The biological science education program involves formal training in the field of biology as well as preparation of students as professional educators. The discipline portion of the program is designed to give broad training in the life sciences. Students take classes in plant and animal diversity, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and bioethics. This training provides students with significant background and expertise in the biological sciences. In addition to the discipline-level training, the program also requires courses in the physical sciences including chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. The physical science course work is comprehensive enough to place students two or three courses away from receiving additional teaching endorsements in physical science, earth systems, or integrated science. The educational component involves training in laboratory methods, laboratory safety, classroom management, pedagogy, and student teaching. VIEW MAP
Student teaching is normally completed during the senior year and must occur within the state of Utah. Some half-salary teaching internships are available annually. (Some schools offer half-year internships, but most require a full year.) The intern experience counts for student-teaching credit.
The Science Teachers Club develops professionalism and promotes fellowship. Membership is open to all science teaching majors. Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Society is available for students with a high GPA.
Admission to teaching program is by application. All candidates must be declared Biological Science Education majors prior to application. The following classes must be taken: PdBio 120, Bio 220A and B, and Chem 105.
Many undergraduate students work about 20 hours per week. Upper-class students may work as assistants in the science education teaching and research programs. These assistantships are only available after students have successfully
completed Secondary Education 276R (offered during the fall semester of the junior year).
This major prepares students specifically for teaching life sciences in public schools. At the high school level this could include general biology, anatomy, physiology, botany, zoology, AP biology and many other life science subjects. At the junior high school level this could include life science and general science. Many teachers have summer jobs in fields
related to biology teaching. This includes work with the Forest Service, Wildlife Division, Park Service, city summer recreation programs, etc.
Science education facilities at BYU include a science education laboratory and teaching area. Other facilities include microteaching laboratories with complete videotaping equipment and a learning resource center housing a variety of
Chem 105* General College Chemistry
Contact the Education Advisement Center, 120
Sc Ed 380 Teaching Reading in the Content Area