This micro-credential synthesises and extends everything that is covered in PHYSM412 to cover a modernised Year 9 & 10 physical sciences curriculum. Participants will develop an in-depth understanding of the ideas behind quantum mechanics, including key concepts such as interference, phasors, quantum uncertainty, spin, and the particles of the standard model as well as electromagnetism and the electromagnetic spectrum of photons. Participants then learn about the physical mechanisms which are fundamental to the Earth's climate, the history of the Earth's climate and how planets form and evolve in the universe. They will then learn about how this relates to our understanding of the evolution of the universe, from the first instants of the Big Bang and the initial formation of the constituents of matter, all the way to the ongoing expansion of the universe due to dark energy.

Additional extension material will be provided to explore real world applications of modern physics such as quantum
technology, modern telescopes, gravitational wave detectors, and nuclear power and medicine, suitable for inclusion at the
Year 11 & 12 level.

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

26 April 2027 - 26  June 2027 [MC-3Q]
04 October 2027  - 04  December 2027 [MC-4Q]

Registrations will open in November 2026

Duration

6 weeks

Effort

Total effort 75 hours
Including: Online Lectures, Self Study, Assessment Preparations. 

Academic lead

Professor Li Ju

Cost

$600 incl. GST

Critical information summary

PHYSM413 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 modifiedelaborations 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 school classrooms. 
 

Who should study this course?

This micro-credential is ideal secondary school science teachers and educators. 

Recommended prior knowledge:
Micro-credentials:
Einsteinian Science for Primary Teachers: Atoms, Light, Space and Climate [PHYSM411]
Einsteinian Science for Secondary Teachers I: Matter, Light, Spacetime, and Energy [PHYSM412]

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.