Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education for 2010

Course overview

Whether it is living systems, the environment or new technologies, Science provides the framework for exploration and discovery, and by combining a Bachelor of Science with a Bachelor of Education, graduates of this double degree are ideally placed to guide secondary students through their first experiences in this dynamic and varied field. The science studies combine a broad understanding of the origins of science and scientific method with major and minor studies selected from biological sciences, geography and environmental science, mathematics, physics or psychology. As well as giving students an understanding of the origins of science and the nature of scientific enquiry, the course aims to provide a broad general education to equip graduates for employment in a wide range of science fields or as secondary teachers. Students undertake a major (three years) and a minor (two years) sequence chosen from a range of science disciplines, which the students specialise in during second and third year. Education studies provide a comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical foundations of education, curriculum studies and teaching practice. Students gain valuable classroom experience by completing a minimum of 80 days of professional placement, with some placement being undertaken in each year of the course. Studies in secondary education include adolescent learning, curriculum development, assessment, language and literacy and discipline-based education units. Students gain an understanding of the nature of education, classroom teaching and practice in schools, and the relationship between education and society.

The double degree Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) requires the successful completion of units totalling 204 credit points. The study equivalent to achieve 204 credit points would normally be 4.25 years of full time study; however this course has been structured to allow completion in just 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time. This is made possible by the incorporation of a 12 credit point study overload in the final year of the course.

Duration, campus, fees and application information

Career outlook

Following registration with VIT graduates are qualified to teach in Victoria as secondary school teachers of chemistry, physics, biology, psychology, general science, mathematics or geography; or in a range of science careers in the physical sciences, life sciences, earth sciences and mathematical science. Graduates wishing to teach interstate or overseas are advised to check registration requirements with local authorities.

Single degree options

• Bachelor of Science