Major overview
Teach the science behind our changing planet with our Earth and Environmental Science Teaching major
If you’re fascinated by the forces that shape our planet, from climate systems and ecosystems to geological processes, the Earth and Environmental Science Teaching major within our Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) prepares you to share that curiosity 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 Earth and Environmental Science for Year 11 and 12 students.
Throughout your science teaching degree, you’ll learn from caring and experienced educators as you build a strong foundation in Earth and Environmental Science while developing practical teaching skills. You’ll examine Earth processes, environmental change and the interactions between human activity and natural systems, while learning how to translate complex scientific ideas into lessons that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
3 reasons to study science teaching at Murdoch University
- Practise teaching strategies using our virtual classroom technology SimLab™, rehearsing challenging classroom situations before entering your first school placement.
- Develop experience and confidence through placements in diverse learning environments such as metropolitan, rural and remote schools, as well as international, multicultural, hospital, private and state education settings.
- Build a professional online portfolio to demonstrate your lesson planning, classroom practice and teaching approach to future employers.
What you’ll learn
- Design engaging science lessons and learning activities.
- Guide students through scientific investigations and evidence-based learning.
- Support students to analyse evidence and interpret data.
- Create inclusive and supportive classroom environments.
I think if you want to make change, then you need to be looking for places that enable you to show that you care. And Murdoch did that. Murdoch did that for me.
Jason Pitman, Education
Read full student story
Your future career in teaching
- Secondary school science teacher
- Science ATAR teacher
- Earth and Environmental Science teacher
- Science or STEM education specialist
- Environmental science educator
- Curriculum or subject coordinator
- Head of Learning Area (HOLA)
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching)
Ready to inspire the next generation? This teaching degree will give you valuable experience and a competitive edge to launch your secondary teaching career.