Program Requirements
Required General Education
Broad survey of astronomy: the night sky, seasons, moon phases, eclipses, light, telescopes, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, the solar system.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Other prerequisites: High school chemistry or C (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. C (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 104 and Select 1 Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. High school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Physical geology is the study of how the earth works. From mountain building to soil erosion, this course provides an introduction to all the main areas of geologic study. Lecture discussions and laboratory exercises are designed for students seeking a major or minor in one of the natural sciences.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03, GE-10
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-11, GE-7A
- Diverse Cultures:
- Gold
General background in physical concepts for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- Either MATH 112 and MATH 113, or MATH 115
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Math Requirement - Choose 3 - 4 Credit(s).
Basic concepts of trigonometry as preparation for college level mathematics and science course work. Topics include concepts of algebra (real numbers, functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions), trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
- Prerequisites:
- Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 112 with "C" (2.0) or better.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-04
This course will cover topics of precalculus mathematics. Topics covered will include functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, trigonometric functions, circular functions, vectors and complex numbers, induction, series and probability.
- Prerequisites:
- Satisfy Math Placement Table in this section, or grade of P in MATH 098.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-04
Major Common Core
Study of biological processes at the organismal level including a survey of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Introduction to genetic analysis. Topics covered will include those of both classical and modern genetics: population genetics, molecular genetics, genetic manipulation of organisms and selection. Central to this course will be the primacy of the trait as the object of genetics and the development/refinement of the concept of the gene. Lab included.Fall, Spring, Summer
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, and MATH 112
Principles of the study of relationships between organisms and the environment. Topics include flow of energy and materials, organism-level interactions, growth and evolution of populations, and community ecology. Field trips to prairie, lake, stream, and forest communities, training in data collection and analysis, use of equipment, and report writing. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent
This course will provide students a comprehensive approach to understanding the unifying theory that all biological systems must operate. Student will apply evolutionary theory to ecosystem, population, individual and gene levels of organization in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic groups.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211
Systems and regional approach to the structure of the human body. Primary emphasis on gross anatomy supported by 3-dimensional models and animal dissections, with additional emphasis on cell and tissue-level anatomy supported by histological examination. The course is designed for students majoring in biology programs. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the structure, biochemistry, phylogeny, molecular biology, pathobiology, immunology, and ecology of microbes, with an emphasis on bacteria. Lab will include classical and contemporary techniques for the identification and characterization of bacteria.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, CHEM 201
Methods and materials for teaching physical sciences in middle school through high school. Clinical experiences are required for the course.
- Prerequisites:
- Consent
An integrated, multi-disciplinary study of the Earth and the solar system. The course builds on basic concepts of astronomy, chemistry and geology to give students an enhanced understanding of the nature and relationship among the forces that control the Earth's evolution. Learning outcomes partially fulfill licensure requirements for secondary science educators.
- Prerequisites:
- AST 101, CHEM 201, GEOL 121
Includes waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- PHYS 211
Independent Study - Choose 1 Credit(s). At least one credit is required. Additional credits will be counted as electives.
Individual Study
- Prerequisites:
- none
Major Restricted Electives
Choose 4 Credit(s).
A field course focused on the function and dynamics of various North American ecosystems. Emphases will be on natural history, critical thought, and experimental design. Students will be trained in a variety of soil, plant, and animal sampling techniques. Depending on enrollment, there may be additional costs (e.g., camping fees) for the course.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 215 or consent
An exploration of behavioral strategy, communication, learning, and social systems of animals, with emphases placed on the causes, evolution, ecological implications, and function of behavior at the individual and population level. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106
Major Unrestricted Electives
Choose at least 8 additional credits of 300-400 level Biology courses.
Other Graduation Requirements
See the K-12 Teaching Programs section of the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education.
4-Year Plan
The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 15 Credits
Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Basic concepts of trigonometry as preparation for college level mathematics and science course work. Topics include concepts of algebra (real numbers, functions, graphs of functions, exponential and logarithmic functions), trigonometric functions, analytic trigonometry, applications of trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
- Prerequisites:
- Satisfy Placement Table in this section, or MATH 112 with "C" (2.0) or better.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-04
Spring - 17 Credits
Study of biological processes at the organismal level including a survey of life forms (viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals), their evolution, and ecology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Other prerequisites: High school chemistry or C (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. C (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 104 and Select 1 Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. High school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-11, GE-7A
- Diverse Cultures:
- Gold
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to apply a critical lens to unit and lesson planning to foster critical thinking, discussion, engagement, and inquiry. Teacher candidates will examine cognitive processes associated with learning. Teacher candidates will also explore theory and methods to develop equitable, accessible, and culturally sustaining learning experiences to eliminate barriers to learning, including asset-based pedagogy, and identity affirming classroom environments.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
Second Year
Fall - 15 Credits
Physical geology is the study of how the earth works. From mountain building to soil erosion, this course provides an introduction to all the main areas of geologic study. Lecture discussions and laboratory exercises are designed for students seeking a major or minor in one of the natural sciences.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03, GE-10
Introduction to genetic analysis. Topics covered will include those of both classical and modern genetics: population genetics, molecular genetics, genetic manipulation of organisms and selection. Central to this course will be the primacy of the trait as the object of genetics and the development/refinement of the concept of the gene. Lab included.Fall, Spring, Summer
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, and MATH 112
Principles of the study of relationships between organisms and the environment. Topics include flow of energy and materials, organism-level interactions, growth and evolution of populations, and community ecology. Field trips to prairie, lake, stream, and forest communities, training in data collection and analysis, use of equipment, and report writing. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105 and BIOL 106 or consent
Spring - 14 Credits
This course will provide students a comprehensive approach to understanding the unifying theory that all biological systems must operate. Student will apply evolutionary theory to ecosystem, population, individual and gene levels of organization in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic groups.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211
Systems and regional approach to the structure of the human body. Primary emphasis on gross anatomy supported by 3-dimensional models and animal dissections, with additional emphasis on cell and tissue-level anatomy supported by histological examination. The course is designed for students majoring in biology programs. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the structure, biochemistry, phylogeny, molecular biology, pathobiology, immunology, and ecology of microbes, with an emphasis on bacteria. Lab will include classical and contemporary techniques for the identification and characterization of bacteria.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106, CHEM 201
Third Year
Fall - 15 Credits
In this course, teacher candidates will explore the equitable use of current and new technologies to support the wide range of student learning variability, while addressing safe, culturally responsive, and ethical use. Teacher candidates will also discuss innovative educational technologies to reflect on their use for professional, personal, and community purposes.
- Prerequisites:
- none
General background in physical concepts for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- Either MATH 112 and MATH 113, or MATH 115
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
In this course teacher candidates will critically explore asset-based pedagogy grounded in anti-racist, culturally relevant, and responsive practices to differentiate instruction. Additionally, teacher candidates will explore their intersectional identity and the importance of ongoing self-reflective practices necessary to cultivate identity affirming learning environments and experiences for students. Finally, teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that model and explain concepts and skills in multiple ways to support the diverse needs of students.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates will explore strategies to build strong relationships with and advocate for students, families, and the community. Candidates will examine ways that the curriculum addresses multiple perspectives, cultures and backgrounds to emphasize culturally sustaining learning experiences. They will explore professional responsibilities and teacher leadership roles. Finally, teachers will examine ways to use data and information gathered from the students, school, and caregivers to advocate and support students for positive change.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Spring - 16 Credits
Broad survey of astronomy: the night sky, seasons, moon phases, eclipses, light, telescopes, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, the solar system.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Includes waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- PHYS 211
An exploration of behavioral strategy, communication, learning, and social systems of animals, with emphases placed on the causes, evolution, ecological implications, and function of behavior at the individual and population level. Lab included.
- Prerequisites:
- BIOL 105, BIOL 106
Methods and materials for teaching physical sciences in middle school through high school. Clinical experiences are required for the course.
- Prerequisites:
- Consent
Individual Study
- Prerequisites:
- none
Fourth Year
Fall - 16 Credits
An integrated, multi-disciplinary study of the Earth and the solar system. The course builds on basic concepts of astronomy, chemistry and geology to give students an enhanced understanding of the nature and relationship among the forces that control the Earth's evolution. Learning outcomes partially fulfill licensure requirements for secondary science educators.
- Prerequisites:
- AST 101, CHEM 201, GEOL 121
In this course teacher candidates will explore strategies to cultivate learning experiences that are equitable, culturally relevant, justice-oriented, student-centered, and meaningful. Candidates will have an opportunity to create a unit plan, formative and summative assessments, and rubrics that emphasize multiple ways of expressing learning. Furthermore, candidates will examine grading practices and methods for providing/sharing feedback that supports learner variability and facilitating student ownership of their learning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates investigate how traditional methods of reading instruction can contribute to systemic oppression in classrooms and how anti-oppressive methods can help break the cycle of inequities in education. Teacher candidates apply understanding of systemic oppression and inequity to provide asset-based, ongoing support for students. This includes knowledge and implementation of content area reading instruction, recognizing the characteristics of reading disabilities and implementing accommodations to meet student needs, and using the language development framework to support multilingual learners.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Spring - 12 Credits
In this seminar, teacher candidates will reflect upon and assess /discuss practices, experiences, challenges, and success in their student teaching experience.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates apply learning from coursework to practice in the 5-12 classroom.
- Prerequisites:
- admission to student teaching.
Policies
All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education. See the 5-12 or K-12 Teaching Programs section in the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
The BS Life Science Teaching (5-12) degree program requires courses in the sciences, science teaching methods, professional education, and general education. To stay within the required degree limits of 120-credit hours, students are strongly advised to select courses within the 44-credit general education program that meet both teaching program and general education needs. It is important for the student to meet with their advisor to assist with program planning.
The BS Life Science Teaching (5-12) degree program has a competitive admission policy.
Admission requirements:
- 32 earned semester hours including BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211, and CHEM 201 with a grade of "C" or better.
- For Life Science Teaching majors, the combined GPA for BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 211, and CHEM 201 must be 2.4 or better.
- Completed General Education Goal Area 4 (Mathematics)
- Completed General Education Goal Area 1, Part A (English Composition)
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2, with a cumulative GPA in Biology courses of 2.0.
After being admitted, students must also meet progression standards to graduate with the degree.
GPA: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in the sciences and a "C" or better in all science courses is required for graduation with a BS Life Science Teaching (5-12) degree.
P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a degree in BS Life Science Teaching (5-12) may not be taken on a P/N basis except where P/N grading is mandatory.
A minor is not required.
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major Credits
77
Total Credits
120
Locations
Mankato
Career Cluster
Education and Training
Accreditation
CAEP
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.