B.S. in Biology Education

Graduation Requirements for the Degree

College of Arts and Sciences

The following courses required:

General Biology I would encompass scientific philosophy and methodology, chemistry and biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.  Both semesters include laboratory.

General Biology II would encompass evolution, taxonomy and diversity, basic plant anatomy and physiology, basic animal anatomy and physiology, and ecology. Both semesters include laboratory.

An introductory seminar for biology majors dealing with the use of library, methods and goals of research, and vocational options for the biologist. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. P/NC. May be taught concurrently with CHEM 2001.

Energetics, pollution, and resource management; the distribution of organisms; the ethics of man's influence on the environment. Prerequisite: BIOL 1004, 1103, or permission of instructor. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

Study of the relationships organisms have with each other and with their environments. Themes include populations, communities, ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation biology. Prerequisites: BIOL 1004 or 1103, or permission of instructor. An overnight trip is required. (An extra fee may be required.) Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

Study of common forms of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi, and their relationship to plant and animal life and to public health. Bacteriological techniques are taught in the laboratory. Prerequisites: CHEM 1004, 1054; BIOL 1004; BIOL 1033 or 2034. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

A two-semester study of human structure and function as an integrated whole. Prerequisites: BIOL 1004, 2034. BIOL 3204, or instructor's permission, is a prerequisite for BIOL 3214. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

A two-semester study of human structure and function as an integrated whole. Prerequisites: BIOL 1004, 2034. BIOL 3204, or instructor's permission, is a prerequisite for BIOL 3214. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

A study of the ethical dilemmas posed by human effect on the environment at large and those encountered in medical practice. Prerequisites: ENGL 1013, and permission of the instructor. Required philosophy course for biology, medical technology, pre-dentistry, and pre-medicine majors.

An introduction to structure and function of cells and tissues, and the techniques for studying them, with emphasis on animal material. Prerequisites: BIOL 1004, 2034, CHEM 1004, and CHEM 1054, or permission of instructor. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required.

Mendelism; population genetics; the genetic code; protein synthesis; differentiation and control of gene action. Prerequisites: BIOL 1103 or 1004; ENGL 1013; proficiency in mathematics. Includes laboratory.

Study of philosophy of science, presenting scientific information in oral and written form, final science comprehensive oral examinations, administration of required final assessment instrument (Major Field Test, or equivalent). Prerequisites: Senior standing or permission of instructor. ENGL 1013 and BIOL 2001 or CHEM 2001.

Principles of inorganic chemistry as illustrated by important elements, compounds, and reactions. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: Mathematics competency. CHEM 1004 is a prerequisite for taking CHEM 1054 along with math competency.

Introduction to physical chemistry and qualitative analysis. Includes laboratory. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: Mathematics competency. CHEM 1004 is a prerequisite for taking CHEM 1054 along with math competency.

This course presents the teacher candidate with an overview of the education major and the teaching profession. Topics discussed include characteristics of the current teaching profession, the role of the teacher within the school, requirements for admission into the SWU Teacher Education Program, the Praxis test requirements, developing an e-portfolio, and the process of teacher certification in South Carolina. Candidates will also become familiar with the SWU Teacher Education Handbook. This course is a prerequisite for all other education courses. Required of all teacher candidates. (Fall, Spring)

Sociological and philosophical foundations of Western education. Included will be a study of the crucial issues found in our present schools. Required of all teacher candidates. (Fall, Spring)

The purposes, parent-school-community relationships, curriculum, and activities of the secondary school. Studies in educational tests and measurement are also included. Included in this course will be 30 hours of field placement experience. Required of all secondary candidates. Sophomore status. (Fall)

The history of educating exceptional children. An examination of the special problems and current laws confronted in dealing with the gifted, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, physically handicapped and ELL child will be covered. Also included will be the development of an IEP. This class will include a thirty hour Service Learning requirement as partial fulfillment of requirements of the EEDA. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lock 1, GPA 2.5. Required of all teacher candidates except physical education. This course is a prerequisite for all other Special Education courses. (Fall, Spring)

Methods of improving knowledge and skills in the secondary content areas by implementing strategies that use and develop language literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening). Included in this course will be 36 hours of field placement experience. Required of all secondary and P-12 teacher candidates. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lock 1, GPA 2.5. (Fall)

Classroom management techniques with particular emphasis on creating a democratic classroom in consideration of current law. Management application models are discussed in the context of classroom environments. Prerequisite: Enrollment in EDUC 450, Pre-Clinical Field Experience with placement in a cooperating school as arranged by the Director of Field Placements; Acceptance into Lock 1, GPA 2.5. (Fall, Spring)

Instructional technology techniques that will enhance the instructional experience for both the instructor and the learner. Topics include designing and planning technology enhanced instruction, the digital technologies, administrative and academic software, audiovisual technologies, and ethical issues involved in using technology. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lock 1, GPA 2.5. May meet general education computer science requirement.

This course is an introduction to the philosophy and practice of teaching science at the secondary and/or middle school level. Topics include short- and long-term planning, effective instructional strategies, and multi-faceted assessment. Required of all secondary biology education teacher candidates. Offered at departmental discretion. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Lock 1, GPA 2.5.

The last school practicum experience prior to the clinical experience. Candidates are assigned to two preclinical experiences at two different levels. One-half of the candidate’s time is spent in each academic setting. The candidates prepare lesson plans and teach mini-lessons. All candidates must receive favorable evaluations by the supervising teachers, as well as credit for the course, to proceed to Clinical Experience I. The teacher candidate must provide evidence that Praxis II: Subject Assessment Tests and Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test have either been attempted or passed during this course. Required of all education candidates in all programs the semester before Clinical Experience. Prerequisites: Full admission to Teacher Education, GPA of at least 2.5, competency in computer, math, oral communication, reading, and writing skills. (Fall, Spring)

An integrated course in observation, participation, conferencing, and actual teaching; class management and modern methods of teaching; and planning, instruction, supervised study, uses of standard tests, and individual instruction. Candidates are generally assigned to one of their pre-clinical experience supervising teachers. Students are responsible for their own transportation. Required of all education candidates in all programs. The teacher candidate must achieve minimum scores on the Praxis II: Subject Assessment Tests and the Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test before the conclusion of the semester in which EDUC 4628 and EDUC 4638 are scheduled to be recommended for teacher certification. Prerequisite: EDUC 4502, completion of all coursework and Lock II Assessment criteria. (Fall, Spring)

A continuation of EDUC 4628. . Students are responsible for their own transportation. Required of all education candidates in all programs. The teacher candidate must achieve minimum scores on the Praxis II: Subject Assessment Tests and the Praxis II: Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) Test before the conclusion of the semester in which EDUC 4628 and EDUC 4638 are scheduled to be recommended for teacher certification. Prerequisite: EDUC 4628. (Fall, Spring)

Concepts and applications of functions, graphing, differentiation and integration from an intuitive approach. Prerequisites: permission of instructor and math competency. Not open to students receiving credit for MATH 2504.

An algebra-based physics course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves including sound (first semester), and electricity and magnetism, optics, and "modern" physics (second semester). Prerequisite: Math competency. Lab included. Lab fee required.

An algebra-based physics course covering mechanics, thermodynamics, and waves including sound (first semester), and electricity and magnetism, optics, and "modern" physics (second semester). Prerequisite: Math competency. Lab included. Lab fee required.

A study of development from childhood to adulthood. Physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth patterns will be considered. Practical applications of theory and research will be made, as this course seeks to prepare people to work with adolescents. Offered every spring semester. Prerequisite: PSYC 2003.

A one-semester seminar class focusing on the skills associated with written scientific communication. Students learn how to interpret and critically analyze scientific research literature and how to write scientific papers. Designed for science majors but open to all students.

Although every effort has been made to make this page  accurate, the printed catalog is the officialannouncement of SWU academic requirements. Contact SWU admissions to obtain a catolog or view it  on-line.