 12 points at level one, 12 points at level two and 24 points at level three), a minor sequence in a different science discipline (24 credit points - 12 points at level one and 12 points at level two), and two additional science units.

Students must also complete:

• SCI2010 The practice and application of science

plus one of:*

• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling (Clayton) or MAT1085 Mathematics 1B (Gippsland)

* The unit(s) taken will depend on the student's mathematics background and interests. The statistics units SCI1020 and STA1010 are normally recommended for students planning to study areas where experimental design and data analysis skills are particularly important, such as the life sciences. SCI1020 is for students without a strong mathematics background, while STA1010 requires Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Mathematical Methods 3 and 4 (or equivalent). The mathematical methods units MTH1030 (Clayton) and MAT1085 (Gippsland) are recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1030 requires VCE Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) or MTH1020, while MAT1085 requires MAT1055 (Mathematics 1A).

Within the science component of the double degree, students cannot include more than 36 points at level one science units and no less than 24 points at level three of science units overall.

The science studies must be chosen from the approved science units and sequences for the relevant campus of study listed in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' section of this handbook.

(b.) Studies in education (96 points). Students must complete a series of units relating to the theory and practice of education, teaching and curriculum. Professional placements are also included.

In order to meet the prerequisites for teaching specialisms, students must select major/minor science discipline sequences from the following 'fields of study':

• biological sciences
• chemistry
• computer science
• geography
• geosciences (only if a major/minor/part in biology, chemistry or physics is also completed)
• mathematics
• physics
• psychology.

To meet the minimum requirements for general science as a teaching specialism students must select - together with a part (two units) in biology, chemistry, geosciences or physics - a major or minor sequence in any of:

• biological sciences,
• chemistry,
• geosciences
• physics.

For science major/minor sequences available refer to the Science areas of study and sequences - links available from http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2009handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

For course advise regarding the science component of the double degree contact the Faculty of Science at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au.

Progressively over the course, students will complete more of the education component, until the final year, which is composed entirely of education studies, including professional placements.

First year

Peninsula students: All first year units are undertaken at Clayton*

• EDF1303 Learning and educational inquiry 1 (five days professional placement)
• EDF1304 Learning and educational inquiry 2 (five days professional placement)
• 36 points of science studies

* Gippsland students: All units in all years are undertaken at Gippsland.

Second year

Peninsula students: All second year education units are undertaken at Peninsula; all science units are undertaken at Clayton

• EDF1307 Early literacy and numeracy 1 (10 days professional placement)
• EDF2302 Re-imagining children's learning (five days professional placement)
• 36 points of science studies

Third year

Peninsula students: All third year education units are undertaken at Peninsula; all science units are undertaken at Clayton

• EDF2301 Multiliteracies: mediating the world
• EDF2304 Early literacy and numeracy 2
• EDF3301 Numeracy
• EDF3311 Understanding space and place (15 days professional placement)
• 24 points of science studies

Fourth year

Peninsula students: All fourth year units are undertaken at Peninsula

• EDF2303 Movement, environment and community
• EDF3303 Integrating the curriculum 1: creative exchange
• EDF3304 Integrating the curriculum 2: different places
• EDF3306 Literacy
• EDF4311 Professional contexts 1 (20 days professional placement)
• EDF4312 Professional contexts 2 (20 days professional placement)
• EDF4314 Entering the profession 2
• education elective

Graduates will be eligible for registration and employment as primary teachers in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities.

Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Science