Preparation for the program
All students in the program will be expected to have at least a lower-division level background in biology. Potential candidates with a Bachelor's Degree other than biology are strongly advised to take a 200-level general biology sequence before entering the program. Community colleges typically offer these courses during the academic year as well as the summer.
Curriculum
SAMPLE Timeframe
|
Courses
|
MS |
MA |
| Summer 1 |
Physiology of Plants & Animals
Genetics & Molecular Biology
|
3
3 |
3
3 |
| Fall 1 |
Science Ed. Seminar (primarily online)
|
3
|
3
|
| Spring 1 |
Research Design (primarily online)
Pilot Study
|
3
1 |
3
1 |
| Summer 2 |
Evolution & Development
Microbiology & Immunology |
3
3 |
3
3 |
| Fall 2 |
History and Philosphy of Science
|
3
|
3 |
| Spring 2 |
Thesis work and/or electives |
|
|
| Summer 3 |
Thesis work and/or elective units (PLNU seminars/workshops, internships, approved upper division/graduate biology courses) |
6 |
12 |
3 Summers
& 2 Academic Yrs. |
|
34 units total |
Criteria for accepting transfer elective units:
- Official transcripts must be received for each non-PLNU course taken.
- Courses must have been taken within 7 years of the request for elective credit.
- Courses must be relevant upper division (post baccalaureate biology courses) or graduate level biology courses offered by an accredited college or university.
- Courses may not be counted toward completion of another degree.
- Credit will not be offered retroactively for classes or research work that did not originally receive upper division or graduate level credit from an accredited institution.
Course Descriptions
BIO 611 (3) SCIENCE EDUCATION SEMINAR
This course involves discussion and integration of seminal papers in the area of science education with particular attention given to biology education. Predominantly online course.
BIO 633 (3) HISTORY/PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
This course involves discussion of seminal works in the history and philosophy of science as a way of thinking. From this perspective, the course explores current interest in the nature of science as an integral part of the study of science.
BIO 643 (3) RESEARCH DESIGN IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
This course promotes understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research design in science education, with a focus on current trends in the field.
BIO 682 (1) RESEARCH PROPOSAL AND PILOT STUDY
Students identify a research problem in Biology education, then prepare a brief literature review and research design, followed by carrying out a pilot study with abbreviated analysis.
BIO 683 a,b,c,d,e,f (1 unit each) THESIS
Students write a thorough literature review and bibliography related to their chosen biology education problem, then design, conduct the research to address the problem, analyze the results of their original research, draw conclusions, and propose implications of their findings. This process culminates with the completion of the student’s written thesis, as well as a public presentation of the research. For projects not completed within one semester, an extension fee is charged each semester (fall, spring, and summer) until finished and approved. Graded Credit/No Credit.
BIO 601 (1-6) GRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY
This course is an elective option allows students to gain research/ lab experience through internships at a variety of local businesses/organizations. The course may be repeated up to a total of six units. Graded Credit/No Credit.
BIO 660 (3) Microbiology and immunology
Concepts in microbiology, including the diversity and ecology of microscopic organisms, and in immunology, focusing on cellular and molecular regulation of the immune system in health and disease, are addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
BIO 661 (3) Ecology of plants and animals
Concepts related to complex ecological systems with special emphasis on the interactions between plants and animals are addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and field-oriented lab.
BIO 662 (3) Genetics and molecular biology
Concepts in genetics and molecular biology, including inheritance, organization, variability and expression of genes, with emphasis on the regulatory mechanisms that govern gene expression in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, are addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
BIO 663 (3) Cell biology and biochemistry
Concepts in cell biology, including the chemical basis of life, the structure and function of organelles, basic metabolic pathways, models for the origin of cells, and underlying biochemical principles are addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
BIO 664 (3) Evolution and development
Concepts emerging from the union of the two disciplines of evolution and development that help us better understand both the process of development and the evolution of the diversity of life forms are central to this course. Emphasis will be placed on the concepts of modularity, developmental master control genes (toolkit genes) and genetic switches that are the keys to explaining how the diversity within the body plans of animals develop. These topics will be addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
BIO 665 (3) Physiology of plants and animals
Concepts related to the physiological mechanisms that contribute to homeostasis in both plants and animals will be addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
SCI 672 (2) SEASAND
SEASAND is a two-week intensive summer workshop designed for secondary teachers. The content is taught at an advanced level. The topics rotate between biology, chemistry, physics, and geology with two topics offered each year. Acceptance is by application and priority is given to teachers from state-designated low-performing schools. May be taken up to three times with different content for a total of six units.
BIO 692 (2) Perspectives on Science
Perspectives on Science is a monthly seminar series with speakers from research institutions and universities which address current research in their fields, including chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and geology. This course is designed to promote translation of these lectures to the science classroom, especially to the biology classroom. May be taken up to three times to a total of six units.