Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Course

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

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that students will have:

• acquired the skills that will effectively allow them to plan and deliver primary school educational programs
• gained an understanding of curriculum development and the significance of the key areas of learning taught in primary schools
• developed knowledge about child development underlying professional practice and an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of primary teacher education
• understood and appreciated the cultural contexts of schooling and the diversity of the student population
• developed the capacity to be responsive to the needs of children, their families and communities in a flexible and innovative way.

For description and objectives of the science component of this double degree visit http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/courses/0050.html

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 school placements on a full-time basis and attend their placement for full days at times determined by the faculty.

Graduates are eligible for registration and employment as primary school teachers in the government, Catholic and independent school systems in Victoria. For interstate and overseas positions, applicants are advised to check with local authorities

This course comprises studies in science and studies in education incorporating compulsory and elective units, and teaching placements.

Science component

Studies in science (96 points) comprising:

• 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)
• 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
• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling

* 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 MTH1020 and MTH1030 are recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1030 requires VCE Specialist Mathematics (or equivalent) or MTH1020.

Students with a strong mathematics background and a keen interest in the subject could replace the units MTH1030 and MTH2010 with their advanced versions MTH1035 and MTH2015 respectively. Enrolment in these units is with permission from the Head of School of Mathematics.

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 (Peninsula students refer to the Clayton science areas of study) listed in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' section of this handbook available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/undergrad/sci.html

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

Education component

Studies in education (96 points) comprising:

• a series of units relating to the theory and practice of education, teaching and curriculum
• fieldwork placements.

For full details on the education requirements refer to the 'Education - Primary' 'area of study' at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2011handbooks/aos/ug-education---primary.html.

Students may apply for admission to an honours program in science, following the completion of an approved combination of at least 144 points of units including all of the science requirements for the double degree course. Students who are considering doing honours in science prior to completing the double degree should consult with the Faculty of Science regarding their unit selection prior to re-enrolling for level three.

Students who wish to graduate with a Bachelor of Science prior to the completion of the double degree course must have completed at least 144 points of studies, including all of the science requirements for the double degree course.

Bachelor of Education

Bachelor of Science