Key facts
UNE unit code: EDSE357
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Yes
- No
- No
- 6
Unit information
Senior Science teachers can use a range of methods and practices to spark students’ interest, inspire their curiosity and foster their skills as developing, inquiring scientists.
Studying this unit will equip you with the skills to confidently and creatively implement science education syllabus components for years 11 and 12. This unit focuses on NSW Stage 6 science syllabuses and assessment, in the context of statutory authority mandates.
You will investigate pedagogies for senior science such as techniques of teaching, selecting, appraising and integrating scientific investigations, as well as methods of constructing and implementing teaching programs and classroom learning sequences.
Additionally, you will examine mechanisms to help students understand the nature and requirements of mandatory assessment and reporting in the senior years.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
This unit addresses Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the Graduate Stage, otherwise referred to as Graduate Teacher Standard Descriptors (GTSD).
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies for topics covered in the biology, physics, chemistry, investigative science, earth & environmental science and science extension syllabi (GTSD 2.1.1);
- demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning against outcomes and demonstrate an understanding of the importance of effective home-school links, processes for reporting student progress to parents and caregivers (GTSD 5.1.1, 5.4.1);
- include a range of teaching strategies that identify and discuss a variety of investigative skills used in science and discuss in detail the types of cognitive engagement that could be associated with each skill and safety issues inherent in investigations (GTSD 3.3.1, 4.1.1, 4.2.1, 4.4.1);
- implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students and demonstrate ability to critically analyse and evaluate resources and enhance available resources to support student learning (GTSD 2.6.1);
- demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, such as ICT, academic mentors, external professionals and community representatives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, that enhance professional knowledge and practice and can be used to engage students in their learning (GTSD 3.4.1, 7.4.1); and
- demonstrate ability to critically analyse a textbook in relation to a specific aspect and provide a range of appropriate resources/activities to address identified ‘shortcomings’ (GTSD 3.4.1, 3.6.1).
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Review of pedagogies and strategies relevant to senior science syllabi. Relates to GTSD: 2.1.1, 2.6.1, 3.3.1, 4.1.1, 4.2.1, 4.4.1, 5.1.1, 5.4.1, 7.4.1 No. Words: 2000 |
| Assessment 2 | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Resource review, programming. Relates to GTSD: 2.6.1, 3.4.1, 3.6.1, 7.4.1 No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
The Art of Teaching Science: A Comprehensive Guide to the Teaching of Secondary School Science
ISBN: 9781760528362
Dawson, V., Venville, G., & Donovan, J. (Eds.), Taylor & Francis Group 3rd ed. 2019
Text refers to: All offerings
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.
- •Course updates and important changes as they happen
- •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
- •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
- •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire
Ready to stay in the loop?
GET IN TOUCH
Why study with us?
UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.
What happens next?
Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
