Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes.

Knowledge

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Ecology and the cycles of nature
• Animal groups and selected species of animals
• The structure of substances as organised in the periodic table and simple chemical reactions
• Subjects didactics for teaching science subjects and the subject natural sciences in primary and lower secondary schools

Skills

The candidate can:

• Conduct field trips using various scientific methods
• Use literature for identifying subjects and scientific equipment
• Use pupils’ everyday experiences when planning teaching, and use local learning contexts
• Plan, implement and evaluate science teaching
• Give oral presentations, provide argumentation, read and interpret science texts
• Use calculations to produce results from his/her own measurements
• Use technology-based tools in experiments, field work and other forms of teaching

General competence
The candidate:

• Understands his/her role and practice as a science teacher
• Knows how to foster pupils’ perception, joy of discovery and curiosity related to the target area “the young scientist”
• Knows how to facilitate learning that fosters pupils’ love of nature, knowledge and concern for the environment
• Has knowledge of science methodology and approaches
• Has knowledge of safety in science teaching

Course Description

In this science course the content is divided into three parts: ecology, zoology and chemistry:

Ecology: The ecosystem – structure and processes; ecological adaptations; biodiversity; and fieldwork in different habitats

Zoology: Animal taxonomy; anatomy; and physiology; with a focus on practical activities and excursions

Chemistry: Basic chemistry with special emphasis on the structure of substances, the periodic table, simple chemical reactions and laboratory experiments

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures and supervision
• Practical activities indoors and outdoors
• Fieldwork, including a field trip of 2-3 days
• Work in groups and individually
• Oral presentations
• Written assignments

Attendance at the practical activities is obligatory. Information concerning which teaching sessions are obligatory will be given in the semester plan at the start of each semester. Please refer to the applicable guidelines at Telemark University College for requirements regarding obligatory instruction.

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment

Obligatory requirements are defined in detail in the semester plan. Coursework must be approved before the student can be awarded a final grade.

Final assessment

Written, individual examination, graded A-F. Counts for 60% of the final grade.

Oral, individual examination, graded A-F. Counts for 40% of the final grade.

The final grade will be entered on the diploma.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean