This major satisfies the criteria for an endorsement in biology and qualifies students to teach biology at the high school, middle school, or junior high levels. Students should consider working toward endorsement in a second area such as chemistry, Earth science, physics, middle-level science, or middle-level mathematics. Students taking this major are required to apply to the Teacher Certification Program and complete the Professional Education Program requirements offered through the Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, with the exception of EFC 416 and EFC 350 (39 total credits required). Students completing this program are required to demonstrate knowledge, skill, and disposition proficiency through a program portfolio prior to student teaching. Students must pass the WEST-E exam for biology to receive a biology endorsement.
Students consult with the appropriate biology advisor for approval of their BS program and electives, which must be submitted for approval to the biological sciences department at least one academic year preceding graduation. All students in the BS biology major must complete all BS core requirements, plus additional specific requirements. Additionally, students will need to choose a specified number of courses from different groupings of upper-division courses. A maximum of 15 credits in BIOL 295, BIOL 490, BIOL 495, and BIOL 496 may be included in the major. CHEM 181 has a prerequisite of high school chemistry and qualification for MATH 153. BIOL 181 has a pre or co-requisite of CHEM 181.
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