Secondary Biology Education (Grades 7-12)

The mission of the secondary Biology education program is to prepare professionals who understand that pedagogical choices grow from a deep understanding of the discipline of biology in relation to a consideration of the unique needs of learners being taught. That consideration honors the diverse nature of students in the classroom and grows from an understanding of the community being served.

Starting with this pedagogical content knowledge, candidates construct standards based plans that are grounded in a study of best practice as defined by research, models of excellence in the field, and creative contemplation. Such construction forms the foundation of a practice pushed forward by reflection, thoughtful revision, and dialogue with other professionals. Candidates understand that this practice grows throughout one's career.

 

Professional Education Courses Required for Certification

Recommended for Freshman Year, Spring
  • EDUC 100.2 Intro. to the Education of English Language Learners
  • EDUC 160 Culture, Community & Diversity: Intro. to Critical Pedagogy (40 hour Stage 1&2 Field Experience/ fulfills M3)
Recommended for Sophomore Year
  • EDUC 230 Student Development & Instructional Design (40 hr Stage 1&2 Field Exp)
  • EDUC 244 Including Students with Disabilities (Spring or during Junior year)
  • EDUC 140.2 Computer Technology in the Classroom
Recommended for Junior Year
  • EDUC 340 Reflective Teaching (offered Fall only; 40 hour Stage 3 Field Experience)
Recommended for Senior Year
  • EDUC 364 Curriculum and Instruction in the Sciences (offered Fall only; 110 hour Stage 3 Field Experience)
  • EDUC 375-7 Student Teaching
  • EDUC 378 Seminar in Secondary Student Teaching

 

The Biology major

The Biology major at Moravian University requires 15 courses: 10 in Biology

  • BIOL111 (Foundations of Biology)
  • BIOL210 (Genetics)
  • BIOL265 (Cell Physiology) or BIOL 328 (Biochemistry II)
  • one course from the following group:
    • BIOL112 (General Zoology)
    • BIOL119 (Introductory Botany)
    • BIOL330 (Marine Ecology)
    • BIOL335 (Evolution)
    • BIOL360 (Ecology)
  • BIOL370 (Biology Seminar)
  • and five BIOL electives, selected in consultation with the student's advisor

Plus:

  • CHEM113–114 (General Chemistry)
  • CHEM211–212 (Organic Chemistry)
  • MATH107 (Elementary Statistics) or MATH170 (Analytic Geometry and Calculus I) or MATH106–166 (Analytic Geometry and Calculus with Review)

In addition, we recommend that students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in biology or the medical sciences take PHYS109–110 (Introductory Physics for the Life Sciences) or PHYS111–112 (Introductory Physics). Students should also consider courses in economics, statistics, and computer science.

Content Area Tests - required prior to certification

5236  Biology: Content Knowledge

Test scores should be reported to Moravian University (RA2418) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

Program Coordinators

Dr. Cecilia Fox
Biology Department Chair
foxc@moravian.edu 

Dr. Edward Nolan 
Director of Middle and Secondary Education
nolane@moravian.edu