ESS767 - Teaching Biology: Senior Years
Unit details
| Year | 2026 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes: | Trimester 2: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s): | 1 |
| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
| Unit Chair: | Trimester 2: Amrita Kamath |
| Cohort rule: | This unit is only available to students enrolled in D304, E377, E763, E765, E779 |
| Prerequisite: | D304 students must have passed 24 credit points of study at levels 1, 2 & 3 with a minimum WAM of 60% E763 and E765 students must have passed unit EEE754 plus 1 unit from EEE755, EEE756, EPR731, EPR751, EPR781 E377, D304 and E779 students must have passed: ESS744 |
| Corequisite: | Nil |
| Incompatible with: | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment: | 1 x 3-hour on-campus workshop per week (in non-placement weeks) 1 x 1.5-hour online seminar per week (in non-placement weeks) |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment: | 1 x 3-hour online workshop per week (in non-placement weeks) (live streamed and recordings provided) 1 x 1.5-hour online seminar per week (in non-placement weeks) (recordings provided) |
| In-person attendance requirements: | Students who are completing professional experience (placements) are not required to attend lectures or scheduled synchronous sessions during their professional experience (placement). For the most up-to-date advice regarding your professional experience (placement) please see here. |
| Typical study commitment: | Students will on average spend 150-hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit aims to lead students to a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of different approaches to the learning and teaching of VCE Biology. The unit prepares students to confidently and effectively teach VCE Biology through practical, hands-on, inquiry based laboratory, field, and virtual activities. Students will be encouraged to investigate the contemporary nature and purposes of Biology for diverse students and to draw on diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment to inform evidence-based practices of empowering VCE students to appreciate the theory and practice of Biology.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Curriculum: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, structure, and substance of biology, and theories to describe and critically discuss the complex body of knowledge specific to the content areas to be taught at a senior secondary level. Organise content into a clear, cohesive, and sequential flow that reflects a careful balance of depth and breadth, to support diverse student needs, enhancing student understanding and promoting active engagement in biology. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO2 | Pedagogy: Communicate and flexibly apply a range of disciplinary-specific teaching strategies (e.g., structured inquiry-based learning, differentiated instruction, practice pedagogies) to develop a positive and supportive learning environment that engages students with biology, and is consistent with curriculum expectations. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO4: Critical thinking GLO5: Problem solving |
| ULO3 | Assessment: Evaluate and synthesise information relating to student learning through effective design, implementation and interpretation of a variety of student assessment practices, taking into consideration contemporary theories of curriculum and pedagogy. Implement, analyse, evaluate and adapt a range of teaching and learning strategies and activities in response to the learning needs of senior secondary biology students. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO2: Communication GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO7: Teamwork |
| ULO4 | Resourcing: Select, evaluate and strategically use a range of material resources and digital teaching and learning tools to effectively support student engagement and learning of biological concepts and pedagogical skills. Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to research, analyse, develop, implement, evaluate and communicate responses to a range of problems affecting student learning and to the development of inclusive and supportive learning environments. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO5: Problem solving GLO8: Global citizenship |
| ULO5 | Evaluation: Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, and initiative in researching practice and in deepening professional skills and knowledge of issues related to biology at senior secondary level. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities GLO3: Digital literacy GLO4: Critical thinking GLO6: Self-management GLO8: Global citizenship |
Assessment
Trimester 2:| Assessment Description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: Practical Investigation Log Book and Poster | 2000 word or equivalent | 40% | Week 5 |
| Assessment 2: Curriculum Design | 3000 word or equivalent | 60% | Week 11 |
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for ESS767 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list.
Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Unit Fee Information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.