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:
- a BS with Teaching degree and
- 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
- 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, TUteach Faculty Advisor
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 644
215-204-4074
george.mehler@temple.edu
Kenneth Ruff, TUteach Faculty Advisor
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 656
215-204-3628
kruff@temple.edu
Erik Cordes, Biology Department Chair
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 447
215-204-4067
erik.cordes@temple.edu
Angela Bricker, Biology Department Vice Chair and Faculty Advisor for junior and senior students
Biology-Life Sciences Building, Room 333
215-204-8578
abricker@temple.edu
Jay Lunden, Biology Department Faculty Advisor for first and second year students, transfer students
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 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Summary of Requirements for the Degree
- 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:
Course List Code Title Credit Hours BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics 3 BIOL 3396 Scientific Writing for Biology: The Art of Communicating 3 BIOL 4396 Advanced Study in Biology 3 BIOL 4596 Introduction to Scientific and Regulatory Writing 3 BIOL 4597 Communicating Science to a Broader Audience / Non-Scientists 3 MGSE 3796 Differentiated 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (96-100 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.Course List Code Title Credit Hours Biology BIOL 1111 Introduction to Organismal Biology 4 or BIOL 1911 Honors Introduction to Organismal Biology Select one of the following: 4 Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes or BIOL 1912Honors Introduction to Biomolecules, Cells and Genomes Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology or BIOL 2912Honors Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology BIOL 2207 Genetics 3 BIOL 2297 Research Techniques in Genetics (WI) 2 3 Select one of the following: 3 Principles of Ecology Evolution (F) BIOL 3091 Research Methods (S) 3 Select one of the following: 3-4 Cell Structure and Function (F) Molecular Biology General Biochemistry I Three upper level Biology electives at the 2200 level or above 3 9-12 Chemistry Select one of the following: 4 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory IHonors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)Select one of the following: 4 General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory IIHonors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)Select one of the following: 4 Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory IOrganic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)Select one of the following: 4 Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory IIOrganic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)Mathematics MATH 1041 Calculus I 4 or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I Select one of the following: 4 Calculus II or MATH 1942Honors 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 or PHYS 1961Honors Elementary Classical Physics I General Physics I (F) or PHYS 2921Honors General Physics I Select one of the following: 4 Introduction to General Physics II Elementary Classical Physics II or PHYS 1962Honors Elementary Classical Physics II General Physics II (S) or PHYS 2922Honors General Physics II College of Science and Technology 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 SCTC 2021 Quantitative Modeling and Problem Solving in STEM 1 SCTC 3001 History of Science 3 SCTC 3312 Coding STEM Lessons 4 1 Education EDUC 2179 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3 EDUC 4388 TUteach Apprentice Teaching 4 EDUC 4802 TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar 3 MGSE 2189 Classroom Interactions (F) 3 or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) (WI) 3 MGSE 4189 Project-Based Instruction (S) 3 or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 3 Total Credit Hours 96-100 Course List Code Title Credit Hours (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 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| BIOL 1111 or BIOL 1911 | 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 Hours | 17 | |
| 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 or MATH 1941 | 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 Hours | 16 | |
| 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 or IH 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| 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) | ||
| SCTC 2021 | Quantitative Modeling and Problem Solving in STEM | 1 |
| Elective | 2-0 | |
| Credit Hours | 17-15 | |
| 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 (F) or Honors General Physics I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Classroom Interactions (F) | ||
| Science and Mathematics in the Classroom | ||
| SCTC 3001 | History of Science | 3 |
| IH 0852 or IH 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 3091 | Research Methods (S) | 3 |
| Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 | 3-4 | |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Introduction to General Physics II | ||
| Elementary Classical Physics II or Honors Elementary Classical Physics II | ||
| General Physics II (S) or Honors General Physics II | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Project-Based Instruction (S) | ||
| Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments | ||
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Upper-Level 2200+ Biology Elective 1 | 3 | |
| SCTC 3312 | Coding STEM Lessons 2 | 1 |
| MGSE 3796 | Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) [WI] | 3 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3-4 | |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 4388 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching | 4 |
| EDUC 4802 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| Elective | 3-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 10-9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| (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.