Course Title: Integrated Life Science for Teachers
Campus Course Code: SCI 5425
Campus: UT Dallas
Program: MAT-SE
Investigation of life science standards using pedagogical models of best practice applicable to a variety of learners in diverse contexts. Inquiry-based investigations feature ecology, gymnosperms, angiosperm, plant and animal cells, digestion, respiration, circulation, skeletal system, nervous system, excretory system, reproduction, genetics, and differentiation of organisms – with a hands-on emphasis on the latest scientific research and educational application.
No matter what your primary science degree is in, Integrated Life Science for Teachers gives you a look at the content from the perspective of an educator dealing with diverse populations. Life science focuses living systems and associated abiotic and biotic elements; however, in this class we will be adding earth and life sciences to the integration. Other topics included in the class milieu are reading, and mathematics. Focus is also placed on understanding how the classroom learning environment (including personal relevance, uncertainty of science, critical voice, student negotiation, and shared control) makes a difference in students’ motivation to learn the content.
SCI 5425–L is a required core course for the Master of Arts in Teaching – Science Education (MAT-SE) Online degree program offered by the Science/Mathematics Education Department (SciMathEd) at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas).
Offered completely online, this course has the same learning objectives as the on-campus section. Meeting or exceeding the UT TeleCampus ‘Principles of Good Practice’, a student-centered approach promotes high expectations for coursework and academic performance. Established on a solid foundation of scientific research and academic excellence, this course specifically supports the MAT-SE Online program goal to promote comprehensive scientific knowledge and understanding.
Objectives
The goal of this course is for students to use knowledge of content and pedagogy to help learners gain proficiency in life science. Toward that end, students will be able to demonstrate:
- content knowledge by using models and making connections to other subjects;
- pedagogical expertise by designing multi-modal lessons; and,
- techniques for enhancing learning environments through reflective practice.
Students will produce a scientific journal, an electronic archive of a personally-moderated discussion forum per content topic; and a collaborative analysis of a teaching strategy presented as an inquiry-based scenario.
Materials
Visit the Bookstores page for links to campus bookstores that provide information on course materials.
Prerequisites: Graduate in good standing; successful completion of a minimum of 24 undergraduate hours in the natural sciences; ability to manipulate simple laboratory equipment and conduct independent experiments
Credits:4.0
Level:Graduate
Faculty
Cynthia Ledbetter
ledbeter@utdallas.edu
972-883-2496
Rebekah Nix
rnix@utdallas.edu
972-883-2488