In this introductory micro-credential for secondary educators, participants will develop an in-depth understanding of: (a) our 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) the nature of gravity and spacetime and how it fits into Einstein's concepts of special and general relativity; (e) the basic science of our climate and the key drivers of climate change; and (f) the concept of energy, including Einstein's famous E =mc^2 equation, the unifying concept of binding energy, and the concepts behind methods of renewable energy production.

This micro-credential will cover the foundational concepts related to a modernised primary curriculum alongside more advanced Year 7 & 8 curriculum topics. Additional extension material will be provided to introduce the mathematical foundations which underpin modern physical sciences.

This micro-credential has been  developed following discussions and collaborations through the Einstein-First Project, key stakeholders include: Curtin University; the Australian National University (ANU); the WA Department of Education; the Science Teachers' Association of WA (STAWA); the Association of Independent Schools of WA (AISWA); the Australian Research Council; and the Gravity Discovery Centre.

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

15 February 2027 - 17 April 2027
26 July 2027 - 25 September 2027

Registrations will re-open in November 2026

Duration

6 weeks

Effort

75 hours

Academic lead

Professor Li Ju

Cost

$600 incl. GST
Thanks to the Western Australian Government Department of Energy and Economic Diversification's STEM Engagement Sponsorship,  WA-based educators or science communicators (including home schoolers, tutors, etc.)  will be subsidised, and will only need to pay a discounted fee of $120 inc. GST. Please select the WA Only option on the registration form to access the discounted fee.

Critical information summary

PHYSM412 Critical Information Summary (PDF, 245KB)

 

 

Why study this course?

This micro-credential will address in-class activities which elucidate Einsteinian concepts and can be fitted into modified elaborations that are consistent with the modern curriculum. This course will equip the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt and develop Einsteinian physics lesson plans for the school classrooms. 

Who should study this course?

This micro-credential is ideal for all primary school teachers and secondary school science and technology teachers and other educators.

Recommended prior knowledge:
Micro-credential Einsteinian Science for Primary Teachers: Atoms, Light, Space and Climate [PHYSM411]

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.