Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology — Secondary Teaching Emphasis, BS


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Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering

94-105 credits

Introduction

Biology is the study of living organisms. As scientists, biologists have three goals: (1) understanding the structure and function of organisms, (2) generating and disseminating reliable data pertaining to biological systems, and (3) developing a deep understanding of the natural world that can inform solutions for the serious environmental, medical, and social concerns facing humanity.

Our goal as educators is to maintain intensive academic programs designed to stimulate curiosity, creativity and life-long critical thinking in students who pursue a liberal arts education in Biology.  All of the B.S. programs in Biology are designed for students who plan to pursue post-graduate study or professional careers in biology or teaching. We have designed these programs to enable students to develop an integrated conceptual foundation in biology, as well as critical thinking skills, quantitative problem-solving abilities, leadership and team-building skills, and scientific research skills.

Each B.S. program features a core curriculum at the 200-level and 300-level, plus one 400-level course in evolution. The primary differences between the emphases lie in the choices of additional upper-division lab and lecture courses that a student takes to 1) gain a depth of knowledge in a focal area, 2) have opportunities to integrate and apply that knowledge in various settings including the lab, the field, and discussions with others, and 3) develop skills and abilities that are tailored to particular interests and career paths.

To receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification, students must complete a professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion and teacher certification requirements for Woodring College of Education.

A Biology endorsement with a teaching certification will require taking two science methods courses. SCED 481 can be taken prior to admission to Woodring College of Education, but SCED 491 must be taken after admission. Students who elect to complete certification as an undergraduate while completing a Biology Bachelor of Science degree can count these two courses as electives for the BS. To receive a Science endorsement, take GEOL 211 and 212, and ASTR 103 or 113 in addition to the courses listed for the Biology endorsement.

Why Consider a Secondary Teaching Emphasis in Biology Major?

The B.S. Biology – Secondary Teaching Emphasis will allow a student to become a secondary school teacher while giving her or him the flexibility to pursue any other career in biology or continue as a post-baccalaureate student. A diploma granted under this major will indicate “Bachelor of Science”; official transcripts will indicate Biology – Secondary Teaching Emphasis.

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Merrill Peterson
Biology 315
360-650-3636
merrill.peterson@wwu.edu

Program Coordinators for Advising
Maren Brinson and Alexis Donnelly
Biology 315
360-650-6165
biologyadvising@wwu.edu

Biology-Education Advisor
Deborah Donovan
Biology 310
360-650-7251
Deborah.Donovan@wwu.edu

Biology-Education Advisor
Alejandro Acevedo-Gutierrez
Biology 309
360-650-3653
Alejandro.Acevedo-Gutierrez@wwu.edu

Secondary Education
Website

wce.wwu.edu/sec/
secondary-education

 Sample Careers

Biology Teacher (if endorsement is completed)

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Biology Department has a two-step process for admission into our degree programs. Phase I students are students who have declared their intent to major in biology and are in the process of completing the introductory biology (BIOL 204, 205, 206) and general chemistry (CHEM 121, 122, 123) series. Admission to Phase II is based on academic performance in the introductory courses. Students must achieve an average grade of 2.9 or higher in their introductory biology and general chemistry courses before they can advance to Phase II and begin taking upper-division coursework.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major courses. Science courses required for state teaching endorsements must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Requirements


Basic Requirements:


Depth Requirements:


Electives:


0-2 credits to reach a minimum of 94 total credits for this program. SCED 481 is the suggested elective as students are required to take this course for a biology teaching endorsement, but may also take the course after graduation while enrolled in the Woodring College of Education’s teaching credential program.

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