Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) Majoring in Biology and Environmental Science Major Teaching Area / Biology and Human Biology Major Teaching Area

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) at Murdoch University is designed for people who are passionate about learning and eager to make a real difference in the lives of secondary school students from Years 7 to 12. This hands-on degree helps you understand how young minds learn, develop strong classroom leadership skills, and build confidence through real school placements and reflective practice.

Curriculum Structure
First Year: You’ll start by exploring the foundations of teaching and learning, diving into units like Adolescent Health and Development, Literacy and Numeracy in Secondary Teaching, and Living and Learning with Technology. Think of this year as your introduction to the world of education — you’ll connect theory with practice in simulated classrooms and start building the professional toolkit every teacher needs.

Second Year: Here, you’ll take your learning further by designing lessons, working closely with peers on real-world scenarios, and stepping into your first professional experience placements. Units often include Creating and Managing Effective Learning Environments alongside your chosen teaching areas, such as English or Mathematics, giving you a taste of life in real classrooms.

Third Year: This year focuses on deepening your professional confidence. You’ll spend more time in schools, tackling units that blend theory with hands-on teaching — from advanced classroom management to curriculum planning in your specialist teaching area, whether it’s Science, Humanities, or another focus. By the end of this year, you’ll be confidently leading lessons with heart and clarity.

Fourth Year: Everything comes together in your final year. You’ll consolidate your professional identity through extended placements and capstone projects, reflecting on your growth and preparing to graduate ready to teach. Units focus on advanced practica, reflective professional inquiry, and inclusive practice, ensuring you leave Murdoch ready to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives.

Focus Areas
You’ll specialize in two qualified teaching areas, such as Mathematics, English, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, or Secondary Education Support, giving you flexibility to tailor your degree to your interests and strengths.

Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to design engaging learning experiences, confidently manage diverse classrooms, and inspire adolescents to grow both academically and personally.

Professional Alignment
This degree is designed to meet professional teaching standards and prepares you for registration with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia. It’s built on national frameworks that schools trust, so your training is recognised wherever you go.

Reputation and Employability
Murdoch’s education programs are known for their strong practical focus and industry connections. Regularly featured in global rankings like QS and Times Higher Education for teaching quality and graduate outcomes, your degree will be valued by employers and recognised alongside peers from around the world.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re looking for a degree that actually gets you ready to step into a classroom with confidence, the Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) at Murdoch is designed for exactly that. From day one, it’s not just about theory — you’ll be actively doing teaching-related tasks, from simulated classroom scenarios to supported placements in real schools. By the time you graduate, you’ll have a professional portfolio that shows what you can actually do, not just what you’ve learned on paper. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to leave university ready to teach, not just ready to study more.

Here’s how this program turns learning into real-world experience:

Practice before you teach: Jump in with SimLab™ — Murdoch’s virtual classroom — where you can test teaching scenarios, work with actors or avatars, and build your classroom management and communication skills in a safe space.
Real classroom placements: Get hands-on experience in secondary schools across the state, applying your skills with real students in real school environments.
Build your professional portfolio: Capture your experiences, reflections, and evidence of your teaching skills in an online portfolio that you can proudly share with future employers.
Broaden your expertise: Pick a second teaching area, like Mathematics, English, Science, or Humanities, to make your skills more versatile and appealing to a wider range of schools.

Every year, these experiences are integrated into your studies, so you’re not just learning about teaching — you’re actually doing it.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching) with a major in Biology and Environmental Science or Biology and Human Biology isn’t just about earning a degree — it’s about stepping into a role where you can genuinely make a difference. You’ll be shaping the next generation of curious minds, budding scientists, and thoughtful thinkers, all while gaining the skills to confidently lead classrooms from Years 7–12. Our graduates often go on to exciting careers as secondary school teachers, curriculum developers, education consultants, or learning support specialists — and having a second teaching area gives you even more options when it comes to employment.

Here’s what your journey with us looks like:

Hands-on professional practice
You won’t just learn theory — you’ll get out there and teach. Throughout the degree, you’ll complete multiple school placements in a range of environments, from metropolitan to rural, remote, and multicultural schools. By the time you graduate, you’ll have real classroom experience and practical skills you can use from day one.

SimLab™ classroom preparation
Before you even step into your first school placement, you’ll practice key teaching skills in our SimLab™ virtual classroom. You’ll get hands-on experience managing behaviour, delivering lessons, and even conducting parent interviews — all with the help of actors and avatars. It’s a safe space to build confidence and refine your teaching style.

Build a professional portfolio
Throughout your studies, you’ll create an online portfolio to showcase your teaching experiences, practicum feedback, and lesson plans. This becomes a powerful tool when applying for jobs and shows employers exactly what you can do.

Career support while you study
Murdoch’s Careers and Employability services are with you from day one, helping you build your job search skills, polish your resume, practice interviews, explore networking opportunities, and access job boards — everything you need to launch your career successfully.

Accreditation & registration pathways
Completing this degree gives you everything you need to register with the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia and be recognised as a qualified secondary teacher.

A competitive edge with a second area
By studying a second teaching area, like mathematics, English, or another science, you’ll broaden your employability and open up more opportunities to teach across different schools and subjects.

Opportunities for further growth
Once you’ve finished your degree, the learning doesn’t have to stop. Many graduates go on to postgraduate studies at Murdoch — like a Master of Education or specialised diplomas in educational leadership, curriculum development, or special education. You could also pursue honours or research pathways, diving deeper into teaching practice and even exploring careers in educational research or senior academic roles. These pathways help you expand your expertise and your impact in the world of education.