Curriculum Studies - Biology

This subject prepares Teacher Education Students to teach Stage 6 Biology to meet the requirements of NESA and ACARA Syllabi. It is designed to advance knowledge in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for Stage 6 Biology students. It also aims to develop Teacher Education Students’ (TES) understanding and skills in critically analysing and evaluating contemporary theory, concepts and issues in Biology as applied in the classroom context, including curriculum design and evaluation - assessment, examination and reporting. Using the local area as a research resource and fieldwork are integral parts of this subject.

Awards offering Curriculum Studies - Biology

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of Australian and State educational policies and priorities and their effect on implementing ‘best practice’ teaching strategies and engaging resources to fulfil the aims of the ACARA Biology curriculum years 11-12 and local syllabus.
2. Demonstrate their understanding of key policy and curriculum issues.
3. Evaluate a range of strategies, technologies and resources for teaching Biology
4. Apply their understanding of key curricular and system factors to analysis of specific resources relevant independent pupil Biology investigation in schools
5. Develop student-centred, innovative and well-designed Biology investigations that include: curriculum content (concepts, substance and structure, tools, and skills); language, literacy and numeracy demands arising from the content; and ways of addressing the Australian Curriculum’s General Capabilities (GCs) and Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCPs). 
6. Safely plan and conduct effective Biology student research projects in the secondary school context.
7. Develop student-centred, innovative and well-designed Biology fieldwork that includes:curriculum content (concepts, substance and structure, tools, and skills); language, literacy and numeracy demands arising from the content; and ways of addressing the Australian Curriculum’s General Capabilities (GCs) and Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCPs). consideration of safe practice and jurisdictional safety documentation.

Subject Content

• What makes ‘Biology’ different from the other sciences?
• Common content for Biology 7-12
• Controversy in Biology
• How do Biology syllabi change, locally and internationally?
• Reproduction and inheritance
• Genetics and/or evolution??
• Managing pupil research
• Excursions and fieldwork
• Assessing individual projects
• Assessing field work
• The Christian biologist
• Managing controversy in the classroom

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face
• Online
• Intensive
• Extensive

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Forums and Tutorials (25%)
• Resources for Independent Pupil Work (15%)
• Plannng for Pupil Research (30%)
• Planning for Pupil Fieldwork (30%)