Undergraduate - Course3711 - Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education

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/2012handbooks/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 will only be permitted to complete a placement in their place of employment if they receive the required level of supervision. Students must be available to undertake 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

Students must complete 96 points of science units including:

(a.) a major sequence in a science area of study (48 points)

(b.) a minor sequence in a different science area of study (24 points)

(c.) at least one mathematics or statistics unit from the following (6 points):

• MTH1020 Analysis of change
• MTH1030 Techniques for modelling
• SCI1020 Introduction to statistical reasoning
• STA1010 Statistical methods for science

(d.) SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication (6 points)

(e.) science electives to complete a total of 96 points of science studies

Notes:

The Faculty of Science requires science studies to be chosen from the science units listed in the section 'Science areas of study and sequences' in this handbook available via http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2012handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html.

Within the Science component students must complete a minimum of four level-three science units (24 points), and a maximum of six level-one science units (36 points) can be taken overall.

The level one mathematics/statistics unit taken will depend on the mathematics background and interests as follows:

• The statistics units SCI1020 (Introduction to statistical reasoning) and STA1010 (Statistical methods for science) 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 the student to have studied VCE Mathematical Methods Units 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
• The mathematical methods unit MTH1030 is recommended for students with an interest in mathematics and/or physics. MTH1030 requires the student to have studied 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. Students will need to seek permission to enrol in these units at the Faculty of Science, Student Academic Services office (contact details at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/contact/undergrad.html).

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

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/2012handbooks/aos/education---primary/.

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