Overview

Biology spans a continuum of organization from molecules and cells to individuals and ecosystems. The Department of Biology offers programs designed to give students a broad base, while allowing a measure of sub-field specialization. All Biology majors are required to take a two-semester series of "Introduction to Biology" classes, plus a course in Genetics. In addition, students have the choice of Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology, and Ecology or Evolution as part of their core program requirements, followed by upper-level electives.

The Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teaching is part of Temple's innovative "TUteach" secondary education teacher-training program. The BS in Biology with Teaching provides broad training in Biology and prepares students for a career in secondary school teaching, further graduate study or an entry level position as a biologist. The education courses in this major include supervised teaching in school district classrooms and emphasize inquiry-based approaches to learning. Students in the BS in Biology with Teaching degree program become eligible for a Pennsylvania teacher certification when they complete all the requirements for the degree that include theoretical and practical courses in education specifically designed for science and mathematics majors. In order to be recommended for Pennsylvania teacher certification, students must graduate with:

  1. a BS with Teaching degree and
  2. meet GPA and testing requirements of the state of Pennsylvania.

Students will be scheduled once each semester to meet with the TUteach advisor to ensure that students have knowledge of academic programming, internships opportunities and testing options that include test preparation. The state of Pennsylvania has specific candidacy requirements. The TUteach advisor will also help the students complete and submit the candidacy documents. All students joining the program in their freshman year must complete the PAPA examination or acquire the PAPA waiver within their first 72 credits. Transfer students, from within Temple and those from other institutions, will build a tailored program with the academic and testing benchmarks structured for efficient degree completion with the TUteach advisor. Students are encouraged to complete the appropriate PRAXIS II examination prior to student teaching. Students are encouraged to take internship courses to expand their teaching portfolio or select elective courses that will extend their knowledge of science and teaching practice.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: ST-BITC-BS

Distinction in Major

To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must satisfy the following criteria:

  • achieve a minimum 3.5 major GPA;
  • achieve a minimum 3.2 GPA in all Biology courses;
  • achieve a minimum 3.9 GPA in the following courses:
  • write a final research paper either in a topic combining both major content and pedagogy or a topic focused on research in Biology; and
  • present at a departmental research poster session.

Undergraduate Contact Information

Susan Varnum, Program Director and Professor of Chemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Science Education​
College of Science and Technology​
Gladfelter Hall, Room 629
215-204-6390 or 215-204-4073
susan.varnum@temple.edu

George Mehler, Master Teacher/Faculty Advisor (Science Education) and Assistant Professor of Practice
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 644
215-204-4074
george.mehler@temple.edu

Kenneth Ruff, TUteach Faculty Advisor, Academic Programs Director, and Assistant Professor of Practice
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 656
215-204-3628
kruff@temple.edu

Robert Sanders, Chair
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 255
215-204-8851

Erik Cordes, Vice Chair
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 447
215-204-4067
erik.cordes@temple.edu

Angela Bricker, Faculty Advisor for Biology Majors - junior and senior
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 248C
215-204-8578
abricker@temple.edu

Jay Lunden, Faculty Advisor for Biology Majors - first and second year
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 248M
215-204-8524
jlunden@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teaching.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2024-2025. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2024 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (124 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      BIOL 2297Research Techniques in Genetics3
      BIOL 3396Scientific Writing for Biology: The Art of Communicating3
      BIOL 4396Advanced Study in Biology3
      BIOL 4596Introduction to Scientific and Regulatory Writing3
      MGSE 3796Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12)3
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students who complete TUteach majors receive a waiver for 1 Human Behavior (GB), 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. College Requirements
    • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG). 
      • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar for every entering first-year CST student.
      • SCTC 2001 CST Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer CST student.
  3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (95-99 s.h.)1
    At least 9 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 5 Biology courses and 3 Education courses must be completed at Temple. Though not required, students are strongly encouraged to increase training and field work experience by enrolling in SCTC 1385, SCTC 2385, or SCTC 2389. Students will also benefit from directed laboratory projects offered through SCTC 3185. These courses are offered every semester.
    Biology
    BIOL 1111Introduction to Organismal Biology4
    or BIOL 1911 Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
    Select one of the following:4
    Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
    Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
    Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
    Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
    BIOL 2207Genetics3
    BIOL 2297Research Techniques in Genetics (WI) 23
    Select one of the following:3
    Principles of Ecology
    Evolution (F)
    BIOL 3091Research Methods (S)3
    Select one of the following:3-4
    Molecular Biology
    Cell Structure and Function (F)
    General Biochemistry I
    Three upper level Biology electives at the 2200 level or above 39-12
    Chemistry
    Select one of the following:4
    General Chemistry I
    and General Chemistry Laboratory I
    Honors General Chemical Science I
    and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
    Select one of the following:4
    General Chemistry II
    and General Chemistry Laboratory II
    Honors General Chemical Science II
    and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
    Select one of the following:4
    Organic Chemistry I
    and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
    Organic Chemistry for Honors I
    and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
    Select one of the following:4
    Organic Chemistry II
    and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
    Organic Chemistry for Honors II
    and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
    Mathematics
    MATH 1041Calculus I4
    or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I
    Select one of the following:4
    Calculus II
    Honors Calculus II
    Introduction to Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences
    Physics
    Select one of the following:4
    Introduction to General Physics I
    Elementary Classical Physics I
    Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
    General Physics I
    Honors General Physics I
    Select one of the following:4
    Introduction to General Physics II
    Elementary Classical Physics II
    Honors Elementary Classical Physics II
    General Physics II
    Honors General Physics II
    College of Science and Technology
    SCTC 1013Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences3
    SCTC 1389Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners2
    SCTC 3001History of Science3
    SCTC 3312Coding STEM Lessons 41
    Education
    EDUC 2179Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science3
    EDUC 4388TUteach Apprentice Teaching4
    EDUC 4802TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar3
    MGSE 3796Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12)3
    MGSE 2189Classroom Interactions (S)3
    or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom
    MGSE 4189Project-Based Instruction (F)3
    or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments
    SPED 2231Introduction to Special Education3
    Total Credit Hours95-99
    (F) - Fall only course
    (S) - Spring only course
    1

    The certification requirements need to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and are subject to change. All students are strongly recommended to check with the TUteach Advisor in the College of Science and Technology to affirm the requirements that pertain to their specific major. In addition, students should check the Undergraduate Bulletin web site for the most current information about these programs or the TUteach web site. It is also recommended that all students meet with an advisor before enrolling in classes specific to these majors and leading to certification as a teacher. This is to assure that a candidate's intended program of study will be compatible with the new requirements.

    2

    This course has a co-requisite of BIOL 2207.

    3

    See course descriptions for exceptions.

    4

    All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.

Note: Grades of C- or higher are required unless otherwise specified in all courses for the major, including course prerequisites. The College of Science and Technology requires that students have a GPA of at least 2.00 overall and at least 2.00 in the courses applicable to their major and/or minor GPA to graduate.

Suggested Academic Plan

Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teaching

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2024-2025 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
BIOL 1111
Introduction to Organismal Biology
or Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology
4
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
 
SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar 1
SCTC 1013 Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences 3
SCTC 1389 Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
 Credit Hours17
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
or Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes
 
Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
or Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
 
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
 
MATH 1041
Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
4
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW]
or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW]
4
 Credit Hours16
Year 2
Fall
Select one of the following: 3
Principles of Ecology  
Evolution (F)  
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
 
EDUC 2179 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3
SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 3
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY]
3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
Calculus II
or Honors Calculus II
 
Introduction to Probability and Statistics for the Life Sciences  
BIOL 2207 Genetics 3
BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics [WI] 3
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
 
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
 
MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) [WI] 3
 Credit Hours17
Year 3
Fall
Select one of the following: 3-4
Cell Structure and Function (F)  
Molecular Biology  
General Biochemistry I  
Select one of the following: 4
Introduction to General Physics I  
Elementary Classical Physics I
or Honors Elementary Classical Physics I
 
General Physics I
or Honors General Physics I
 
SCTC 3001 History of Science 3
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ]
3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 1-0
 Credit Hours17
Spring
BIOL 3091 Research Methods (S) 3
Select one of the following: 4
Introduction to General Physics II  
Elementary Classical Physics II
or Honors Elementary Classical Physics II
 
General Physics II
or Honors General Physics II
 
Select one of the following: 3
Classroom Interactions (S)  
Science and Mathematics in the Classroom  
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Year 4
Fall
Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 3
Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 3-4
SCTC 3312 Coding STEM Lessons 2 1
Select one of the following: 3
Project-Based Instruction (F)  
Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments  
GenEd Breadth Course 3-4
Elective 2-0
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 3
EDUC 4388 TUteach Apprentice Teaching 4
EDUC 4802 TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar 3
Elective 1
 Credit Hours11
 Total Credit Hours124
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

See course descriptions for exceptions. If the student has taken the necessary prerequisite courses, some of the Biology elective courses may be taken before the Fall semester of Year 4.

2

All students are required to take a minimum of one credit.