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Department of Education, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


ED30005: Science education in practice

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: ES 60%, PF 40%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
This unit provides students with an introduction to the teaching and learning of science at secondary level. It aims to:
a) provide an opportunity for students to engage in observational practice;
b) become familiar with the content of the national curriculum;
c) develop an understanding of the nature of science teaching and the difficulties encountered by children in the learning of science;
d) appreciate the role of assessment in the learning and teaching of science.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit students should be able to:
a) identify and describe key aspects of a teacher's practice in the science classroom/laboratory;
b) explain the structure and purposes of the National Curriculum for science;
c) explain the role of investigative work in the learning of science;
d) show how learning in science depends significantly on the knowledge and understanding of science children bring with them to the classroom;
e) distinguish between the different modes of assessment (i.e. formative, summative, ipsative) and their role in learning science;
f) relate theoretical aspects of teaching and learning science to the practice of science teachers observed in the school.

Skills:
Written communication (A), Oral communication (F), Presentation (F/A), Self-directed learning (F), Problem analysis, Research and reflection (F/A).

Content:
This unit considers teaching and theories of teaching within the context of science education. It includes a range of practical activities within a teaching context which are designed to illustrate the underlying theories. The unit considers issues such as curriculum and how it is interpreted, children's learning in science, the role of assessment, the purposes of practical/investigative work and the role of the teacher. The unit includes four Wednesday mornings spent in a local school science department. During these periods, students review the relationship between teaching and learning; consider issues related to designing a curriculum for science; explore the purposes of teaching science; find out how children learn science; observe the elements of science teaching; examine the conceptual nature of science learning; evaluate their experiences. Through the school experience ideas introduced during the seminars can be observed in operation. This unit is intended particularly for science, engineering and mathematics students who may be interested in a career in teaching.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

ED30005 is a Generally Available Unit which is available to all students of the University (subject to the usual constraints) to take either as a Director of Studies approved option within their programme of study or as an 'extra' unit which does not count towards a final award.

  • UXXX-AFN99 : Generally available catalogue ) - No specified year

ED30005 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Chemistry
  • USCH-AFB09 : BSc (hons) Chemistry with Education (Full-time) - Year 3

ED30005 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys Physics with Research Placement (Full-time) - Year 3

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.