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Biology
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree
 
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A Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Biology provides certification to teach any biology course in grades 9-12. A unified science endorsement, earned by taking additional science courses, provides certification to teach any introductory science course in addition to any biology course. All teacher education programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The curriculum offers the student the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in chemistry, physics and earth science.
About the Faculty
Biology and Earth Science classes are taught by experienced faculty members who believe in individualized attention for students. Classroom learning is reinforced in most courses through practical laboratory experiences that include application of computer, multimedia technology and biotechnology. Recently, a new molecular biology research and teaching facility was constructed. Four new faculty members use molecular techniques in their courses and have developed new courses in biotechnology.
In addition to a wide range of academic and professional experiences, all tenure track members of the department's faculty have doctorates in their fields of expertise. Active research programs, many involving undergraduate students, and workshop and seminar participation keep faculty members abreast of developments in their fields.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program will find potential employers very eager to recruit and retain them as teachers. In addition, museums, zoos and nature centers also hire educators, who have strong background in biology to design exhibitions, lead nature hikes in wild areas and plan educational programs.
Students who successfully complete UCM's science programs have a wide variety of opportunities available to them. They can develop a program of study preparing them for careers in systematics, ecology, conservation, physiology, cell biology, genetics and geology. With the appropriate preparation, students may become biology or earth science teachers, conservation agents or medical technologists. In addition, they may become qualified for admittance to graduate programs in biology and geology, and the professional schools of medical, veterinary, dental and physical therapy occupations.
Student Involvement
Students may participate in a wide variety of field-based research projects, including research on using GIS and remote sensing to create habitat suitability models for Missouri's threatened and endangered flora and fauna; bat habitat surveys in Missouri; endangered species surveys in Missouri; floral surveys of selected areas in Missouri. In addition, students may participate in organismal, molecular and cellular laboratory-based research projects involving both plants and animals.
Student organizations include Para-Medico for students interested in careers in allied health areas; the Pre-Vet Club for those pursuing careers in animal care; Beta Beta Beta, the department's Biology honor society; National Science Teachers Association Student Chapter; for students interested in science education techniques; the Wildlife Society, for students interested in ecological concerns and wildlife conservation; American Fisheries Society, for students interested in aquatic sciences; and Geology Club, to provide a greater understanding of the science of geology.
Pertle Springs
In addition to the extensive laboratory facilities in the W.C. Morris Science Building, UCM owns Pertle Springs, a 300-acre park a mile from the main campus. A unique natural laboratory for research and field experiences, Pertle Springs also serves as a campus recreation area. UCM also maintains a small astronomical observatory at Pertle Springs featuring a computer-controlled telescope with imaging capabilities and specialized auxiliary equipment. Each year The Wildlife Society sponsors BioBlitz, an annual gathering at Pertle Springs that focuses on surveying natural areas, birds, fish, fungi, mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
To Learn More
Department of Biology and Earth
Science
660-543-4933
Admissions
660-543-4290
