Graduate Certificate in Science Education

The Graduate Certificate in Science Education is a professionally-oriented program which aims to update and broaden the science content knowledge of practising science teachers in upper primary, high schools and colleges, and others involved in the field of science education. The program addresses professional learning opportunities for teachers of science (covering both the life sciences and physical sciences which includes Maths and IT) by providing access to current developments in science ("hot topics") as well as examining how new topics can be introduced into the classroom curriculum.

The course, which consists of four units, can be completed by part-time studies over the duration of one-year. Units will be delivered through a combination of block teaching (utilising the school vacation breaks in January and June) and on-line delivery.

The Science Content units KAA501 and KAA502 will be intensively taught over a four-day period and will consist of a series of hot topics presented by Schools within the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology. Participants will be able to expand their knowledge base and learn about the latest in scientific information and techniques. These units will address the Science as a Body of Knowledge strand of the Tasmanian Curriculum. The 'hot topics' will be supported through explicitly linking content with the Tasmanian curriculum.

ESH704 Conducting Professional Enquiry will link to the Content units and participants will relate scientific concepts from the topics covered in the Content units with the other Tasmanian Curriculum Strands; Science as a Human Endeavour; Science Inquiry and Science communication (Unit 1) and into classroom situations (Unit 2). The unit will have a pedagogical emphasis and will assist teachers inquire into and question their teaching and learning practices.