Biology - Major in Biology Program

Students seeking secondary education certification in mathematics must complete: a major in mathematics including the following:
MAS 323 Introduction to Modern Algebra and Geometry

This course is an introduction to group theory and to Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry. Topics are unified through the central concept of a group of transformations acting on a geometric space. Geometry is used to motivate, develop, and illustrate the algebraic theory. Algebra is used as the main tool for the development of geometry. Prerequisites: MAS 202. 3 credits.

CSC 120 Introduction to Programming with Python

This course introduces the fundamentals of computer programming using the Python programming language. Topics include: variables, types, and assignment; iteration and conditional execution; functions, modules, and structured design; complex types and data structures. Students will also learn to use AI tools to assist with programming tasks. 3 credits.

One course from:
MAS 270 Statistics and Data Analysis

This course introduces the fundamentals of statistical data analysis. Topics include basic probability; common statistical models; significance testing; regression modeling and working with high dimensional datasets. Fulfills requirement: Quantitative Reasoning. Prerequisite: MAS 111 or MAS 161. 3 credits.

MAS 372 Statistical Modeling

Study of various modeling techniques including regression, decision trees, unsupervised learning, and time series methods with implementation in the computer language R. The course also provides an introduction to generalized linear models and generalized additive models. MAS 372 covers the material on SOA exam SRM - Statistics for Risk Modeling. Prerequisite: MAS 270 or ASC 281. 3 credits.

Required education courses:
PSY 220 Lifespan Development

This course provides an overview of developmental phenomenon focusing heavily on the prenatal environment through adolescence and highlighting adulthood and aging. Further, we will go beyond a 'milestone approach' to developmental psychology - in other words, rather than just memorizing what ages and stages children acquire certain skills, we will strive to understand why and how those skills are developing. Students will learn to articulate the relationship between theory and data and synthesize information to critically evaluate current developmental theories and apply developmental concepts to real-world issues. This course cannot be completed by students who have already taken PSY 238. 3 credits.

SED 115 Introduction to Teaching and Learning

This course is designed to provide an introduction to secondary education majors about how people learn and how to successfully use that information in the classroom. It will cover the characteristics of secondary schools and students and the management of teaching and learning resources. 2 hours a week of fieldwork is required. 3 credits.

SED 366 Teaching of Mathematics in the Secondary Schools

This course will offer comprehensive preparation for teaching mathematics in secondary schools through discussing, reading, writing, and completing projects. Students enrolled in this course will explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of instruction for a variety of populations; synthesize, reconfigure and connect what they have learned within the areas of mathematical literacy, writing, and education; evaluate student work by creating their own rubrics to assess learning in units and assignments for all students including those with disabilities; use technology effectively as an instructional tool; establish and practice appropriate classroom management strategies for all students including those with disabilities; design lessons/units of study that meaningfully integrate different and varied aspects of mathematics; explore and utilize materials, techniques and methods of classroom instruction for a variety of populations. 4 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: Mathematics major or permission. 3 credits.

SED 421 Content Area Literacy

This course will guide preservice students to develop competencies in teaching literacy strategies in their content area subject(s) in middle and high school. Emphasis will be placed on teaching activities, specialized skills, technology skills and study strategies for learning substantive content. 6 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisite: SED 115. 3 credits.

SED 431 Practicum and Methods II

This course is designed to provide preservice secondary education students with the skills to develop an integrated approach to teaching and learning. Students will create lesson and unit plans and develop integrated curricula. 8 hours a week of fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: SED 115, 421; secondary teacher certification candidate; junior or senior status; permission of the instructor; must be taken the semester prior to SED 440. 3 credits.

SED 440 Student Teaching

Students spend an entire semester in an area school under the supervision of a cooperating teacher. Fulfills requirement: Immersive Experience. Prerequisites: A cumulative grade point average at or above the minimum GPA specified by PDE for the secondary 7-12 certificate, SED 431 and the appropriate teaching of course for the content certification, completion of all Chapter 354 and Act 49-2 course requirements. 12 credits.