Science for Secondary Teaching 1

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
EDUC 5039
Course ID icon
Course ID
203597
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Adelaide University
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

The aim of this course is to build preservice teachers’ understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and the purpose of teaching science in the secondary school context. The course examines the impact of learning theories on the teaching of science and explores approaches to assessment and teaching methodologies appropriate for secondary science. Preservice teachers will encounter ways of using the laboratory in science teaching and gain a comprehensive understanding of the Australian Curriculum and how it informs science teaching and learning. 

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically reflect on personal and professional assumptions of the nature of science taught in schools
  • Select, critique and apply strategies for teaching science in the middle years
  • Identify strategies to identify and challenge alternative conceptions in science
  • Observe and analyse teacher practice
  • Effectively plan science lessons that are appropriate for particular contexts and purposes, including safe and appropriate use of laboratory equipment

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Assumed knowledge

N/A

Textbook(s)

N/A

Inherent requirements

N/A

Other resources

Dawson, V, Venville, G and Donovan, J (eds) (2019).  The art of teaching science: a comprehensive guide to the teaching of secondary school science (3rd edn). Allen and Unwin.

Assessment

N/A

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.