Details for CRS543 Curriculum Studies – Biology

Almost all pupils experience Integrated Science in primary and the first years of secondary school. CRS441 Integrated Sciences dealt with teaching and learning issues arising in such science courses and provided an outline of theory and practice in such mandatory science teaching. CRS541 Physics, CRS542 Chemistry and CRS543 Biology are other courses within the science education suite that deal with discipline-based courses that are more characteristic of the senior secondary years and are attempted by fewer secondary pupils. Biology can seem more challenging for many of the families that trust their children to Christian schools, so CRS543 builds on the broader issues encountered in the earlier course, with a focus on developing pupil thinking through research and field work. Each of the courses within this suite is focused on a broad function within teaching and learning in the secondary school. CRS543 engages with implementation and assessment of pupil research and fieldwork. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: CRS543
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

CRS441 Curriculum Studies: Integrated Sciences 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of Australian and State educational policies and priorities and their effect on implementing ‘best practice’ teaching strategies and engaging resources to fulfil the aims of the ACARA Biology curriculum years 11-12 and local syllabus. 
2. Demonstrate their understanding of key policy and curriculum issues.  
3. Evaluate a range of strategies, technologies and resources for teaching Biology 
4. Apply their understanding of key curricular and system factors to analysis of specific resources relevant independent pupil Biology investigation in schools 
5. Develop student-centred, innovative and well-designed Biology investigations that include:
   
   • curriculum content (concepts, substance and structure, tools, and skills);  
   • language, literacy and numeracy demands arising from the content; and 
   • ways of addressing the Australian Curriculum’s General Capabilities (GCs) and Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCPs).  
6. Safely plan and conduct effective Biology student research projects in the secondary school context. 
7. Develop student-centred, innovative and well-designed Biology fieldwork that includes:
   
   • curriculum content (concepts, substance and structure, tools, and skills);  
   • language, literacy and numeracy demands arising from the content; and ways of addressing the Australian Curriculum’s General Capabilities (GCs) and Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCPs).  
   • consideration of safe practice and jurisdictional safety documentation. 

Subject Content

1. What makes ‘Biology’ different from the other sciences? 
2. Common content for Biology 7-12 
3. Controversy in Biology 
4. How do Biology syllabi change, locally and internationally? 
5. Managing pupil research 
6. Reproduction and inheritance 
7. Genetics and/or evolution?? 
8. Excursions and fieldwork 
9. Assessing individual projects 
10. Safety and legalities 
11. Managing controversy in the classroom 
12. Christians teaching biology 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to face (onsite)
• eLearning (online)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Productive engagement in six on-line Forums and Tutorials (25%)
2. An essay analyzing resources available for independent pupil work in Biology within local policy mandates (15%)
3. Literature supported, classroom ready resources for pupil research (30%)
4. Literature supported, classroom ready resources for pupil fieldwork (30%)

Prescribed Text

• References will include the most current curriculum requirements for schools.

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any prescribed texts or representative references.