Apr 16, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biology Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration


Department of Biology  

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences  

  Available Program Format(s): In-Person   

About the Program


The Biology Major with Secondary Licensure concentration is designed for those students who plan to teach Secondary Science. The program includes a Biology B.A. Major, and Secondary Education courses required by the Colorado Department of Education for licensure. The major provides students with a background in the Colorado Academic Standards for Science and prepares them to pass the required content exam for licensure. 

Student Outcomes


Secondary Education

  • Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure programs will demonstrate awareness of multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
  • Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure program will gain readiness and eligibility for student teaching.
  • Teacher candidates will successfully complete student teaching.

Biology Major B.A.

  • Interpret and apply the principles of 1. Cell Biology, 2. Molecular Biology & Genetics, 3. Organismal Biology, and 4. Population Biology, Evolution, and Ecology.
  • Use and understand a broad range of biological techniques.
  • Formulate hypotheses using knowledge and observations, identify relevant variables, and design experiments to test hypotheses.
  • Locate and critically analyze sources of biological information.
  • Communicate concepts in biology using the vocabulary of the discipline.

General Degree Requirements


To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements. 

Program Requirements


  • A total of 126 semester hours are required for graduation in this program. 
  • This extended major does not require a minor.  
  • A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree.  
  • A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the Biology Major and Additional Courses for Secondary Science Licensure is needed to apply for student teaching.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits


Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.  Those recommended courses below can satisfy additional degree program requirements beyond General Studies. 

  • Written Communication (6 credits) 
  • Oral Communication (3 credits) 
  • Quantitative Literacy (3 credits) 
    • Recommended: Student may fulfill this General Studies requirement with MTH 1112 - College Algebra Through Modeling  under Mathematics Courses for Secondary Science Licensure. (Note: depending on the course selected, this may exceed 3 credits.)
  • Arts and Humanities (6 credits) 
  • Historical (3 credits) 
  • Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits) 
    • Recommended: Students may fulfill this General Studies requirement with Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure Concentration. (Note: depending on the courses selected, this total may exceed 6 credits.)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits) 
  • Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits*)

 

*Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits


Students can consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement  for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.

Biology Major Core Courses: 38 credits


Additional Courses for Secondary Science Licensure: 34 credits


All students must complete thirty four (34) credits in the following disciplines to prepare to teach Secondary Science. Nine or more credits in this category can also satisfy General Studies requirements for Quantitative Literacy and Natural and Physical Sciences.  

Foundation and Methods Courses for Secondary Education: 24 credits


All students must complete the following courses in Foundation and Methods Courses for Secondary Education. Before registering for these courses, students should obtain provisional admission to the School of Education.  An application can be found HERE. Six or more credits in this category can also satisfy General Studies requirements for Social and Behavioral Sciences. Three credits in this category can also satisfy ESSJ requirement.  

Senior Experience: 12 credits


Summary of Requirements


General Studies Requirements 33 credits
ESSJ Requirement 0-3 credits
Biology Major Core Courses 38 credits
Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure 34 credits
Foundation and Methods Courses for Secondary Education 24 credits
Senior Experience 12 credits
Total for the Biology Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration 126 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

Up to 15 of the 33 General Studies credits in this program may be fulfilled through requirements for the degree.