Continuing education in science teaching: Biology

Full-time/Part-time

Part time 50 %

Teaching semester

Autumn

Place of Instruction

Bergen

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is to provide a professional background for teaching about biodiversity, molecular biology and evolution. Furthermore, the course should provide insight into didactic research on science education in general, and on the course topics in particular.

Within the theme biodiversity, the main focus will be on land living plants, and marine life. In addition to lectures on the subject, the course will focus on exploratory fieldwork, classroom activities and on the connection to the curriculum. The basic mechanisms of evolution will be considered, and evolutionary misconceptions will be discussed.

The theme `Microbiology¿ incorporates cellular- and molecular processes in the cell. Knowledge about biotechnology will be linked to relevant social issues.

The professional knowledge is seen in relation to teaching and interdisciplinary subjects in school.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

The student is able to

• describe the principles of sustainable development and give examples of how the subject can be taught in school, both in science and in interdisciplinary subjects
• explain the mechanisms that underlie the theory of evolution
• explain central cellular and molecular processes
• show the link between different subjects in biology

Skills

The Student is able to

• facilitate discussions linked to ethical issues in biotechnology
• carry out and evaluate teaching in biological subjects
• carry out fieldwork and use it to support learning in the classroom
• use relevant digital learning tools for the identification and registration of species

General competence

The student is able to

• plan and carry out teaching in the relevant school type, on the topics included in the course
• apply natural science didactic research, learning theory, curriculum and subject knowledge in the construction of science education
• use varied methods for normative and formative evaluation
• use subject-specific digital aids in facilitation and teaching
• participate in the development of science education at their own school
• Guidance in critical thinking and argumentation in the work on science subjects
• Use relevant resources for professional and didactic updating

Required Previous Knowledge

Approved teacher education. It is also a prerequisite that the participant has access to a school class for trials of science education.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Teaching experience from primary and/or secondary school. Knowledge of the natural sciences as taught at levels 8-11.

Access to the Course

The course is open both to students who have been admitted through "Competence for quality", and for applicants who fill the requirements and apply for direct admission through "UiB Videre".

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching is organized with three seminars, assignments, and professional discussions at Mitt UiB. The assignments will be related to themes from the seminars, to practice and to the literature. The assignments are solved in groups. One of the assignments is peer-reviewed. The discussions have didactic themes related to the content of the seminars. Answers to these can be group or individual. The exam is based on the syllabus, material presented at the seminars, assignments and participation in the discussions.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

80% attendance at the seminars.

3 assignments must be approved before the exam.

Forms of Assessment

The form of assessment is oral group examination with individual grading.

Examination Support Material

All examination support materials are allowed.

Grading Scale

Pass/fail.

Assessment Semester

Autumn

Reading List

Reading list will be ready by June 1st.

Course Evaluation

The Directorate for Education evaluates the continuing education courses each year by questionnaire to the students.

Programme Committee

The Centre for Science Education is responsible for the professional content and structure of the study and for the quality of the course.

Course Coordinator

Course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found at Mitt UiB, contact naturfag@skolelab.uib.no

Course Administrator

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences / The Centre for Science Education.