Bachelor of Sciences in Biological and Physical Sciences with Secondary-level Teacher Certification
Undergraduate (Bachelors)
On Campus (In-Person)
Downtown Location
The Bachelor of Science program at the University of Houston-Downtown provides a broad-based curriculum in the liberal arts and a specific set of courses in the Natural Sciences designed to meet the career goals and interest of the student. While the department offers more narrowly focused degree programs in biology, chemistry, microbiology, and physics, this program allows the student to focus on earning teacher certification credits as part of their baccalaureate science program. The approved degree plan for this program will be determined through consultation between the students’ advisor, and the chairperson in the Department of Natural Sciences.
The degree program will provide students a high-impact educational experience through smaller classes, faculty mentoring, modern labs, hands-on experience and flexible class options. Students are encouraged to participate in an appropriate field experience or research activity as part of their curriculum.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduates who earn a BS in Biological and Physical Science will be able to:
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the discipline (Basic Knowledge).
- Demonstrate laboratory skills common to modern laboratories (Laboratory Skills).
- Effectively communicate scientific information in writing and in oral presentations (Communication Skills).
- Demonstrate the use of scientific reasoning to analyze and interpret data and implement project-based activities (Scientific Reasoning and Research).
- Work as part of a team (Teamwork).
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards for the responsible conduct of scientific research and its applications (Ethics).
DEGREE PLAN INFORMATION
The following four-year degree plan is based on the UHD 2021-2022 academic catalog. Students should meet with a UHD Academic Advisor to develop their own plan.
- Catalog Degree Description
- Four Year Degree Plan
- Transfer Information
- Integrated Requirements
- Minor Requirements
ADMISSIONS AND DECLARATION OF MAJOR
Students may be admitted to and declare a major in Biological and Physical Sciences with Secondary-level Teacher Certification if they meet the following criteria:
- Continuing students at UHD must have
- Students transferring to UHD must have
- Freshmen who meet the Freshman Admissions criteria to UHD and the following criteria will be declared upon admission
CAREERS
The teacher certification program covers all areas needed for effective high-school teaching. Secondary science teachers generally teach subjects such as biology, earth and physical sciences in public or private high schools (grades 9-12). This program will help science teachers create lab experiments, grasp the basic concepts and laws behind scientific knowledge, and effectively explain and illustrate these concepts to their students.
SUGGESTED MINORS
- Chemistry 21 Hours Minimum
- Geology 20 Hours Minimum
- Microbiology 20 Hours Minimum
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- Scholars Academy
- ESPRIT de Corps Fellowship
- Welch Foundation Scholarship
- Pre-Health Professions Scholarship
FINANCIAL AID
USEFUL LINKS
We aim to foster your academic, personal, and professional goals. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the program coordinator.
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