Biological Sciences BA/Biology Adolescence Education EdM

The Biological Sciences BA/Biology Adolescence Education EdM at the University at Buffalo gives students the chance to connect their biology knowledge with real teaching experience. Along with practical laboratory learning, students take part in school-based clinical experiences and complete a full-year teaching residency, where they work alongside an experienced teacher and gradually take on classroom responsibilities. This combination helps students become confident in both scientific investigation and biology instruction:

• Lead With the Lab: Students use laboratory-based activities to build scientific curiosity, critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills while exploring biological concepts.

• Clinical school experience: The program includes school-based clinical experiences in Western New York, allowing students to observe and participate in real educational environments.

• One-year teaching residency: In the final year, students spend a full academic year in a school and co-teach with an experienced mentor teacher while completing their university coursework.

• Field experience: LAI 667 Field Experience gives students structured opportunities to develop their classroom skills as part of the Biology Education pathway.

• Supervised teaching: LAI 668 Supervised Teaching 1 and LAI 595 Supervised Teaching 2 provide direct teaching experience with guidance and feedback.

• Science teaching methods: Courses including LAI 619 Teaching Science in Grades 5–12, LAI 531 Science Curricula; Current Approaches and LAI 533 Science Instruction Topics help students learn how to turn biological concepts into effective classroom lessons.

• Assessment practice: LAI 534 Measurement and Evaluation in Science Instruction develops students' ability to assess learning and evaluate science instruction.

• Capstone project: LAI 700 Capstone gives students an opportunity to bring together their biology and education knowledge in a final academic project.

• Faculty-mentored research: Eligible students can participate in the Biological Sciences honors program and gain experience conducting research with a faculty mentor.

• Laboratory and research skills: The biology curriculum develops practical skills in laboratory investigation, hypothesis testing, data analysis and communicating scientific findings.

• Collaborative teaching: During the residency, students work with mentor teachers, university faculty and other educators, receiving feedback that helps them improve their teaching practice.

• School partnerships: UB works with local school districts to provide school-based residency experiences, giving students direct exposure to the professional teaching environment.

The Biological Sciences BA/Biology Adolescence Education EdM prepares students for a career teaching biology while giving them a strong understanding of the subject and substantial classroom experience. The combination of biology, education coursework and a full-year teaching residency helps graduates enter the teaching profession with practical skills and confidence.

Typical career paths include biology teacher, science teacher, science curriculum specialist, museum educator and environmental education professional. Students can use their biology and education background in schools as well as other science-focused learning environments:

• Career preparation: Students gain extensive classroom experience through clinical placements and a full-year teaching residency, working alongside experienced mentor teachers and receiving guidance and feedback.

• Career opportunities: UB identifies biology teaching, science and curriculum specialist positions, museum education, environmental education and science outreach among potential career directions.

• Teacher certification: Successful completion of the program provides an institutional recommendation for New York State initial and professional certification in biology education, preparing graduates to teach biology at the secondary level, subject to applicable state requirements.

• Teaching residency: The full-year residency allows students to co-teach with an experienced teacher in a real school environment, helping them develop lesson-planning, classroom-management and instructional skills before graduation.

• Professional development: Students develop practical skills in science instruction, curriculum planning, assessment and evidence-based teaching, which can support continued growth throughout their education careers.

• Research experience: Eligible students can participate in the Biological Sciences honors program and work on faculty-mentored research, giving them an additional opportunity to strengthen their scientific and analytical skills.

• School and community connections: UB's residency model connects students with local school districts, while the program also prepares them for education and outreach opportunities in museums, environmental organizations and other science-related settings.

• Long-term career value: The combination of an undergraduate biology degree, an EdM and extensive supervised teaching experience provides a strong foundation for building a long-term career in biology and science education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA/EdM, students can pursue further graduate study in biology education, science education, biological sciences or related disciplines, depending on their career goals. Students interested in teaching can continue developing their professional credentials and classroom expertise, while those interested in research or higher education can pursue additional graduate-level study in a relevant field.