Outline

Overview

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 and Senior Science for Years 11-12. Students will examine teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of the 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 ?	EDSE3136
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	EDSE4047
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Debra Talbot, debra.talbot@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Biology teaching demonstration with accompanying teachers guide Individual presentation and written submission	20%	Week 03 Due date: 16 Mar 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Mar 2025	500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Plan and supporting materials for a biology lesson sequence Group presentation and written submission	40%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 23 Apr 2025	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Scaffolding a student depth study Individual written submission	40%	Week 11 Due date: 18 May 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 May 2025	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Biology teaching demonstration with accompanying teachers guide: You will be assigned a biology concept or principle in Week 1. Identify an aspect of the NESA Stage 6 Biology syllabus related to the concept and prepare a demonstration and associated written materials which you could use in a Stage 6 biology class. Practise your demonstration and plan a 10-15 minute presentation for your peers that includes the demonstration and comments on its use in the school classroom. You will be rostered for the presentation and discussion in class during week 4 of the unit.
Plan and supporting materials for a biology lesson sequence: In a group of 3-4, prepare a plan for a sequence of activities and accompanying materials (student materials and teacher guide, as listed below) for the teaching of your selected content area from the NESA Stage 6 Biology syllabus. Your group will be rostered for the presentation and discussion in class during week 8 of the unit.
Scaffolding a student depth study: In this task you are required to produce a Teachers Guide and a resource for students that will guide and support them to undertake and complete an independent study of a topic of their 'choosing'. Of course, even the 'choosing' requires scaffolding in order to ensure that syllabus outcomes are met in a way that is proportional to the allocated class time for the study. The allocated class time for this independent study is 15 hours.

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.

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

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per FASS policy

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.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Biology as a context for inquiry learning. Key concepts in biology and their relationship to syllabus requirements.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	Designing and conducting practical demonstrations and first-hand investigations. Safety in the biology classroom.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	Identifying and addressing student misconceptions. Assessing prior knowledge and planning for learning. Biology as a context for formative assessment of literacy & numeracy	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	Task 1 demonstrations.	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	Teachers as curriculum designers. Implementing a scaffold for designing curriculum from the syllabus	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	Depth Study as a pedagogical procedure, Planning for context-based learning	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Collaborative and independent learning Scaffolding for differentiated inquiry	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	Task 2 Presentations	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	Developing marking rubrics	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

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.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on the Library eReserve link available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

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. Demonstrate understanding of the complex role of curriculum in school settings, and apply relevant policies, procedures and protocols when working with syllabus documents.
LO2. Critically analyse and evaluate teaching and learning resources that enhance students’ learning in Biology
LO3. Build upon developing knowledge of Biology education to recognise the agentic role of curriculum when it is co constructed with learners, leaders and community.
LO4. Display increasing competence in teaching, planning, and assessing in ways that meet the needs of diverse learners who are progressing to a variety of post-school pathways.
LO5. Consider the needs and interests of students from a range of social, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds including the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students that takes this into account in authentic ways.
LO6. Understand the importance of engaging in continual and reflective professional dialogue and demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continual professional learning in Biology education.

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
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities. 1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability. 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. 6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 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. 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) - 3.7.1. (Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process. 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities. 7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning. 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics. 3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning. 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 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. 1.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. 3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers. 6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students and how these may affect learning.
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.
1.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
1.5.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
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.
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.
3.6.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
3.7.1		(Graduate) Describe a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process.
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.
6.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs.
6.2.1		(Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.4		Apply professional learning and improve student learning
6.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.
7.3.1		(Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
7.4.1		(Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Responding to student feedback

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

Assessment task additional information has been edited in response to student feedback

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Enclosed footwear must be worn at all times in the laboratory

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDSE4235: Teaching Biology 3

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

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

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links