Undergraduate - Course3711 - Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Primary)

This double degree course combines specific studies in science with those in education and prepares students for careers as teachers in primary schools. The course develops students' understanding of child development, educational theories and practice and how to involve children from age 5 to 12 years in engaging, innovative and purposeful learning. The education and curriculum majors give students extensive understanding of teaching and learning strategies, education policy, theories and practice, and develop knowledge about teaching the primary school curriculum. Opportunities to learn through practical experiences in schools are provided throughout the course in urban, rural, remote and international schools. This double degree enables students to pursue professional learning opportunities in areas beyond education.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html).

For the outcomes of the science component of this double degree refer to 0050 Bachelor of Science.

Upon successful completion of the education component of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• understand leading-edge theories and evidence-based research on child development and primary school education issues to inform their teaching and learning beliefs and practices
• select and creatively integrate information communication technologies to advance children's learning
• develop productive and meaningful relationships with families and the broader community to enrich the lives of learners and to develop respectful and inclusive practices
• critically consider a range of perspectives, including spatial, temporal and sociological views, and respond to diversity in primary schools
• understand and implement the Australian CurriculumAustralian Curriculum (http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/) and appropriate pedagogy for learners in the Australian and international context
• engage with the primary education profession to become ethical leaders and practitioners who can develop curriculum, pedagogy and programs that meet diverse learners' needs
• understand primary education (ages 5 to 12) as a complex, critical period of learning and development for school-aged children
• contribute to a multi-disciplinary, professional approach to support the development of young learners.

Students who have studied before may be eligible for credit for prior studiescredit for prior studies (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/students/prospective/credit.html).

Mandatory checks and security clearances

Before participating in a professional placement in any educational setting students must meet specific security clearancessecurity clearances (http://www.education.monash.edu.au/placements/clearances/) that apply to the state or territory where the placement is being undertaken.

Students must complete teaching practice which consists of a minimum of 80 days of satisfactory supervised school experience. Students will only be given permission to complete a placement in their place of employment in exceptional circumstances and if they will receive the required level of supervision. Where permission is granted, students will not be permitted to undertake more than 50 per cent of the placement in their place of employment. Students must be available to undertake placements on a full-time basis and attend their placement at times determined by the faculty.

Graduates are eligible for registrationregistration (http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/Pages/default.aspx) 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 consists of studies in science (96 points) and studies in education (108 points), incorporating core, elective and professional experience units.

The science component consists of a major sequence in an area of science, along with a specified number and type of science units including a level one mathematics or statistics unit, and a level two science core unit covering scientific practice and communication.

Students in this course cannot take units from faculties other than the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Science.

Science

The Faculty of Science requires science studies to be chosen from the science units listed in the Science areas of study and sequencesScience areas of study and sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-aos-clayton.html) section in this Handbook.

Education

• Education - Primary

Science component

Students must complete 16 units (96 credit points) of science units including:

(a.) a minimum of four level-one science units (24 points) covering:

(i.) at least two level-one approved science sequences. The approved level one sequences are listed in the section Approved level one sequences in ScienceApproved level one sequences in Science (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-sequences.html).

(ii.) at least one level one mathematics or statistics unit from:

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

(b.) one major sequence in a science area of study (48 points). The science major sequence must be chosen from the science areas of study for the campus on which the student is enrolled listed in the Science units and sequencesScience units and sequences (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci-01a.html) section in this Handbook.

(c.) the core unit SCI2010 Scientific practice and communication or SCI2015 Scientific practice and communication (advanced) (6 points)

(d.) a minimum of ten science units (60 points) at level two and three (including either SCI2010 or SCI2015), with at least four science units at level three.

Notes:

Within the science component 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 students 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 students 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 officeStudent Academic Services office (http://monash.edu/science/current/undergraduate/help/).

Students should contact the Faculty of Science before enrolling in any stage of the double degree, to ensure that the program they wish to follow will satisfy prerequisites necessary for higher stages. For information relating to course planning, science units and sequences students should refer to the Science Faculty InformationFaculty Information (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2014handbooks/undergrad/sci.html) section of this Handbook.

Education component

Students must complete:

(a.) education major (48 points)

(b.) curriculum major (60 points)

(c.) professional experience units to complete 80 days of teaching practice (0 points)

For details of the units required for the education component, refer to the link under 'Areas of study'.

Refer to the course mapcourse map (http://monash.edu/education/current-students/courses/maps/2014/2014-map-3711-bsc-bed-prim.pdf) for the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education (Primary) for course progression advice.

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 the Faculty of Science regarding their unit selection prior to re-enrolling for level three.

An honourshonours (http://www.edu.monash.edu/courses/honours/) program in education may be undertaken by graduates of this course who achieve a distinction average in their final two years of study.

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 (Primary)
Bachelor of Science