UnitLevel 5Undergraduate and Postgraduate

EDF5123 Biology education in the secondary years A

Faculty of Education

EDF5123 Biology education in the secondary years A is a level 5, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2020 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2020
Semester 1
Clayton
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

Reviews

No reviews yet

No reviews yet. Be the first to review EDF5123.

Requisites

Before EDF5123

No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.

After EDF5123

1 unit list EDF5123 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Enrolment rules

Prerequisite: Minor in biological sciences

Prohibition: EDF4841

Corequisite: Enrolment in D3001 BEd(Hons), D3002 to D3009 BEd(Hons)(Secondary doubles), D6001 MTeach

Overview

This unit enables you to build a strong foundation to teach biology as a specialist in Years 11 and 12 and in the junior years (7 to 10). The unit draws upon a constructivist theory of learning to explore the most appropriate ways of encouraging you to build your conceptual understandings of biological concepts. Linked to this, you will develop and demonstrate a range of pedagogical approaches appropriate to teaching biology as evidenced in the science education research literature. Importantly, you will be introduced to appropriate curricula (Years 7 to 12) so you are confident about aligning your teaching to the curriculum in preparation for the classroom. Throughout the unit you will be encouraged to work collaboratively while being challenged to consider the key issues impacting biology education and how these might be addressed in your teaching. You will be encouraged to think critically about teaching biology, learn how to adapt your knowledge and skills within diverse contexts, and recognise the importance of reflecting upon your own practice.

Offerings in 2020

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
First semester (Fully flex)ClaytonFlexible

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Articulate and apply your understanding of a constructivist perspective of learning in biology

  2. 2

    Link the everyday world of the learner with biology in ways that are meaningful and relevant

  3. 3

    Actively participate in professional conversations about the key theoretical and pedagogical perspectives and issues in teaching biology

  4. 4

    Plan for, enact and adjust as appropriate a variety of teaching and learning strategies and practices to meet the needs of a diverse range of student learners, in a variety of settings and curriculum contexts

  5. 5

    Demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which science education research helps inform teacher practice to enhance student understanding of biological concepts.

Workload and teaching

Minimum total expected workload equals 144 hours per semester comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

  • 2-3 contact hours per week

(b.) Additional requirements:

  • independent study to make up the minimum required hours per week

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Jennifer Mansfield
Unit Coordinators
Dr Jennifer Mansfield

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for EDF5123?

EDF5123 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.

What can I take after EDF5123?

EDF5123 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EDF5124.

When is EDF5123 offered?

In 2020, EDF5123 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.

How much work is EDF5123?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Education
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Not available