Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)/Master of Teaching (Secondary)

In your first year of your science studies, you’ll complete four core units—an introduction to the principles of science. You will learn by enquiry—experimental science units will give you the grounding in the fundamental methods of science practice, analysis, research and scientific presentation, as well as  hands-on experience. These are skills that will translate well into your teaching career.

In your biological sciences major, you will explore the science of living things through cell biology and evolution, animal biology, biological processes and ecology. You’ll continue your studies into plant biology, microbiology, population genetics and molecular biology.

The integrative biology project provides the valuable opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your degree.

As you progress to the Master of Teaching component, you’ll find the course is designed to ensure you can step into your teaching career with confidence. In curriculum units you’ll learn how to teach subjects in the Australian curriculum. Our expert lecturers will encourage you to be creative as you experiment with different teaching approaches to engage, excite and extend your learners. You’ll learn how to identify the best technologies to incorporate in your teaching. Everything you do will be based on a deep understanding of child and adolescent development.

Real-world facilities

You will be based at the Gardens Point campus for your science studies, where you will experience state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced scientific instruments, and high-performance computing and visualisation facilities, all mirroring real-world environments.

During the Master of Teaching you’ll experience the Education Precinct at the heart of Kelvin Grove campus. These contemporary learning spaces facilitate experimentation and innovation, preparing you to become an inspiring, confident and future-focussed teacher when you step into professional experiences in schools. The spaces strike the right balance of collaborative learning, interaction and quiet individual research.

A centrepiece of the Precinct is the Sphere, a digital LED globe suspended over two floors with a changing menu of interactive visual content.

Work Integrated Learning

During this course, you will be required to complete 60 days (equivalent to 420 hours) of professional experience placements in the Master ot Teaching (Secondary) component.

Careers and outcomes

As a secondary teaching specialist, you will be prepared to teach biological sciences in schools. You will also gain sufficient quantitative skills during your Science studies to prepare you to have a second teaching area in Mathematics.

Your qualification can also allow you to teach in other locations in Australia and overseas.

The masters qualification will position you to lead STEM teaching in a school, or to pursue other important roles in the education sector: in policy work; curriculum development; or community engagement projects to advance STEM.

Professional recognition

As a biological sciences graduate, you may be eligible for membership with the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the Ecological Society of Australia, the Australian Society of Horticultural Science, and others.

The Master of Teaching meets professional teaching standards for the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership and Queensland College of Teachers. Graduates are eligible to apply for teacher registration. Applicants seeking teacher registration in Australia may be required to provide evidence of English Language proficiency levels. Further information is available from relevant registering bodies.