2019-20 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-20 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Adolescence Education: Biology (7-12) [ABI]


This major in the Biological Sciences Department  leads to New York state certification to teach biology in grades 7-12.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Understand the major concepts of biological sciences (see B.S. Biology) and supporting disciplines as recommended by the National Science Teachers Association, and the supporting role of science-specific technology.
  2. Understand state and national curriculum standards and their impact on the content knowledge necessary for teaching.
  3. Plan multiple lessons that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how all students learn science, including active inquiry lessons based on data collection and interpretation and applicable use of instruments and/or technology
  4. Design instruction and assessment strategies that address and evaluate student preconceptions, ideas and understandings they have formulated.            
  5. Plan fair and equitable assessment strategies to analyze student learning and evaluate if the learning goals are met.
  6. Design a learning environment and plan activities that demonstrate proper laboratory safety and emergency procedures that comply with established state and/or national guidelines.
  7. Plan activities that emphasize safe, humane and ethical treatment in compliance with the legal restrictions on use of living organisms.
  8. Collect, analyze and reflect on evidence of a change in mental functioning of students, demonstrating that scientific knowledge is learned.
  9. Provide data to show that students are able to distinguish science from non-science, and critically analyze assertions made in the name of science.
  10. Engage in professional development opportunities such as talks, conferences, symposiums, research opportunities or projects within their community.

Career Potential

  • Biology teacher (grades 7-12)

Biological Sciences Department Course Retake Policy

A student is only permitted to retake a BIO course once per college policy. Any exceptions require permission of the instructor and the department chair and would only be granted on the last day of preregistration. The department considers enrollment in a course past the drop/add period as a retake, even if the student withdraws from the course before receiving a grade.

A. Biology Courses: 30 credit hours


In addition to the required biology courses below, select an additional seven credit hours of biology elective courses. These elective courses are defined as biology courses above the BIO 210 level that are open to biology majors.

D. Additional Requirements for the B.S.: 30 credit hours


  • Composition and General Education Courses: 24 credit hours
  • Foreign Language Courses: 6 credit hours
    Foreign Language through the 102 level is required for certification. A student may begin the sequence at the 101 level, however if a score of 85 or better is received on the New York State Regents exam, only the 102 level is required.

E. Admission to the Major


Admission to the major requires completion of at least 45 credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 overall; a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in each of the areas A and B, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in area C above. Students enrolled in an adolescence education science program will not be allowed to progress through courses in the pedagogical sequence if they have not met all the criteria for admission to teacher education by the time they have completed AED 391: Introduction to Adolescence Education. The pedagogical sequence is designated by AED 391, AED 442, AED 443, AED 444 and AED 445.

F. Eligibility for Student Teaching


To be eligible for AED 445: Student Teaching, a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 is required. Additionally, a minimum grade point average of 2.5 is required in each of the areas A and B, and a minimum grade point average of a 3.0 is required in area C. A minimum of 24 credit hours in biology courses and 22 credit hours in related science and math courses are needed. BIO 201, 202, 210, 312; CHE 221, 222; GLY 261; PHY 105 or 201; PSY 101, 232; and AED 391, 442, 443, 444 must be completed before the student teaching experience.

G. Other Requirements


Specific information regarding requirements such as state examinations for New York state teaching certification can be found under Degree Requirements .

Required Workshops


Complete the following workshops prior to student teaching:

  • Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (CARR)
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
  • Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE)

Total Credit Hours Required for Graduation: 126


Example of Adolescence Education: Biology (7-12) [ABI] over four years


Total credit hours for semester: 16-17


Total credit hours for semester: 15-16


Second Year Fall


Total credit hours for semester: 17


Second Year Spring


Total credit hours for semester: 17


Total credit hours for semester: 17


Total credit hours for semester: 15


Total credit hours for semester: 16


Total credit hours for semester: 12