Oct 07, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry/Biology — Secondary, BAE


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Combined major offered by the Department of Biology, College of Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Engineering

107-113 credits

Why Consider a Chemistry/Biology-Secondary BAE Major?

This major is recommended for students interested in becoming secondary school science teachers and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Biology is the study of living organisms. As scientists, biologists have three prime motivations: (1) intellectual curiosity about biological systems, (2) the philosophy that creating and disseminating reliable knowledge has intrinsic worth and (3) the confidence that research into the history of life on earth and how biological systems work can be used to solve problems faced by our society today. Thus, we intend for our intensive academic program to stimulate our students’ curiosity and appetite for life-long learning about biology. 

There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.

 Contact Information

Chemistry Department Chair
Spencer Anthony-Cahill
Chemistry Building 270A
360-650-3152
Spencer.Anthony-Cahill@wwu.edu

Chemistry Program Coordinators
Chemistry Building 270
360-650-3070
chemistry@wwu.edu

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

Teacher Education Admissions
Miller Hall 150
360-650-3313
wce.wwu.edu/admissions/secondary-education

 

Secondary Education
Professional Program
Information Program Manager

Janna Cecka
Miller Hall 401C
360-650-3347
Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu

Secondary Education
Program Coordinator

Christina Carlson
Miller Hall 401A
360-650-3327
Christina.Carlson@wwu.edu
 

 Sample Careers

High School Chemistry/Biology Teacher

 Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

The Chemistry Department has a two-step process for admission to a BAE major. First, students should visit the department office and meet with the Departmental Advisor to complete the Official Declaration of Major form. This will initiate an evaluation of the student’s transcript to outline remaining coursework and assignment of a faculty advisor. Second, the student should contact their assigned advisor for a meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with their assigned faculty advisor to develop a plan of study for the remainder of their time in the program. See the department’s website for more details.

This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.

As certification to teach high school now requires more than four years of study, advisement prior to or at the beginning of the third year is absolutely necessary to avoid lengthening the program.

Grade Requirements

Recommendation for teaching endorsement normally requires completion of the major with a grade point of 2.50 or better in the required major courses. Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

Requirements


Additional Requirements


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