Course Description
COMPULSORY COURSES
SED 571 Quantitative Research in Science Education (3+1+0) 4 ECTS 10
Quantitative research designs and statistical foundations in science education. Fundamental concepts in probability and statistics. Characteristics of data collection tools. Descriptive and inferential statistics. Estimation, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. Non-parametric techniques, univariate and multivariate techniques, factor analysis. Analysis of validity and reliability criteria in quantitative studies.
SED 576 Qualitative Research in Science Education (3+1+0) 4 ECTS 10
Qualitative research designs in science education. Criteria for qualitative analysis. Data collection methods such as artifact collection, interviewing, and video analysis. Ethical considerations in qualitative research. Comparison of selected research designs in terms of purpose and method. Writing and presenting a critique of reviewed studies conducted by using different qualitative designs.
SED 511 Curriculum Development in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
The principles, theories, and processes of curriculum development in science education. Curriculum design models, needs analysis, learning outcomes and standards in science education. Selection and organization of science content, instructional planning, assessment and evaluation. Contemporary issues and reforms related to science curricula. Development, analysis, and evaluation of science curriculum for diverse learning needs.
SED 516 Instructional Design for Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
Fundamental learning theories and their applications in science education. The nature and principles of instructional design for teaching Science. Contemporary approaches, methods and strategies for teaching the concepts of Science. Laboratory work, modeling, argumentation, STEM integration, and technology-enhanced learning environments. Development of instructional materials, tasks, activities, experiments and assessment modules.
SED 579 Graduate Seminar (0+1+0) 0 ECTS 3
Seminars offered by faculty, national and international guest speakers and/or graduate students. Introduction of current research topics and trends. Discussion of research and publication ethics.
SED 690 Master's Thesis (0+0+0) 0 ECTS 60
An independent research process in which a student, under the academic guidance and supervision of a thesis advisor, designs, conducts, and completes a scientific study on a specific problem or topic they have identified in the field of science education.
ELECTIVE COURSES
SED 524 Individualized Science Instruction (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
Approaches to addressing underachievement and science anxiety. Learning environment enhancement for gifted and high-achieving students in science. Fostering creativity, talent development, and academic excellence in science learning. Design and use of audio-visual and technology-supported instructional materials. Single-subject assessment research and case studies.
SED 531 World Agenda in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Universal framework of science curricula. Current trends and recent progress in science curricula around the world. Projects and innovations by UNESCO, ICASE, IOSTE, WOCATE and other steering organizations.
SED 540 Improvement of Mental Skills in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 AKTS 7
Content analysis of mental constructs, mind and brain. The biological basis of learning and individuality. Design of methods and processes necessary to implement various modes of thinking and cognitive styles.
SED 557 Education for Sustainable Development and Ecological Literacy (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Integration of global environmental issues, climate change and biodiversity conservation into science teaching. Development of ecological literacy skills. Role of science education in fostering awareness of sustainable living. Environmental education practices. Systems thinking approach.
SED 558 Out-of-School Learning Environments in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Use of museums, science centers, botanical gardens, planetariums, and industrial facilities for science teaching. Design of structured and unstructured learning activities in out-of-school environments. Effects of out-of-school learning environments on students’ attitudes toward and motivation for science.
SED 559 Inclusive Science Education and Differentiation (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
Individual differences, special learning needs, and cultural diversity in science classrooms. Differentiation of science instruction according to diverse learning styles and needs. Application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to science instructional materials. Enriched or supported science activities for gifted students and those with learning difficulties.
SED 561 Contemporary Issues in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Contemporary issues in science education. Emphasis on contemporary learning theories, instructional models, assessment practices, and educational policies shaping science teaching and learning. Analysis of current national and international research to inform evidence-based instructional decisions and professional practice in science education.
SED 562 Inquiry-Based Laboratory Practices and Design (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 8
Science teaching with the laboratory as a central component. Transition from closed-ended experiments to open-ended inquiry-based learning. Development and assessment of scientific process skills. Safety management in science laboratories. Design of experiments using low-cost or recycled materials. Integration of virtual laboratories and augmented reality applications with physical laboratory environments.
SED 564 Scientific Reasoning and Conceptual Change in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Theoretical perspectives on students’ understanding of science concepts and the development of scientific reasoning skills. Misconceptions in science, mental models, and conceptual change strategies (texts, analogies, and models). Analysis of the construction process of science concepts across different age groups. Development of research-based intervention methods.
SED 565 STEM and Interdisciplinary Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Theoretical approaches to the integrated teaching of science with technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. Engineering design process, interdisciplinary problem solving, and design of STEM projects within the science curriculum. Development of science-centered interdisciplinary learning scenarios. investigation of the effectiveness of STEM practices.
SED 572 Readings on Recent Research in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Critical reading, discussion, and evaluation of recent research articles from leading journals in science education. Preparation and presentation of literature review reports.
SED 580-589, 591-598: Special Topics in Science Education (3+0+0) 3 ECTS 7
Guided reading and studies aimed at producing a significant research project in a specific field of interest.
