Science/Science Education
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Science Education
Length
4 years
Campuses
Melbourne, Bendigo
Course description
The importance of preparing graduates, with strong foundations in both science and education studies, for teaching mathematics and science in secondary schools was acknowledged by federal funding to establish an innovative science/science education double degree.
This program features full science studies in first year, combined education and science studies in second and third year, and education studies (including two teaching methods) in the fourth year. Two science disciplines are studied to third year level. Since these must include one of the âin-demandâ disciplines of physics, chemistry, information technology and mathematics (which may include statistics), graduates of this degree are highly employable. School-based activities take place across three years, beginning in the second year with a mentoring program.
La Trobe is one of the fastest-growing science research organisations in Australia, with work currently underway to build AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience a $288 million public private partnership with the Victorian government and La Trobe University, and the $94-million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) at the Melbourne campus. Once completed, these Centres will expand laboratory facilities as well as teaching and research opportunities for La Trobe science students.
Course structure
Students study either chemistry, mathematics, physics or information technology (IT) as a major or minor through to third year, and combine these studies with another area of science (also to third year) to broaden teaching options.
Fourth-year studies include a research project in science or mathematics education.
Contact hours
Between 22 and 28 hours a week (average) in first year, depending on subject selection
Subject details
Major areas of study
Science, mathematics, statistics, chemistry, physics, computer science, education
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
23 520
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
Depending on the subjects chosen, extra costs can include a laboratory coat - about A$30 - and a dissecting kit - about A$40. Students can purchase these items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property. Additional costs for field trips may also be incurred, such as food, travel and accommodation.
Selection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 6B certificate at postgraduate (EFS PG2a (75%)) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 600 with a score of 6 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 250 with a score of 6 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 96 with no individual score less than 24; or
Satisfactory completion of an English language subject at Year 12 or equivalent level. This must have been completed in the last two years and at an academic level acceptable to the University; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 70
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 77.25
International Baccalaureate - 27
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 10,4 (the student must meet the higher than standard English language requirement)
Sri Lankan A Levels - BBC
STPM - 9
MICSS (UEC) - 4A 2B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 73
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 3.7
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 73
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.4
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 2.8
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 2.6
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Extra requirements
Students must provide a certified copy of a valid Working with Children Check (no cost) prior to undertaking teaching placements in schools.
Prerequisites
Mathematics determined to be equivalent to the Australian VCE Units 3 & 4 Mathematical Methods (either) or Specialist Mathematics.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (February)
Industry experience
The following types of industry experience are available in this course.
- Workplace experience for academic credit
Additional information
Students with Advanced Standing (credit) may commence in Semester 2 (July).
Students at the Albury-Wodonga campus must transfer to either the Melbourne or the Bendigo campus after first year. Please note that not all specialisations are available at every campus.
Career opportunities
Graduates are qualified to teach in secondary schools in their specialist areas of science, mathematics, or information technology, in Australia and overseas. Graduates may also find employment in the adult education sector, community organisations, as private tutors and in consultancies.
Professional recognition
In Australia, graduates are eligible for teacher registration in Victoria. Under Commonwealth Mutual Recognition legislation, graduates can register in another jurisdiction in Australia, and in New Zealand where registration is a necessary requirement for employment.
Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with the relevant science association is also possible.