Physical Sciences Teaching Major

Teach physics and chemistry and spark students’ curiosity about the world 

From the motion of planets to the reactions that transform matter, the physical sciences reveal how the universe works. The Physical Sciences Teaching major within our Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) prepares you to share that sense of discovery with the next generation of students. You’ll develop the knowledge and classroom skills to teach science in secondary schools from Years 7 to 10 and teach Physics and Chemistry for Years 11 and 12, helping students experience the excitement of understanding how the world works. 

Throughout your science teaching major, you’ll learn from caring educators as you build expertise in physics, chemistry and mathematics while learning how to turn complex scientific concepts into engaging classroom experiences. You’ll explore how physical laws describe natural phenomena, how chemical reactions transform materials, and how quantitative reasoning helps explain and predict scientific outcomes.

Using our SimLab™ virtual classroom technology, you’ll practise responding to real teaching scenarios in a simulated environment, helping you build confidence in leading investigations, explaining complex ideas and managing classroom discussions. 

You’ll then apply your skills during professional placements across diverse education settings, which may include metropolitan, rural or remote schools, as well as international, multicultural, hospital, private and state school environments. 

As part of your secondary education degree, you’ll also study Mathematics as a second teaching area, enabling you to teach up to a Year 12 level, broadening your expertise for a rewarding teaching career.

What you’ll learn

• Design engaging science lessons that develop curiosity, investigation skills and critical thinking. 
• Teach physics and chemistry concepts through experiments, demonstrations and problem-solving. 
• Teach mathematical concepts that underpin physics and chemistry, supporting quantitative reasoning and problem-solving. 
• Help students understand how physical laws and chemical reactions explain natural phenomena. 
• Guide students in analysing experimental data and interpreting scientific results. 
• Create inclusive classroom environments that support diverse learners.