EDF5173 Science: Physics in secondary years A
Faculty of Education
EDF5173 Science: Physics in secondary years A is a level 5, 6-credit-point, undergraduate and postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2023 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2023
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2023 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF5173
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EDF5173
1 unit list EDF5173 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Prerequisites
- Enrolment in D3001 BEd(Hons), D3002 to D3007 BEd(Hons)(Secondary doubles), D6001 MTeach
- Minor in physics (includes electronics)
Overview
This unit prepares you to teach physics in secondary schools and colleges both as a specialist subject in senior years (Years 11 and 12) and within the junior science curriculum (Years 7 to 10). A central focus of the unit is for you to develop and apply critical thinking and reflection. This enables you to build a deep understanding of the importance of developing and implementing an effective pedagogy for teaching physics that can be adapted and applied in diverse educational settings. The unit also builds an advanced knowledge of problematic physics content through an examination of the national and international physics education research literature and the application of evidence-based teaching approaches that successfully facilitate student learning. You will be assisted to trial and critique a wide variety of purposeful and effective teaching strategies including the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) skills and techniques considered essential for establishing a productive, diverse and sustainable secondary classroom.
In addition, you will be introduced to local and national curricula (junior to senior years) and developments in global physics education so that you are confident about aligning and evaluating your teaching to successfully meet the demands of the curriculum. Throughout the unit, you will be encouraged to work collaboratively while being challenged to consider the key issues and dilemmas impacting contemporary physics education in a variety of contexts and how these might be addressed and influence your professional classroom practice.
Offerings in 2023
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Written assignment including research report and lesson design (2000 words or equivalent)50%
- Reflection on learning and multimedia presentation (2000 words or equivalent)50%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
articulate and apply your understanding of a constructivist perspective of learning in physics
- 2
link the everyday world of the learner with physics in ways that are meaningful, relevant and engaging
- 3
interpret, critique and implement the language, content and assessment methods in senior physics curriculum documents critical for successful physics teaching in secondary schools and colleges
- 4
develop confidence and a capacity to effectively communicate your advanced physics knowledge using a diverse range of appropriate methods, while planning lessons which encourage purposeful and critical thinking in your students
- 5
demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which science education research helps inform teacher practice to enhance student understanding of physics concepts
- 6
critically understand the principles of curriculum design, the content of current senior physics curricula and the pedagogy of physics education
- 7
apply contexts for the teaching of physics content that accounts for the experiences and social and cultural backgrounds of your students
- 8
use and creatively integrate information and communication technologies to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding.
Workload and teaching
- Lectures8 hours
- Tutorials16 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
• 24 hours* of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
• the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
*Subject to variation due to professional experience requirements.
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Rebecca Cooper
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Stephen Keast
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5173?
EDF5173 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after EDF5173?
EDF5173 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EDF5174.
When is EDF5173 offered?
In 2023, EDF5173 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF5173?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5173 have an exam?
No. EDF5173 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.