Science Education: Biology (6-12)

The Osprey Map provides a term-by-term sample schedule for each undergraduate academic program at the University of North Florida. It is designed to guide students in the selection of courses each term. The "Mile Marker" courses are those courses that should be completed before or by the end of that term. Following the sample schedule, and completing the mile marker courses at the appropriate point of your undergraduate career, will facilitate graduation in four years. The term-by-term model assumes full-time enrollment. For students enrolled part-time, the sample schedule and mile markers should be followed based on the number of credits completed. The Osprey Map should be used in consultation with an academic advisor.

The National Science Education Standards and the Florida Science Curriculum Framework and Sunshine State Standards promote the importance of an inquiry orientation in science teaching. The Biology Education program supports less "coverage" of material and increased depth of understanding, appropriate use of instructional technology, and use of strategies to promote meaningful learning by all students. The science education programs emphasize a sound background in the instructional processes that help future teachers to justify and modify what they do in the classroom. In accordance with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) recommendations, they give teachers of each content area a general science background, as well as a specialized content emphasis. Visit the Biology Tab on the Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Undergraduate Programs webpage for additional information and for a complete list of prerequisites.

Career Planning
Engaging in career planning activities is significant to student success. UNF offers customized career centers to deliver targeted programs, events, services and resources. First-Year and Exploratory students should visit the Career Services webpage and Sophomore or higher level students with a declared COEHS major should visit the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS).

Students should refer to their personalized Degree Evaluation provided by an academic advisor and to other university resources for additional university and college-specific policies. Visit the undergraduate university catalog for more information.

Summer terms may be utilized to facilitate graduation in four years.

• Visit the university catalog for a list of General Education requirements. An Associate in Arts (AA) degree from a Florida public university, state college or community college satisfies UNF general education and Gordon Rule requirements. Math selection is contingent upon appropriate placement score, the student's major and credit received through accelerated mechanisms (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment, etc). General Education course work must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
• Students are encouraged to speak with College of Education faculty directly regarding questions about the teaching profession.
• When selecting General Education OR a free elective credits it is recommended to take EDF2085 Intro to Diversity Educators, EME2040 Introduction to Technology for Educators, and PHY2053C Algebra-Based Physics I Lecture and Lab.
• Admission into the College of Education and Human Services requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or a state of Florida AA degree with a grade point average of 2.50 or better and passing scores on all four parts of the General Knowledge (GK) test prior to 90 credit hours. Program admission requires a decision by a college administrator or faculty. Find specific admission criteria for this program on your Degree Evaluation, college website, university catalog or consult your academic advisor. For more information visit the Office of Academic Support and Information Services (OASIS) webpage.
• If preparation for MAC 2311 Calculus I is needed take MAC 1147 Precalculus or College Algebra and MAC 1114 Trigonometry. Prerequisite for CHM 2045/2045L General Chemistry I with lab is completion of CHM 1025 Introduction to Chemistry or qualifying score on chemistry placement assessment. College Algebra or MAC equivalent is also an enforced prerequisite for CHM 2045/2045L.
• A minimum grade of "C" is required in all course work.
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.50 or better for each semester they are enrolled in a teacher education program.
• A level 2 background check (including fingerprints) done and verified by the school district in which the field/clinical experiences will be completed is required prior to the assignment of any student to a field/clinical experience. Students not cleared by the school district will not be permitted access to schools.
• All course work including successful completion of Field Labs I and II are prerequisites for Student Internship (Term 8). Courses with field lab requirements must be completed during fall and spring terms.
• Passing the Professional Education and Subject Area exams of the Florida Teachers Certification Exam (FTCE) is required for completion of internship and graduation.
• Civic Literacy Requirement: Prior to graduation from a Florida state university, students must demonstrate competency in civic literacy through successful completion of a civic literacy course (AMH 2010, AMH 2020, or POS 2041) and by achieving a passing score on an assessment. Consult an academic advisor, the university catalog and visit the Civic Literacy webpage for additional information.
• A minimum of 120 hours (48 hours at the upper 3000/4000 level) is required for the bachelor's degree.