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Unit outline_

EDSE4047: Teaching Science Elective: Biology

Semester 1, 2023 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study aims to prepare graduates for the teaching of Biology in high schools as their teaching specialisation. Students will investigate the nature and purpose of teaching Biology for Years 11-12. Students will examine teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners in Stage 6 and how to plan units of work and assess students' achievements.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
A minimum of 120 credit points including (EDSE3068 and 12 credit points of any 2000 level BIOL units of study)
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Louise Sutherland, louise.sutherland@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Patricia Stockbridge, patricia.stockbridge@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Presentation Teaching a concept with a model
Presentation and written support materials
40% Week 04
Due date: 17 Mar 2023 at 23:59
Equivalent to 1,500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO10 LO8 LO7 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Assignment Sequence of lessons
written submission
60% Week 08
Due date: 24 Apr 2023 at 23:59
equivalent to 3000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10

Assessment summary

Teaching a concept using a model: Inclass presentation including appropriate support materials 

Presentation and support materials for teaching a concept: 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Stage 6 science and its place in the K-12 continuum Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Introduction to stage 6 biology Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Unpacking module 1: Cells as the basis of life Seminar (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6
Week 02 What about investigating and extension science- the new kids on the block? Lecture (1 hr) LO2 LO3
1. The use and importance of modelling in Biology; 2. Unpacking module 2: organisation of living things; 3. Heinemann secondary source task Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO8
1. Misconceptions and challenging concepts and how to address them; 2. Unpacking module 3: biological diversity; 3. Constructing and using a dichotomous key; 4. Changes in a species Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 03 Assessment in Stage 6 and RoSA Lecture (1 hr) LO4
1. Unpacking module 4: ecosystem dynamics; 2. Research from geodiversity Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
1. Critical thinking in biology; 2. Unpacking module 5: heredity; 3. Getting creative, roleplay; 4. Genetics problems Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 04 Congratulations you have been accepted for the 2022 HSC examination committee Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
1. Unpacking module 6: genetic change; 2. Genetic technologies including cloning Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
1. Secondary sources and research techniques; 2. Unpacking module 7: infectious disease; 3. Modelling Pasteur's experiment Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Week 05 Doing the RAP Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
1. Ethics in biology; 2. Unpacking module 8: non-infectious disease and disorders Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Preparing your students for the HSC Examination Seminar (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Presentation of Biological Model Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO6 LO9
Group unit presentation 1 Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Group Presentation 2 Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 07 Group Presentation 3 Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Week 08 Group Presentation 4 Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8
Group Presentation 5 Presentation (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO6 LO7 LO8

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. discuss the role and value of stage 6 biology in the education of high school students including transitions from stage 5 science and to higher education and the world of work and citizenship
  • LO2. understand the pedagogy underpinning the teaching, learning, and assessment of stage 6 biology and reflect on your own pedagogical philosophy
  • LO3. understand the requirements of the NSW stage 6 biology syllabus, including aims, objectives, outcomes, content, skills and NSW Educational Standards Authority assessment and HSC examination requirements
  • LO4. work cooperatively to develop a teaching sequence of work for a senior biology topic based on the requirements of Stage 6 syllabus that contains a range of teaching strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of the students
  • LO5. plan, implement and evaluate differentiated student learning activities for the specific learning needs of the students
  • LO6. identify a range of secondary sources, research and problem solving to support high school students achievement of the outcomes for stage 6 biology syllabus
  • LO7. competently and safely carry out demonstrations and organise and conduct other laboratory based activities in the teaching of biology in the senior school
  • LO8. develop a range of literacy activities to enhance high school students' understanding of the “language of biology” and the discourses in the disciplines of science and to support the development of high school students' literacy and numeracy across the curriculum
  • LO9. discuss how the use of ICT in the teaching of biology can enhance students' learning and incorporate appropriate ICT-supported strategies into your planning
  • LO10. demonstrate professional competence in your communication skills.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
5.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of a range of strategies for reporting to students and parents/carers and the purpose of keeping accurate and reliable records of student achievement.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.3.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
2.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 A (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 A (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1 A (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1 A (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 A (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 A (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 A (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
5.1.1 A (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

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