Biology 7-12, B.S., Secondary Education Concentration

Department Contact:

Chair, Biology: Dr. Justin Merry, 814-471-1105, jmerry@francis.edu
Chair, Education: Dr. Stephanie Ivory, 814-472-2844, sivory@francis.edu

Program Description:

The Biology, B.S., Secondary Education Concentration provides students with an in-depth, well-rounded biology education that will allow them to master the content needed to teach science in secondary education. Furthermore, students will take a full slate of education courses, and work in tandem with an advisor in the education department, to develop the teaching skills needed to communicate these concepts effectively. Students in this program complete their undergraduate coursework in seven semesters, and then spend their final semester doing student teaching for an area school. 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Employ the scientific method, including the use of discipline-specific techniques, to discover and validate biological knowledge;
• Demonstrate scientific literacy through reading, writing, presenting, and discussing research;
• Demonstrate knowledge of how atoms and molecules interact to permit the function of living systems, and how cells sense, control, and respond to stimuli in their environments;
• Demonstrate knowledge of molecular genetics and how this leads to the expression and inheritance of traits;
• Explain how organisms reproduce and develop, how their anatomical structure permits function, how they maintain internal conditions, and how they sense and respond to external stimuli, across the full range of biological diversity;
• Describe how evolution by natural selection explains the unity and diversity of life on earth, and articulate how organisms interact at the population, community, and ecosystem levels.

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically four years of full-time study

Progress and/or Retention Criteria:

A student must complete an application for admission and be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program prior to registering for 300/400 level Education courses.

To be accepted into the Professional Teacher Preparation Program, the candidate must have:

• Completed no less than 48 credits as required by the PDE;             
• Achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA;                                                                          
• Achieved no grade lower than C in major and collateral courses;                                          
• Demonstrate proficiency in Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics (SAT exemption, ACT exemption, PAPA, and/or CORE, );                      
• Completed at least 6 semester hour credits in college level English;
• Complete at least 6 semester hour credits in college level Math;
• Completed ;
• Met with advisor in the Education Department;
• A brief essay (“Why I Want to Pursue Teaching as a Career”);
• Letter of recommendation (Candidate must have a letter endorsed by a faculty member outside the Education Department).

Capstone Requirement:

The senior capstone requirement is completed by taking .

Total Credits Required: 

141-143

Note:

Teacher candidates seeking certification through the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) must meet the requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

See requirements for .