OSRHE Program Code: 115
CIP Code: 260101
Major Code: 7060
Option Codes:
- 7064 - Biology Education
- 7062 - Fisheries and Wildlife
- 7061 - Organismic
Transfer Agreements
TCC Biology AS to NSU Integrative Biology-Organismic BS
TCC Biotech AS to NSU Integrative Biology-Organismic BS
Purpose
Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions. There are many fields of study within biology such as anatomy, biochemistry, botany, cell biology, ecology, genetics, microbiology, physiology and zoology. NSU offers courses in all of these areas, permitting students to select courses that will best suit their interests and career goals. With so much rapid change in biology, the career opportunities are excellent. Many students go on to pursue further education and higher degrees in biological sciences, dentistry, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, podiatry and veterinary medicine. Others enter the job market directly as junior high and high school teachers, laboratory technicians and park rangers.
Specialty Accreditation - Biology Education Option
NSU’s educator preparation programs at the baccalaureate and master’s levels are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), www.caepnet.org, (1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20036-1023, 202-223-0077), and/or the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability (840 Research Parkway, Suite 455, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-522-5399), www.ok.gov/oeqa.
Credential Requirements - Biology Education Option
In addition to completing all program requirements, teacher candidates must pass the following certification tests to earn Oklahoma certification: the appropriate Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT); and the Praxis Professional Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). There are fees associated with certification testing which is administered by an outside agency under contract with the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality and Accountability. NSU’s Education Certification office can assist with information regarding university recommendation for certification.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Attain biological foundation knowledge.
- Specialize in a biology subfield.
- Demonstrate the methods and technologies of modern biology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of living systems.
- Analyze novel data or information and formulate independent conclusions.
- Prepare for employment in some field of biology, graduate research, or further training in the health professions.
Biology Education Opton (above outcomes plus:)
- Demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding of fundamental concepts of science.
- Plan standards-based instruction.
- Teach effective science lessons that can lead learners to a deep understanding of science concepts.
- Apply appropriate safety rules in science teaching.