Biology Education 8-12

PREREQUISITES

BIOL 1200 – Introduction to Cellular Biology Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component for BIOL 1204. Corequisite: BIOL 1204.

BIOL 1204 – Introduction to Cellular Biology – 4 credit hours

Applies the scientific method of study to cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. Lectures are integrated with laboratory exercises. Successful completion satisfies the requirements for a major or minor in biology. Prerequisite: Successful completion, with a minimum grade of C, of MATH 1013 or MATH 1124 or MATH 2315 or a minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 1200. Note: Students must first complete or test out of the reading sequence before taking this course. Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 1013 – College Algebra – 3 credit hours

Familiarizes students with standard mathematics functions and other algebra content. Topics include linear, non-linear, inverse, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions; systems of linear equations, linear and quadratic inequalities. Additional topics may include but are not limited to conic sections, matrices, and determinants. Problem-solving techniques will be discussed with and without the use of technology. Prerequisite: MATH 0923 or placement. Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 1124 – Precalculus – 4 credit hours

Explores algebraic, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, and their inverses, graphs, matrices, vectors, conics, and applications. A graphic calculator is used. Note: This course is a prerequisite for MATH 2315 and MATH 2503. Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or placement. Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 2315 – Analytic Geometry & Calculus I – 5 credit hours

An introduction to analytic geometry, functions, limits, and continuity, the derivative and applications, the differential, integration and applications. Prerequisite: MATH 1124 or equivalent. Course rotation: All semesters.

MATH 2403 – Experimental Statistics – 3 credit hours

Emphasis is on modeling and inference. Basic concepts of probability are introduced and built upon in order to understand confidence intervals and hypothesis tests, including but not limited to t-tests, chi-square tests, and analysis of variance. Case studies will be used to explore design of experiments, data analysis, correlation, and regression. Spreadsheets and a statistical software package will be utilized. Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or equivalent. Course rotation: All semesters.

CHEM 1210 – General Chemistry I Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component of CHEM 1214. Corequisite: CHEM 1214.

CHEM 1214 – General Chemistry I with Lab – 4 credit hours

Deals with the structure of the atom and matter, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical bonding. A two-hour laboratory series is included that correlates with the course’s concepts. Prerequisite: MATH 1013 or a minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent. Corequisite: CHEM 1210. Course rotation: Fall.

CHEM 1220 – General Chemistry II Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component of CHEM 1224. Corequisite: CHEM 1224.

CHEM 1224 – General Chemistry II with Lab – 4 credit hours

Continuation of General Chemistry I, this course deals with kinetics, equilibria, acids and bases, solutions, pH, radiation, and biological compounds. A two-hour laboratory series is included that correlates with the course’s concepts. Prerequisite: CHEM 1214 with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: CHEM 1220. Course rotation: Spring.

PSYC 1003 – Principles of Psychology – 3 credit hours

Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. Fundamental facts, theories, concepts and principles of psychology are included. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

SCI 2101 – Introduction to Scientific Communication – 1 credit hour

Introduces science majors to the conventions of scientific communication with a special emphasis on effective science writing. Prerequisites: Successful completion, with a minimum grade of C, of BIOL 1204 and BIOL 1214. Course rotation: Varies.

CORE REQUIREMENTS:  BIOLOGY

BIOL 1210 – Introduction to Biodiversity Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component for BIOL 1214. Corequisite: BIOL 1214.

BIOL 1214 – Introduction to Biodiversity – 4 credit hours

Provides an introductory study of the ecology, evolution, and biodiversity of life. Labs focus on a survey of life from bacteria through vascular plants and vertebrates. Prerequisite: Successful completion, with a minimum grade of C, of MATH 1013 or MATH 1124 or MATH 2315 or minimum ACT mathematics subscore of 26 or equivalent. Corequisite: BIOL 1210. Course rotation: All semesters.

BIOL 2100 – Microbiology Lab – 0 credit hours

Lab component for BIOL 2104. Corequisite: BIOL 2104.

BIOL 2104 – Microbiology – 4 credit hours

Provides a fundamental and applied approach to microbiological study, emphasizing prokaryotic cell structure, physiology, metabolism, and genetics and introducing microbial diversity (virology, parasitology, and mycology) and immunology. The laboratory is a two-hour series that correlates with the lecture. Lab skills include standard microbiological techniques, scientific inquiry and analysis, and bacterial identifications. Students will develop discipline-specific scientific writing skills by using primary literature reviews and writing formal scientific research reports. Prerequisites: Two semesters of college biology and one semester of college chemistry, with minimum grades of C. Corequisite: BIOL 2100.

BIOL 2314 – Plant Diversity – 4 credit hours

Study of plant characteristics and review of plant diversity. Students learn Linnaean classification and use of dichotomous keys, comparative anatomy through dissection, and plant kingdom survey. Students will complete a taxonomic collection of specimens from a species list of representative Kentucky plants. Recommended for science majors only. Prerequisites: BIOL 1204 and BIOL 1214 with a minimum grade of C. Course rotation: Fall.

BIOL 2604 – Environmental Science – 4 credit hours

Physical processes of the environment and their interaction with human development, industrialization, and pollution are examined. Labs with special emphasis on environmental ecology, resource management, and aquatic environments from a watershed perspective. Course rotation: Varies.

BIOL 2614 – Human Anatomy – 4 credit hours

An introduction to the anatomy of the human body. Includes the study of major tissues and major body systems. It employs the use of microscopy, models and dissection in laboratory settings. Attention is paid to the needs of pre-health science majors. A two-hour lab supports the topics of the lecture portion of the course. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

BIOL 3103 – Cell Biology – 3 credit hours

An integration of biological, chemical, and physical aspects of the cell. Lectures emphasize molecular processes in the cell including organelle structure and function, membranes, cytoskeleton, respiration, trafficking, and signaling. Prerequisites: BIOL 1204 and BIOL 1214 and CHEM 1224 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended: CHEM 3322 and CHEM 3323. Course rotation: Spring.

BIOL 3204 – Genetics – 4 credit hours

A study of the major features of heredity, including patterns of transmission; the nature of hereditary information; and the structure, replication, expression, and regulation of this information. Integrated laboratory exercises focus on the patterns of transmission, the nature of RNA, DNA, and chromosomes, and the regulation of gene expression. Modern genetic techniques – such as gel electrophoresis, DNA transformation, and PCR – will be employed. Prerequisites: BIOL 1204, BIOL 1214, and CHEM 1224 with a minimum grade of C. Prerequisite/corequisite: SCI 2101. Course rotation: Fall.

BIOL 3304 – Ecology – 4 credit hours

Concentrates on fundamental principles of ecology and modern topics of ecological interest, e.g., community and biosphere ecology and biodiversity. Laboratory of a strong field component that emphasizes various data collection methods, identification of local flora and fauna, and statistical analysis. Requires independent effort and may exceed scheduled time. Prerequisites: BIOL 1204, BIOL 1214, and SCI 2101 with a minimum grade of C and junior standing or instructor’s permission. Course rotation: Varies.

BIOL 4912 – Seminar I – 2 credit hours

The introductory portion of the senior capstone sequence. A comparative critique of existing peer-reviewed research prepares the student for a study of current literature in a selected biology topic of the student’s interest. Students will prepare and practice two short oral presentations on the initial stages of their research project. Students will submit a novel biology research proposal in draft form at the end of the course integrating multiple peer-reviewed references into a cohesive proposal. Prerequisite or Corequisite: BIOL 3204, MATH 2403, and junior standing in the biology program. Course rotation: All semesters.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS: CHEMISTRY

CHEM 3312 – Organic Chemistry I Laboratory – 2 credit hours

Presents a four-hour laboratory series that correlates with concepts in Organic Chemistry I Lecture. Common organic laboratory techniques like distillations and recrystalizations as well as safe means of performing and analyzing simple organic reactions are covered. Formal lab reporting methods are developed. Must be taken concurrently with the associated lecture CHEM 3313. Prerequisite: CHEM 1224 with a minimum grade of C. Course rotation: Fall.

CHEM 3313 – Organic Chemistry I Lecture – 3 credit hours

Lecture presents the chemistry of carbon compounds: alkenes, alkynes, alkyl, halides, alcohols, ethers, and esters. Also includes nomenclature, preparations, reactions, reaction mechanisms, and stereochemistry. Must be taken concurrently with the associated lab CHEM 3312. Prerequisite: CHEM 1224 with a minimum grade of C. Course rotation: Fall.

PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION:  EDUCATION

EDUC 2123 – The Teaching Profession – 3 credit hours

Provides an overview of formalized schooling: influence of cultural background and socioeconomic status on child development and learning; teacher ethics; legal issues; student diversity; and curriculum. Includes a study of the historical movements of Western thought that have shaped contemporary educational theory and practice in the United States. Students will use technology to analyze the underlying philosophical themes revealed in the current structure and content of primary, middle level, and secondary education. Includes field hours. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 2713 – Introduction to Educational Technology – 3 credit hours

Introduces the theory and practice of instructional technology from historical and pragmatic perspectives. Studies the context and rationale for technology infusion in education, the definition of instructional technology, and its development in practice, the history of the field and current trends and issues. Students develop competencies in educational technology appraisal, technologically mediated communication and research, and the selection, development and application of multimedia to instruction. Prerequisite or Corequisite: EDUC 2123. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3123 – Principles of Lifelong Learning – 3 credit hours

A study of psychology’s role in the understanding of human growth and development and its effect on learning. Students will become conversant with prevalent learning theories, experimental findings, and other data applicable to teaching and learning in the education profession. Students will integrate and apply the course knowledge base through case studies and application in P-12 educational settings. Includes field hours. Prerequisite: PSYC 1003 and admission to the teacher education program. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3143 – The Exceptional Learner – 3 credit hours

A study of the social, psychological, and physiological aspects of diverse student needs in the classroom that include learning disabilities, the gifted, and the visually, aurally, physically, emotionally, and neurologically challenged. A major focus of the course is differentiation of instruction and accommodating the needs of learners.  In the field hours, education candidates will work collaboratively with the classroom teacher and utilize technology in assisting student learning. Corequisite: PSYC 1003. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program and EDUC 3403 or EDUC 3413. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3403 – Fundamentals of Secondary Education – 3 credit hours

Introduces the historical role and contemporary practices of P-12 education in U.S. society. Topics include: theories underlying educational curriculum and instruction, generic teaching methods, issues in student diversity, instructional technology, principles/ problems/materials/media, and techniques involved in instructional activities. Students use technology to develop competencies in standards-based lesson/unit planning and lesson presentation. Includes field hours. Prerequisite: EDUC 2123. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 3523 – Reading & Writing in the Content Areas 5-9, 8-12 & P-12 – 3 credit hours

Establishes methods and techniques for incorporating literacy instruction, including digital media technology, in the content teaching of middle and high school teachers. Includes an overview of the reading and writing processes and discusses the application of literacy principles to the content areas. Literacy needs of diverse learners in closing the achievement gap is also addressed in order to prepare students for literacy requirements outlined in the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) and Career Readiness Standards. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3403, and junior standing. Course rotation: Fall.

EDUC 4103 – Measurement & Assessment in Education – 3 credit hours

A pragmatic approach to the study of educational tests and measurement that explains essential psychometric concepts and their application in the classroom. Includes a thorough discussion of performance and portfolio assessments as well as how to assess special needs students. Uses technology, construction, selection, administration, interpretation, and utilization of evaluation techniques and instruments, including statistical interpretations. Includes field hours. Prerequisite: Admission to the teacher education program. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4433 – Curriculum & Methodology in Secondary Schools – 3 credit hours

An in-depth study of discipline-specific principles of secondary curriculum and instruction. Topics include theory and standards organizing disciplinary scope and sequence, preparation of activities, lessons and unit plans, micro-teaching, and the study and application of integrative principles and techniques. Students develop competencies in disciplinary curriculum design technology integration and expand repertoire of assessment and instructional strategies appropriate to their content area. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, EDUC 3403, EDUC 3523, and second semester junior standing. Course rotation: Spring.

EDUC 4463 – Classroom Management 5-9 & 8-12 – 3 credit hours

Acquaints the student with classroom organization, discipline strategies, and classroom management techniques using technology designed as a culminating experience prior to student teaching that prepares students for effective classroom management in rural/small-school settings. Includes field hours. Prerequisites: Admission to the teacher education program, and EDUC 3403 or EDUC 3413, and last semester before student teaching. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4600 – Supervised Student Teaching – 12 credit hours

The student-teacher is expected to observe systematically expert teaching and to engage, under supervision, in the conduct of class sessions. The student-teacher also is expected to acquire skills in, and familiarity with, the co-curricular activities of a teacher and technology integration. Personal and group conferences and systematic supervision by faculty members are part of this requirement. Open only to students who have been approved for this part of the program. ($155 student teaching fee)  Corequisite: EDUC 4603. Course rotation: Fall and spring.

EDUC 4603 – Practicum – 3 credit hours

Taken during the student teaching semester using technology to study curriculum, methods, media, computer software materials, and instructional procedures in the content areas in secondary education with an emphasis on field experience. Corequisite: EDUC 4600. Course rotation: Fall and spring.