Biological Science, 6-12 Teacher Licensure (BIOLS.BST)

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Natural Sciences

The biological science program exposes students to the various sub-disciplines of biology. The education program prepares students for initial employment as biology teachers in secondary schools.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 40-46

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Seven hours are fulfilled through the program's major and professional requirements.

Religion Requirements - Total Hours: 12

Specialty Area Requirements*

BIOS 161 - Principles of Biology I Credit Hours: 4

The first semester of a two semester sequence for majors in the biological sciences. The focus is on the foundational principles and concepts of life on planet earth. The processes of science are applied to the study of the nature of life. Life's chemistry, organization, continuity and diversity are addressed. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-161L and FMPT-BIO (Freshman Major Pre-Test-Biology).

Prerequisites

High school biology and chemistry or permission of the instructor.

BIOS 162 - Principles of Biology II Credit Hours: 4

The second semester of a two semester sequence for majors in the biological sciences. The focus is on the foundational principles and concepts of life on planet earth. The processes of science are applied to the study of the nature of life. Life's chemistry, organization, continuity and diversity are addressed. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-162L.

Prerequisites

BIOS-161

BIOS 261 - Genetics Credit Hours: 4

An introduction to the three areas of genetics, including traditional (Mendelian) genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics.  Laboratory work will introduce students to molecular genetics techniques currently used in research laboratories.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-261L. 

Prerequisites

BIOS-162 and CHYS-162OR BIOS-161 and CHYS-162 (for BIOCH.BS and BIOCP.BS)OR BIOS-162 and CHYS-162 (for BIOPA.BS)OR BIOS-162 and CHYS-132/132L (for BIOLS.BST)

BIOS 361 - Cell Biology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the relationship of cellular structure and function, with emphasis upon cellular energetics, biosynthesis and reproduction. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-361S (Service Learning).

Prerequisites

BIOS-261 and CHYS-261 (BIOS-261 for BIOLS.BST).

BIOS 362 - Ecology Credit Hours: 3

This course is about the patterns of life we see in the natural world. It is the study of the distribution and abundance of organisms, and the complex interaction of physical, chemical and biological factors that contribute to the formation of these patterns.  Human impacts on natural systems and processes will also be discussed.

Prerequisites

BIOS-261.

BIOS 461 - Molecular Biology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the principles and techniques of molecular biology with an emphasis on data analysis and comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms.

Prerequisites

CHYS-362 (or BIOS-361 for BIOLS.BST) or permission of instructor.

BIOS 462 - Evolutionary Biology Credit Hours: 4

This course addresses themes pertinent to observational and theoretical evidences of contemporary evolutionary biology. The major conceptual underpinnings of modern evolutionary thought will be extensively discussed in light of a Christian worldview. This course will approach evolutionary biology and biblical thought philosophically and scientifically, emphasizing areas of corroboration, and stress the development of critical thinking, as well as investigative and comprehension skills. Requires co-requisite enrollment in BIOS-462L.

Prerequisites

BIOS-361 and Senior status.

BIOS 490 - Senior Seminar Credit Hours: 1

The primary focus of students will be to identify a potential research question and to develop a research project to address the question.  This will include writing a thorough grant proposal for the project, including going to the scientific literature to support the proposed research.

Prerequisites

BIOS-361 and Senior status.

Biology Electives: 4

Select course offerings in Biology at the 300 level or above

Subtotal Specialty Area Requirements: 30

Collateral Requirements*

BIOS 495 - Science and Scripture Credit Hours: 3

Comparative study of related scientific and theological ideology with emphasis on areas of apparent discrepancy. Through lecture, research papers and guided class discussion, an attempt is made to demonstrate the necessity and possibility of harmonizing scientific and Biblical truth. Not to be counted toward an endorsement for teacher certification in biology. Serves as the biology capstone and does not count as a biology elective.

Prerequisites

THEO-231 and 90 hours minimum.

CHYS 161 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4

Matter and measurement, early atomic theory, nomenclature, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, thermochemistry, electronic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding theories, molecular geometry, gases, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids are studied. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-161L.

Prerequisites

ACT Math score of 24 or above (or SAT equivalent), or completion of MTHS-161 or higher.

CHYS 132 - Principles of Organic and Biochemistry Credit Hours: 3

Fundamentals of organic and biochemistry as observed in living systems in health and disease.  Organic functional groups, nomenclature, properties and reactions, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolism. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-132S (Service Learning).

Prerequisites

CHYS-131 or CHYS-161 with a grade of C- or better.

CHYS 132L - Principles of Organic and Biochemistry Lab Credit Hours: 1

Introductory concepts in organic and biochemistry will be reinforced by the use of basic qualitative techniques to identify various organic functional groups, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. In addition, the synthesis and isolation of naturally occurring organic and biochemical compounds will be introduced. 

Prerequisites

CHYS-131 or CHYS-161 with a grade of C- or better.

BIOS 231 - Principles of Nutrition Credit Hours: 3

The study of food and its relationship to the well-being of the human body with emphasis upon metabolism, nutritive value and quantitative requirements of food at different age and development levels. The selection and eating of foods at different economic, social and cultural levels are also studied.

Prerequisites

CHYS-131, CHYS-132, CHYS-135, CHYS-161 or CHYS-162 (OR EDUC-199 OR PHED-201 for Education majors)ANDBIOS-110 or BIOS-161 (OR EXSC-205 OR EXSC-215 for Exercise Science and Health/Wellness Education majors)

or

HSCI 360 - Personal and Community Health Credit Hours: 3

This course emphasizes the concepts, anatomical knowledge, risk factors and behaviors that profoundly affect personal health and self-care. It addresses consumer issues and criteria for evaluating health products and services in the private, industry and government sectors.

GSCI 122 - Earth and Space Science Credit Hours: 4

An introduction to astronomy, geology, meteorology and physical geography. Emphasis on the structure of the universe, theories of cosmology, the Milky Way, and the solar system; the shape, structure and composition of the earth; earthquakes, vulcanism, theories of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, and continental drift; the earth in space and time; composition and structure of the earth's atmosphere; weathering erosion, sculpturing the land, topographic maps, oceanography, and glaciation; fossil fuels and alternate sources of energy, environmental pollution and conservation of natural resources. Requires co-requisite enrollment in GSCI-122L. Open to non-science majors only.

PHYS 261 - General Physics I Credit Hours: 4

A study of the fundamentals of the classical and relativistic motion of electrically-neutral, macroscopic objects, primarily entailing the concepts of energy, momentum, and force.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in PHYS-261L.

Prerequisites

MTHS-261.

MTHS 261 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Definition and formulas, rate of change, derivatives, and application of functions. The study and application of indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisites

MTHS-161 with a minimum grade of C-, or equivalent course work.

Subtotal Collateral Requirements: 26-27

Secondary Professional Education Requirements*

EDUC 199 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession Seminar Credit Hours: 1

A course consisting of 20 clock hours of laboratory assignments in the public schools and a 50-minute seminar each week for the entire semester. The course is designed to provide a general survey of the education profession. Required for teacher education majors except music.

EDUC 299 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credit Hours: 2

This course is designed to introduce students to the wide range of diversity that exists in today's general school population. Candidates will explore physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development, individual learning styles, and prior learning as well as language, culture, family and community values and how they influence student learning. Differentiated instructional approaches to learning and performance will be studied while focusing on planning for instruction that addresses the strengths and needs of diverse learners. A Service Learning Component is required.

Prerequisites

EDUC-199

EDUC 315 - Historical, Philosophical, and Sociological Foundations of American Education Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to provide an understanding of the significance of the influence of historical, philosophical and sociological factors and trends in school administration, materials and methods of instruction and the needs of the pupil and society.  

Prerequisites

EDUC-199 or MUED-225

OR

EDMG 315 - Foundations of Middle Grades Education Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to give the prospective teacher an overview of the theoretical models of middle level education and to provide a broad overview of the historical, sociological and philosophical foundations of the American education system. Students will explore preadolescent and young adolescent characteristics, middle grades teaching, student learning, and organizational characteristics of a middle level school. Twenty hours of tutoring or observations must be completed.

Prerequisites

EDUC-199 and EDUC-299.

SPED 316 - Exceptional Child Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to special education including historical foundations, special education law and current practice. The course will introduce all current information pertinent to those who will work with students with disabilities especially those students included in the general education classroom. Issues and trends that address techniques, strategies and procedures for working with students with disabilities will be emphasized. A summary of each category of disability will be offered as well as suggestions for accessing school and community resources.

Prerequisites

None

PSYC 312 - Educational Psychology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the psychological foundations for learning and the procedures by which learning is accomplished. Also covered is an evaluation of teaching methods and learning tools.

SCED 340 - Principles of Classroom Instruction - Secondary Credit Hours: 2

A course designed to introduce candidates to the knowledge of methods, skills and strategies they will need as they become effective teachers in secondary level classrooms. The course unites theory and practices by using the instructional methods of classroom discussion, presentations, and analysis of case studies.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

SCED 415 & 415L - The Teaching of Mathematics, Grades 6-12, with Methods Lab Credit Hours: 2

A preliminary survey of major theories and practices of instruction in American middle and high schools; aims, materials, teaching methods, learner activities and evaluation procedures in mathematics; and how these relate to the program of the school.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program, and SCED-340.

EDUC 496 - Student Teaching I Credit Hours: 5

Upon completion of all education courses, students will complete student teaching practicums for a total of 15 weeks in the public schools under the guidance of public school teachers and a university supervisor(s). The student will be assigned to at least two different classrooms, which may be at different schools. Students must enroll in EDUC-496, EDUC-497, and EDUC-498 for a total of 12 hours. This will constitute the maximum load for the student teaching semester. No other classes may be taken during the student teaching semester.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of required methods courses

EDUC 497 - Student Teaching II Credit Hours: 5

Upon completion of all education courses, students will complete student teaching practicums for a total of 15 weeks in the public schools under the guidance of public school teachers and a university supervisor(s). The student will be assigned to at least two different classrooms, which may be at different schools. Students must enroll in EDUC-496, EDUC-498, and EDUC-498 for a total of 12 hours. This will constitute the maximum load for the student teaching semester. No other classes may be taken during the student teaching semester.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of required methods courses.

EDUC 498 - Student Teaching Seminar Credit Hours: 2

A seminar designed to be taken by all student teachers during their enhanced student teaching semester. The purpose is to help bridge the gap between coursework and enhanced student teaching. Discussion of a variety of topics related to instructional management and interaction is the focus of the seminar.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of all methods courses

Subtotal Secondary Professional Education - Total Hours: 28

Electives - Total Hours: 0

Total Hours in Program: 127

* Departmental policy requires that students must earn a grade of C or above in each course.