Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Shepherd University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Teaching Field Grades 9-Adult, B.A.


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The curricula for the Biology teaching field focuses on patterns, processes, and relationships of organisms, consistent with the Next Generation Science Standards.  This program of courses allows students to obtain the knowledge base and experiences necessary to become certified to teach Life Science in grades 9-12, or to major or minor in the field of Biology.  Throughout the curricula, four ideas are emphasized: From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes; Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics; Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits across Generations; and Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity.  The Life Science curricula enables students to build knowledge bases about the structures and processes of the natural world through observations and experiments as well as to build basic competency in the supporting disciplines of Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. 

Secondary Science Education Program Goals
  • To understand and articulate the knowledge and practices of contemporary science.
  • To train students to plan learning units of study as well as equitable, culturally-responsive opportunities for all students based upon their understandings of how students learn and develop science knowledge, skills, and habits of mind.
  • To train students to plan for engaging all students in science learning by identifying appropriate learning goals that are consistent with knowledge of how students learn science and are aligned with standards.
  • To train students to develop and implement biological, chemical, and physical safety protocols in their classrooms and workspace, including applicable ethical considerations and equipment maintenance.
  • To develop methods and practices that provide evidence that students have learned and can apply disciplinary core ideas, concepts and practices as a result of instruction.
  • To foster the ability to continually improve their knowledge of science content and pedagogy and to identify with and conduct themselves as part of the science education community.
  • To engage students in a planned sequence of field experiences and clinical practice in diverse settings under the supervision of experienced and highly qualified science teachers.

Curriculum for a Biology Teaching Field Grades 9-Adult


Total hours required, 45-48 Hours:


Required courses


A. Biology specialization, 23-24 Hours:


C. STEM and Supporting Content Electives, 18-20 Hours:


BIOL, CHEM, CIS, CIT, CPE, DATA, ENGR, ENVS, GSCI, MATH, PHYS, PSYC courses may include up to 4 credits of research course(s), as approved by the Science Education Coordinator - excludes 392 Co-Op courses.

Note(s):


*Most highly recommended course from the options given.

**Course substitutions: Students who have taken BIOL 103  and BIOL 104  with a grade of B or better in both can apply to substitute these courses for BIOL 211 and 212.

STEM and Supporting Content Requirement: All electives must be approved by the Science Specialization Coordinator for each student to be adequately aligned to the current content standards.

Recommended courses:  BIOL 225 , BIOL 226 , BIOL 301 , BIOL 302 , BIOL 404 , BIOL 406 , BIOL 411 *, BIOL 412 *, BIOL 415 *, BIOL 418 , BIOL 422 *, BIOL 425 *.

Elective recommendations outside of the College of STEM: PSYC 305 , PSYC 309 , PSYC 310 , PSYC 311 , PSYC 315 , PSYC 361 *, PSYC 370 , PSYC 371 .

Other Requirements: Although one may declare Secondary Education with a specialization in Biology 9-adult as a major upon admission to the university, students must apply to the teacher education program and meet the criteria for retention and certification, which includes co-curricular and other requirements. Please see the website for information.

 

Contact Person: Dr. Ruth Conley, Secondary Science Education Coordinator, rconley@shepherd.edu, Byrd Science Center 214, 304-876-5376.

Due to changes in accreditation and compliance standards, courses and course content may change in subsequent years. Education majors should consult with their secondary education specialization advisor to select relevant courses that meet content and certification standards.

See profession education course listings under Secondary Education Comprehensive, B.A. .

Four-Year Course Progression


Biology Education 9-Adult
FALL   FIRST YEAR     SPRING   FIRST YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
BIOL 211   Fundamentals I: Molecular/Cellular Function 4   BIOL 212   Fundamentals II: Diversity of Life 4
CHEM 207/207L 1 General Chemistry/Lab I (LS1) 4   CHEM 209/209L 1 General Chemistry/Lab II (LS1) 4
ENGL 101 1 Writing & Rhetoric (CC2) 3   ENGL 102 1 Writing & Rhetoric II (CC2) 3
MATH XXX 1 Math (MA3) 3-4   HIST 1XX 1 Choose History with advisor (CC) 3
EDUC 150 1 Seminar in Education (FY4) 1   Core Curriculum 2 Choose Wellness with advisor (CC) 3
    TOTAL 15-16       TOTAL 17
                 
         
FALL   SECOND YEAR     SPRING   SECOND YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
BIOL 303   General Ecology 4   BIOL 305   Cell Biology 4
PHYS or GSCI XXX   Physics Elective  4   STEM Elective 1   Choose STEM supporting content elective with advisor * 3-4
COMM 202   Fundamentals of Speech 3   EDUC 320 2 Social and Psychological Conditions of Learning 4
Core Curriculum-Social Sciences (SO)+ 2 Choose CK, GL, or MD with advisor (CC) PSYC 101 or SOC 203 for EDUC minor (PSYC 101 recommended) 3   EDUC 360 Core Curriculum-Social Sciences (SO8) 2 Survey of Exceptional Children (CC6) 3
EDUC 200   Foundations of American Education (SO8-MD) 4   Core Curriculum** 2 Choose CK, GL, or MD with advisor (HM6) 3
    TOTAL 17       TOTAL 14-15
         
FALL   THIRD YEAR     SPRING   THIRD YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
BIOL 344   Genetics 4   STEM Elective 2   Choose STEM supporting content elective with advisor* 3-4
BIOL XXX   Biology Elective 3-4   STEM Elective 3   Choose STEM supporting content elective with advisor* 4
EDUC 370   Creating Learning Environments 3   STEM Elective 4   Choose STEM supporting content elective with advisor* 4
Core Curriculum-Humanities (HM6)++   Choose CK, GL, or MD with advisor (CC6) 3   EDUC 380   Technology in 21st Century Teaching and Learning 3
Core Curriculum-Arts (AR5)   Choose CK, GL, or MD with advisor (CC5) 3          
    TOTAL 16-17       TOTAL 14-15
         
FALL   FOURTH YEAR     SPRING   FOURTH YEAR  
Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit   Sub./Course No. Tier Title Credit
STEM Elective 5   Choose STEM supporting content elective with advisor* 4   EDUC 461   EdTPA 3
EDUC 423   Special Methods of Teaching Science 3   EDUC 457   Student Teaching, Grades 9-12 (CP and WM9)    9
EDUC 443   Reading in the Content Area 3       TOTAL 12
EDUC 400   Inclusion in the Regular Classroom 3          
                 
                 
    TOTAL 13       DEGREE TOTAL 120
July 11, 2022                

+PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology is recommended.

++Most students will need to choose a CK course for the Humanities Core Curriculum

* All electives must be approved by the Science Specialization Coordinator for each student. See notes for recommendations. Coursework must include information processing and other supporting content as required for teacher certification. 

1 CC Life Science; 2 Core Curriculum; 3 CC Math; 4 CC First-Year Experience; 5 CC Arts; 6 CC Humanities; 7 CC Wellness; 8 CC Social Sciences; 9 Serves as both the Writing in the Major and Capstone requirements.         

 

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