Core Courses for the Master of Arts and Master of Science
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 on-line course delivery.
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. Predominantly on-line course delivery.
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. Predominantly on-line course delivery.
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. Predominantly on-line course delivery.
Master of Science Thesis Requirement (M.S. Only)
BIO 683 (a,b,c,d,e,f) THESIS (1-6)
Students write a thorough literature review and bibliography related to their chosen Biology education problem, then design, carry out, and 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. Students register for each thesis unit (683 a through f) in sequence (a through f) corresponding to the 6 units necessary to complete the thesis requirement. Students may register for as many as three thesis units in a single semester (i.e., 683a, 683b, and 683c) or as few as one unit. At the end of each semester a grade of Credit/No Credit is issued reflecting the student's satisfactory progress toward thesis completion. If in the final semester (BIO 683f) of thesis enrollment the student has not completed all requirements for the thesis, the student is automatically enrolled in thesis extension status for each subsequent semester until the thesis is completed. A thesis extension fee is charged (see
fee schedule) for each semester of thesis extension. Graded Credit/No Credit.
| Graduate Biology Thesis progress benchmarks |
| BIO 683a |
Prepare (including purpose, question(s), theory, methodology, and literature review),
and clear project proposal with committee. |
| BIO 683b |
Complete protocols and IRB proposal |
| BIO 683c |
Collect Data |
| BIO 683d |
Analyze data and write results section |
| BIO 683e |
Write conclusions |
| BIO 683f |
Prepare and submit journal manuscript and give oral defense of project |
Electives for Master of Arts and Master of Science
BIO 601 (1-6) GRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN BIOLOGY
This course is an elective option allowing 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 are addressed from the perspective of teaching for conceptual understanding. Lecture and lab.
BIO 690 (1-3) Special STUDIES IN Biology
Selected studies in the area of Biology as determined by the Department of Biology. Permission is required from the Chair of the Department of Biology and the course faculty. The student must be in good academic standing. Students may repeat the course for credit up to a maximum of 6 units. The repeat course must cover different content.
BIO 692 (1,1) 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 repeated up to three times for a total of six units. Graded Credit/No Credit.
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 repeated up to three times with different content for a total of six units. Graded Credit/No Credit.