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

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.