The department was established in 1983 as an academic unit under the Faculty of Science of the University of Cross River State to run Bachelor of Science (Education) B.Sc. (Ed) degree programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Biological Science, Mathematics, Home Economics and Agricultural Science.
In the course of time, the Science Education Unit was moved into the Department of Curriculum and Instruction of the Faculty of Education to run Bachelor of Science (Education) B.Sc. (Ed) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany and Zoology Education. In 1991, When the University of Uyo was created Science Education Unit continued to function under the Department of Curriculum and Instruction with modifications and restructuring to run Bachelor of Science (Education) B.Sc. (Ed) degree programmes with Botany and Zoology education merged to form Biology Education while Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics continued as they were. In 1992, the Senate of the University of Uyo at the special meeting held on Thursday, October 8, approved the running of a B.Sc.(Ed.) degree programme in Integrated Science
Philosophy
• Teaching and research for excellence in service to the nation and the international community • Clarification of issues in science and processes of knowledge acquisition In 1994, the Science Education Unit was granted autonomy as a department under the Faculty of Education
Vision
To produce highly qualified, dedicated and committed science teachers for all levels of Nigerian educational system
Goals
1. To provide the teacher trainees with a world view that is consistent with developments in science;

2. To equip the teacher trainees with relevant skills in fundamental pedagogy to function effectively in the teaching profession.

3. To enable teacher trainees acquire meaningful and relevant knowledge of scientific concepts to act effectively as teachers in their areas of specialization;

4. To develop in teacher trainees scientific skills necessary for scientific investigations;

5. To enable teacher trainees develop adequate laboratory and field skills to impart to their students in later years in the classroom;

6. To further develop in teacher trainees functional scientific attitudes that will help shape and sustain their lives in a scientific age;

7. To imbue in learners a deep appreciation for the relationship among science, technology and society;

8. To prepare teacher trainees for further studies in their areas of specialization; and

9. To prepare the teacher trainees for effective citizenship contributing meaningfully to their immediate society and the world at large.