Undergraduate Major

Physical Sciences Teaching Major

Passionate about science? Want to share your knowledge with the next generation of eager Physics and Chemistry high school students? This is the course for you.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: MJ-PHS
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank
CRICOS code

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Overview

This major will develop your understanding of the core concepts, subject matter and content relationships of Physical Sciences as well as the skills and knowledge on how to teach it! This involves learning about how adolescents learn, acquiring and practicing a range of strategies to engage and motivate, and learning about how to cater for students from different backgrounds.

To understand the concepts behind Physical Sciences, a second teaching area of Mathematics is also required. Therefore, this major is combined with the second teaching area of Maths.

Secondary Science teachers (trained in Physics and Chemistry) are in high demand due to ongoing shortages in the STEM related fields.

You’ll learn in a range of environments, from lectures and tutorials to labs and a range of practical placements. You’ll also practice dealing with challenging behaviour, parent teacher interviews and other situations through our SimLabTM technology – a virtual classroom using actors and avatars, which is the only technology of its kind in WA.

3 reasons to study Education at Murdoch

Learn to become a confident and motivated teacher as you get mentored by our experienced teaching professionals.
Get essential experience in a range of practical placements which could include metropolitan, rural, remote, international, hard-to-staff, multicultural, hospital, private and state school environments.
Build an online portfolio as part of your degree to share your experience with future employers.

What you’ll learn

Essential content in Physics, Chemistry and Sciences to be qualified to teach up to and including ATAR Year 11 and 12 Physics and Chemistry.
Essential content in Mathematics to be qualified to teach up to and including ATAR Year 11 and 12 Mathematics Specialist.
A range of teaching and instructional strategies to explore Maths and Sciences in Secondary classes
The diverse roles and responsibilities of being a Secondary teacher in Australians schools

Your future career

This course gives you the qualification you need to teach Physical Science secondary students, including teaching Physics and Chemistry to Year 11 and 12 ATAR student as well as General Science. Furthermore, the second learning area of Mathematics combined with this degree provides you with the qualification to teach up to and including Year 11 and 12 ATAR Mathematics Specialist.

For more details about this course, please download our information pack.

Murdoch Admission Information - Education

Progress to structure

Study areas

Education

Courses with this major

To study this major, you must apply for one of these courses.

Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching)

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Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 30

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Major		30 credit points
Required units		24 credit points
EDN376	Teaching Science	3
EDN476	Teaching Senior Secondary Science	3
CHE144	Foundations of Chemistry	3
PEN152	Principles of Physics	3
CHE207	Chemical Analysis	3
CHE200	Electromagnetism and Electrochemistry	3
PEN200	The Quantum Realm	3
PEN201	Thermodynamics for Chemistry and Physics	3
Specified Electives Choose two units from the following:		6 credit points
PEN120	General Physics	3
	OR
CHE140	Fundamentals of Chemistry	3
	OR
BIO103	Environmental Biology	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

I have completed studies in

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Does not meet English for direct entry. STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.	Successful completion of the course.

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Does not meet English for direct entry. STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: A in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 7 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	Does not meet English for direct entry. STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: A in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 7 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Does not meet English for direct entry. STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010)
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. (145 if prior to May 2010)

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Other Requirements

Excluded Majors: Advanced Mathematics Major Teaching Area Biology and Environmental Science Major Teaching Area Biology and Human Biology Major Teaching Area Geography and Business and Enterprise (HASS) Major Teaching Area Physical Education Teaching Area History (HASS) Major Teaching Area Mathematics Major Teaching Area Politics (HASS) Major Teaching Area. Physical Sciences Majpr MUST be taken with Co-Major (CJ-MATM) Mathematics Minor Teaching Area.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Enabling pathways

If you don’t currently meet our admission requirements, we have a range of enabling pathways to help build your skills.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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Physical Sciences Teaching Major

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Courses with this major

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 30

Courses with this major

Where could a teaching degree take you?

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

English Requirements

Other Requirements

Advanced Standing

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Advanced Standing

Enabling pathways

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply