Secondary Science Education, BSc (Hons)

If you want to become a Physics or Chemistry teacher, this is the course for you. With access to well-equipped science laboratories and support from experienced tutors and mentors, you will be ideally placed to take advantage of the high demand for science teachers in only three years.

This degree prepares you to teach one of the following subjects to A-level:

• Chemistry
• Physics.

It will also equip you to teach science at GCSE level in the following subjects:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Electronics
• Geology.

With a national shortage of Chemistry and Physics teachers, there has never been a better time to enter this exciting career.

Why choose this course?

• You will have accreditation with the Government's Teaching Agency, allowing you to take a post as a Newly Qualified Teacher upon successful completion.
• You will save a year's course fees by training to become a teacher in only three years.
• Valuable school placements are available in our network of partner schools.
• We provide specialist science facilities.
• Your assessment will be based on course work and projects. There are no formal exams in Year Three

Any questions?

Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200 or +44 (0)115 848 3079
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How many places are available?

There are 15 places available on this course.

When does the course start?

Induction begins on the first Monday of Welcome Week. For entry in 2013, this is Monday 23 September 2013. See the academic calendar for term dates.

What will I study?

This degree prepares you to teach either Chemistry or Physics to A-level and all of the following subjects to GCSE:

• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Electronics
• Geology.

In Years One and Two you will study across the physical sciences to give you the breadth of knowledge required to teach the subjects. Spending short periods in schools, observing and assisting in lessons and projects, gives you the opportunity to learn how this subject knowledge can be translated into the classroom.

The bulk of your professional practice will be in Year Three, when you will spend 24 weeks in at least two partner schools. Lectures and seminars help you develop the key skills you'll need as you progress through your placements. You will supported during this time by mentors and tutors both from the school and the University.

Modules
Year One

• Contemporary Chemistry for Secondary School Science Teachers
• Contemporary Physics for Secondary School Science Teachers
• Mathematics for Science
• Personal Tutoring One

Year Two

Chosen subject core modules:

• • Further Chemistry
  • Principles of Green Chemistry
    or
  • Further Physics
  • Turning Points in Physics
• Introduction to Digital Electronics
• Science in an Educational Context
• Geology
• Personal Tutoring Two

Year Three

• Teaching and Learning in the Wider Context
• Teaching and Learning in the subject
• Independent study module

Contact hours

In your first year, you will spend an average of 14 hours a week in:

• lectures
• seminars
• tutorials.

You will also spend seven hours in practical and supervised sessions. Lectures will build your subject knowledge and understanding, while tutorials and seminars provide the opportunity to discuss issues and ideas arising from your studies. In addition, during the three years of the course you will have external visits, a Geology field trip and up to 80 hours in school placements.

Where will I study?

You will be based on our Clifton campus. Find out more about the campus, science facilities and teaching rooms on the Facilities tab.

Professional accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Teaching Agency as a provider of Initial Teacher Training courses. Once you successfully complete your course, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you can be employed as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in a school to complete your induction year. Once your induction is completed you can claim Qualified Teacher Status.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be throughout your course, based on tests and portfolios. There are no formal exams in Year Three.

Academic support and guidance is provided through our tutor support structure. Regular tutor feedback is given on your work in order to help you improve, develop your skills and begin to plan for your future career.

You will also benefit from our Buddy scheme, were a year two student will mentor your through your first year, helping you fit in and understand feedback and assessment.

Learn from our experienced staff

Our tutors are all experienced professionals who contribute to research and development within their specialist fields. Their research and influence not only shapes new educational practice, but also feeds directly into our courses, keeping you at the forefront of policy and practice.

View the full course specification
Please note that course specifications may be subject to change

You will be based in the George Eliot building on our Clifton campus, an attractive self-contained greenfield site located on the outskirts of Nottingham.

We have two science labs which are purpose-built to simulate the classroom environment. These allow you to become familiar with the equipment while managing a classroom. During the astrophysics unit of the course you will also have the opportunity to use our . Equipped with a 20" Newtonian telescope, this is a rare asset for a university and allows you astronomical spectacles such as the surface of Mars and its polar ice caps.

Clifton campus boasts:

• a large and well-stocked library with group and quiet study areas
• modern lecture theatres and teaching rooms
• IT resource rooms
• a Student Support Centre a wealth of information and advice on careers and boosting your CV.

You will also find:

• the Point bar and diner
• a convenience store
• refectory
• bookshop
• newly built accommodation
• recently extended sports facilities that include two gyms, a sports hall and an all-weather floodlit pitch, on-site.
  You will find it easy to get out and about from Clifton campus.

Our award-winning Go2 Uni 4 bus service runs every 12 minutes taking students to and from the campus to the City site, via the train and coach stations. With such excellent transport links many of our students choose to live in the city or at home and commute to Clifton.

Find out more about our Clifton campus and view our campus tour video.