Mar 29, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin [Archived Catalog]

Biology with Life Science Teaching Certification (B.S.)


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Program: B.S. with Teaching Certification
Department of Biology
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 330 ~ 260-481-6305 ~ ipfw.edu/bio


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

Learning Goals

Provide coursework, research experience, and advising for students who seek employment after the B.S. degree in teaching or who expect to enter graduate and professional schools.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students should have demonstrated comprehension of basic biological principles and theories and a demonstrated ability to apply those theories and principles to problem solving.
  • Students should have demonstrated knowledge of the scientific method, and should be able to apply that knowledge to problem solving.  Students should also have the ability to critically evaluate biological information.
  • Students should have demonstrated the basic knowledge and experience of field and laboratory work and be able to communicate the results of an investigation.  

The study of biology is an excellent way to prepare for a career in teaching because it provides the student with a solid foundation in science as well as in teaching. Students who plan to earn a B.S. with a major in biology with life science teaching certification should consult regularly with the coordinator of advising in the College of Education and Public Policy.

To earn a B.S. with a major in biology with life science teaching certification, you must fulfill the requirements specified by the IPFW College of Education Pub lic Policy and fulfill the requirements of IPFW and of the College of Arts and Sciences with the exception of the foreign language requirement (see Part 4  and Part 8 ).

Prior to your junior year, the Department of Educational Studies requires that you successfully complete EDUC F200/EDUC M101, EDUC W200, and the Pearson Core Academic Subject Assessment (CASA) or approved alternative before admission to the professional education program. You must also establish a minimum 2.70 GPA in your content (major) courses and a 2.70 cumulative GPA for admission to this program. The Pearson CORE content exam must be taken before the student teaching semester. You must apply for student teaching one year in advance of the semester you plan to student teach. You must also pass the Pearson pedagogy exam for Secondary Education, pass the CORE content exam, and achieve a 3.00 GPA in your major and overall to obtain the teaching license.  For more information on these and other requirements, please contact the College of Education and Public Policy, EPIC Office, in Neff Hall 243, 260-481-6449.

IPFW General Education Requirements Credits: 33


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

School of Arts and Sciences Requirements


English Writing and Speaking


  • See Arts and Sciences Part A for Speaking requirement 

Supporting Courses Credits: 33-35


General Elective Courses Credits: 9-11


You must complete at least one course with a laboratory in each group.

Professional Education Requirements Credits: 42


Prior to being admitted to the Block 1 courses, you must complete the Pre-professional courses and pass the Pearson Basic Skills exam.

Student Teaching


  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  12
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0

or if completing a special education-mild intervention dual license:

  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  9
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0
  • EDUC M470 - Special Education Practicum  Credits: 3

or if completing an English as a new language dual license:

  • EDUC M480 - Student Teaching in the Secondary School  Credits:  9
  • EDUC M401 - Laboratory/Field Experience  Credits: 0
  • LING L470 - Teaching English as a New Language Practicum  Credits: 3

Total Credits: 127


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