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Explain the physical concepts of atoms and molecules and force
UWA PLUS
Einsteinian Science for School Teachers I: Atoms, Light, Space and Climate - PHYSM411
This foundation micro-credential will cover (a) modern understanding of atoms, heat, states of matter, and the forces that hold them together; (b) the fact that light is made up of photons and the nature of the electromagnetic spectrum; (c) an introduction to the quantum nature of light and matter; (d) an introduction to the concept of spacetime and that gravity is caused by warped spacetime; and (e) the basic science of our climate and the key drivers of climate change.
In addition, mathematical concepts, which form the backbone of these scientific principles, will be introduced in an accessible manner. This unit will cover primarily Year 3 – 6 curriculum topics, paving the way to develop further into higher level concepts and curriculum.
This micro-credential course was developed with the support of the Australian Government’s Micro-credentials Pilot in Higher Education.
Upon successful completion, you'll receive:
- Three (3) PD Points
- A Certificate of Achievement
- A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials
- Delivery mode
- This micro-credential will be delivered online, with pre-recorded lectures and scheduled online tutorials and workshops.
- Course dates
- 23 February 2026 -11 April 2026 [MC-1H]
20July 2026 - 05 September 2026 [MC-3Q] - Registrations
- 1. Registrations will close on 16 February 2026 [MC-1H]
2. Registrations will close on 13 July 2026 [MC-3Q]
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Effort
- 75 hours
- Academic lead
- Professor Li Ju
- Cost
- $600 incl. GST
- Critical information summary
- PHYSM411 - Critical information summary (PDF, 245KB)
What you'll learn
Explain the quantum nature of matter and light (atoms, photons and phonons)
Explain the basic concept of spacetime
Teach the key topics in modern physics at the appropriate school level using simple models and analogies
Why study this course?
- Gain an understanding of how to adopt in-class activities which elucidate Einsteinian concepts and can be fitted into modified elaborations that are consistent with the modern curriculum.
- Become equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and develop Einsteinian physics lesson plans for school classrooms.
Who should study this course?
This micro-credential is ideal for all primary school teachers and secondary school science and other educators.
Recommended prior knowledge:
A teaching qualification. No further prior study is required but for those wanting a head-start, we recommend the books and research papers listed on www.einsteinianphysics.com
How does it work?
This micro-credential will consist of online lectures, live tutorials, and training videos. The course will also incorporate fortnightly two-hour interactive online workshop sessions with demonstrators running through the activities live with active audience participation. This course will require a weekly commitment of 3-5 hours per week. All sessions will be recorded if you cannot attend live.
What's next after this course?
This 3 point micro-credential can contribute to future study credit for a Physics Major as part of a Bachelor of Science.
This unit will provide opportunities for school science teachers to upskill to higher level science teaching.