Biology Professor helping two students with hats on in a biology lab and a skeleton model in the background

Biology Education

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Biology Education

About the Program

For those passionate about the natural reward, choose the rewarding and impactful career choice of becoming a biology teacher. By imparting knowledge to students, you can inspire a new generation of scientists, foster a deep appreciation for biodiversity, and promote environmental stewardship. Teaching biology also allows you to constantly engage with cutting-edge research and discoveries while honing your communication and problem-solving skills. Ultimately, as a biology teacher, you play a crucial role in shaping the future by equipping students with the knowledge and curiosity to explore the wonders of life and contribute to scientific advancements and a sustainable future.

Along with earning a degree to teach Biology, you have the option to add a Chemistry or Earth Science minor to broaden your career options. 

The demand for qualified biology teachers is typically steady, offering a relatively stable career path with opportunities for advancement. Check out our program offerings today!

BIOLOGY EDUCATION MAJOR COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Required Core - 18 semester hours

  • BIOL 151/L General Biology I & Lab

  • BIOL 153 General Biology II & Lab

  • BIOL 371 Genetics & Lab

  • BIOL 373 Evolution & Lab

  • BIOL 490 Seminar

 

Electives

Two courses from two different emphases must be taken. Environmental Science Students must take BIOL 311/L. Cell/Physiology students must take BIOL 343/L.

Environmental Biology Emphasis

  • BIOL 301/L Plant Systematic & Lab

  • BIOL 302 Animal Behavior

  • BIOL 311/L Principles of Ecology & Lab

  • BIOL 321 Conservation

  • BIOL 355/L Mammalogy & Lab 

  • BIOL 357/L Invertebrate Zoology & Lab

  • BIOL 405/L Entomology & Lab

  • BIOL 415/L Mycology & Lab

  • BIOL 434/L Herpetology & Lab

  • BIOL 437 Biometry

  • BIOL 461/L Agrostology& Lab

  • BIOL 462/L Dendrology & Lab

  • BIOL 463/L Ornithology & Lab

 

Cellular/Physiology Emphasis

  • BIOL 317/L Electron Microscopy & Lab

  • BIOL 325/L Physiology & Lab

  • BIOL 331/L Microbiology & Lab

  • BIOL 343/L Cell & Molecular Biology & Lab

  • BIOL 381/L Vertebrate Anatomy & Lab

  • BIOL 422 Immunology

  • BIOL 430/L Neurobiology & Lab

  • BIOL 437 Biometry

  • BIOL 460/L Plant Ecophysiology and Soils & Lab

  • BIOL 474/L Introductory Genomics & Lab

  • SCI 388 Global Positioning & Geographical Info Systems

 

Pre-Professional Teaching Core - 15 semester hours

  • EDFN 295 - Practicum: Pre-Admission Teaching

  • EDFN 338 - Foundations of American Education

  • EPSY 302 - Educational Psychology

  • EPSY 428 - Child & Adolescent Development

  • PSYC 101 - General Psychology

  • SPED 100 - Intro to Persons with Exceptionalities

Professional Secondary Ed Teaching Core - 32 semester hours

  • EDFN 365 Computer-Based Technology & Learning

  • EDFN 375 Methods of Technology Integration

  • EDFN 475 Human Relations

  • INED 411 South Dakota Indian Studies

  • MLED 480 Middle Level Methods

  • SEED 408 Plan, Manage, and Assess the Diverse K-8 Classroom

  • SEED 413 7-12 Science Methods

  • SEED 440 Classroom Management

  • SEED 450 7-12 Reading and Content Literacy

  • SEED 495 Practicum: Pre-Student Teaching

  • SEED 488 7-12 Student Teaching

Gen Ed Requirements - 30 semester hours

  • ENGL 101

  • ENGL 201

  • CMST 101
  • MATH - Gen Ed - Mathematics (1 class) - 3 semester hours

  • Gen Ed - Social Science (2 classes from different subjects) - 6 semester hours

  • Gen Ed - Arts & Humanities (2 classes from different subjects or a foreign language sequence) - 6 semester hours
  • Gen Ed - Natural Sciences & Lab (2 classes - see major)

A minor is NOT required with this major, but electives are required to total 120 hours, of which 36 hours must be 300-400 level courses.

**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**

Status Sheets 

Minor in Chemistry - Teaching - Course Requirements

23 semester hours

  • CHEM 112/L General Chemistry I & Lab

  • CHEM 114/L General Chemistry II & Lab

  • CHEM 326/L Organic Chemistry I & Lab

  • CHEM 328/L Organic Chemistry II & Lab

  • CHEM 332/L Analytical Chemistry & Lab
    OR
    CHEM 465/L Biochemistry II & Lab

  • SEED 413 7-12 Science Methods

**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**

Status Sheets 

Minor in Earth Science - Teaching - Course Requirements

22 semester hours

  • GEOL 201/L Physical Geology & Lab

  • GEOL 203 Historical Geology & Lab

  • CHEM 326/L Organic Chemistry I & Lab

  • CHEM 328/L Organic Chemistry II & Lab

  • CHEM 332/L Analytical Chemistry & Lab
    OR
    CHEM 465/L Biochemistry II & Lab

  • SEED 413 7-12 Science Methods

**Course requirements may vary by academic year. To view the requirements for your academic year, please visit Registration & Records for status sheets.**

Status Sheets 

Contact Info

Dr. Faye LaDuke Pelster
Department Chair
faye.laduke@bhsu.edu
Jonas 223 Map
Phone: 605.642.6627

College of Education
Black Hills State University
1200 University St.
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799

 

 

 

 

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