Inspire a new generation to discover science.
Specialist science and maths teachers are in demand across Australia. This double degree lets you combine your passion for science with five-star teaching skills, and qualifies you to teach students in Years 7-12.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- Recommended prior study: A science subject (preferably Chemistry)
- Applicants must demonstrate non-academic capabilities as per Personal Statement requirement. Applicants from a non-English speaking background must attain an IELTS score of at least 7.5 with a minimum of 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in all other subtests - refer to English language requirements.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast for the Biological Sciences Major and Mathematical Sciences minor. The remainder of the program must be completed at Sippy Downs campus.
- Campus note: Only first-year courses are offered at Fraser Coast for the Biological Sciences Major and Mathematical Sciences minor. The remainder of the program must be completed at Sippy Downs campus.
Specialist science and maths teachers are in demand across Australia. This double degree lets you combine your passion for science with five-star teaching skills, and qualifies you to teach students in Years 7-12.
- Develop curriculum content knowledge in your choice of two teaching areas, such biology, chemistry, mathematics or geography
- Learn how to plan lessons, assess students, and manage a classroom
- Link theory and practice through 80 days of supervised professional experience in Queensland schools, and rewarding wider field experience with children, families and communities
Personal statement requirement
As part of your application, you are required to complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate your motivation for, and understanding of, the program and profession. In the questionnaire, you will be asked to rank a series of statements in order of what you think is most to least important. You will also need to write a 600-1000 word personal statement on why you think you would make a great teacher, and why influencing the future appeals to you.
After you have submitted an application for this program, you will be contacted with further information about the written statement and how to complete your application.
More information is on the QTAC website.
Post-admission requirements
Students complete 80 days of Supervised Professional Experience (SPE), completed as full-time blocks, and 15 days of Wider Field Experience. The majority of Supervised Professional Experience must be completed in Queensland schools. Students must obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information. Blue Cards are free-of-charge for Education students when applying through the School of Education at USC.
Students will also need to successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website.
Career opportunities
Teacher in secondary schools, private practice, community education centres, private colleges, universities, or careers in related discipline areas.
Registration
Graduates may apply for registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.
Program structure
Required courses (14) 168 units
COR109 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
EDU114 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
EDU300 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
EDU328 Special Field Studies Topic
EDU410 Analytical Sciences
EDU411 Special Research Project
EDU412 Workplace Learning I
EDU415 Work Integrated Learning Project
EDU417 Work Integrated Learning Placement
EDU419 Anatomy and Physiology
EDU420 Introduction to Sport and Exercise Science
EDU421 Principles of Nutrition
SCI113 Leading Groups in Outdoor Environments
SCS203 Motor Control and Learning
Required curriculum and pedagogy courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 curriculum and pedagogy courses (48 units) associated with your teaching areas (major and minor courses) from:
EDU352 Nutrition for Health and Exercise
EDU353 Outdoor Environmental Expeditions
EDU354 Leading Coastal Environmental Studies
EDU355 Communication and Thought
EDU356 Professional Experience: Orientation to the Profession
EDU357 Assessing Learning
EDU363 Professional Experience: Managing Learning Environments
EDU364 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Learning and Teaching
Major courses (8) 96 units
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Minor courses (4) 48 units*
Biological Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Geographical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
* Note: Students must undertake a minor from a different discipline area to their major
Discipline specific courses relating to chosen minor (2) 24 units
Select 2 discipline specific courses (24 units) from:
Biological Sciences
LFS100 Professional Experience: The Professional Teacher
SCI102 Diversity and Inclusion
Chemical Sciences
CHM202 Teacher as Researcher
SCI105 Literacy and Numeracy Across the Curriculum
Geographical Sciences
GEO100 Professional Experience: Individual Learner Needs
GEO201 The Psychology of Learning
Mathematical Sciences
MTH103 Using Data for Learning
MTH104 Discovering Science
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Geography Minor - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Chemistry Minor - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Mathematics Minor - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematics Major Chemistry Minor - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematics Major Geography Minor - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Chemistry Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Geography Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Biology Major Mathematics Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematics Major Chemistry Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematics Major Geography Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Chemical Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Biological Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematical Sciences Major - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Chemical Sciences Major - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Biological Sciences Major - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Sippy Downs) Mathematical Sciences Major - Semester 2 commencement (July)
- (Fraser Coast) Biological Sciences Major Mathematical Sciences Minor - Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Fraser Coast) Biological Sciences Major Mathematical Sciences Minor - Semester 2 commencement
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses (180 units), including the core course
- Complete a minimum of 80 days Supervised Professional Experience, completed as full-time blocks
- Complete 75 hours of Wider Field Experience
- Successfully complete the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education students. For more information on this Government initiative please visit the Students First website. Further information on the test, including sample test questions and registration information, please visit the Australian Council of Educational Research website
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
In order to commence Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) placement you must:
- Obtain a Blue Card (or link your existing Blue Card to USC) prior to commencing supervised professional experience. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the SPE start date. View the Blue Card Fact Sheet for further information
- Complete PrePlace and a Student Placement Agreement (further information will be provided by the placement office upon enrolment)
- Be willing to travel to attend supervised professional experience placements
- Visit Education - Supervised Professional Experience (SPE) for more information on requirements for placement.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Cross-institutional study is not permitted for the education (EDU) coded courses and SCS203 Introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education in the Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)