Bridge (Master’s in Biology: Education Emphasis)
The bridge to the Master of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Education program provides undergraduate coursework needed to fulfill the admission requirements for admission into the master's program. The curriculum aims to strengthen your foundational knowledge in biology, and prepare you to move forward into advanced academic content. You will have the opportunity to gain critical insight and skills in the biological sciences, paving the way for your entry into the master’s program.
Gain a Foundation in Biological Concepts
By engaging in targeted subjects such as advanced biology and labs, you can build a solid understanding of the scientific principles needed for effective teaching. This preparatory bridge experience not only introduces you to rigorous biology coursework but can provide the tools necessary for graduate studies and your future career.
Work Toward Your Master’s With a Bridge From GCU
Our bridge: master’s in biology education emphasis, offered by the College of Natural Sciences, can help you make a smooth transition into our MS in Biology with an Emphasis in Education. Our bridges are designed to close gaps in knowledge and skills by providing foundational coursework that can prepare you for graduate-level study.
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Biology: Education Emphasis Courses and Topics
Your bridge program consists of biology courses and labs. These courses fulfill the requirements for you to enter the master’s program. Your hands-on labs can help you better grasp various methodologies and lab skills while also sharpening your critical thinking abilities. The course topics below will immerse you in a collaborative environment, allowing you to engage actively with others. You will:
- Explore the relationship between structure and function in cells, including membrane roles and the DNA-to-protein pathway.
- Conduct hands-on experiments to reinforce concepts on macromolecules, cell membranes and cellular processes.
- Study the interplay of structure and function across molecular, cellular and organismal levels, covering diverse life forms, plant biology and ecological principles.
- Examine organism similarities, investigate plant structures and processes and study ecological interactions.
Bridge to Your Master’s at an Accredited University
GCU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, demonstrating our dedication to excellence in education and ensuring that our programs consistently meet high standards.
Biology Education Pathway FAQs
We invite you to review our frequently asked questions to gain a deeper understanding of this bridge option and decide if it’s the next best step for you.
Biology education is the field of teaching and learning focused on the study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution and interactions with their environment. The goal of biology education is to help students understand fundamental biological concepts, develop scientific thinking skills and understand the relevance of biology in everyday life. It often involves hands-on labs and the application of scientific methods to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
If you’re looking to transition into a master's-level program and aspire to have a career in biology education, this pathway may be a great option for you. This bridge provides you with the prerequisite courses needed to enter the master’s program, and helps prepare you for advanced studies in biology.
If you are an aspiring biology educator who hopes to teach in higher education, you will need a minimum of a master’s degree to be eligible. Other levels of teaching, such as K-12, may require only an undergraduate degree as a minimum requirement. However, a master’s degree provides a more thorough and advanced educational background, which may prove useful when searching for careers.
Enroll in a biology education pathway to gain the skills needed to inspire future scientists and make a meaningful classroom impact.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels of organization. Cell components and their duties are investigated, as well as the locations of cellular functions within the cell. The importance of the membrane is studied, particularly its roles in controlling movement of ions and molecules and in energy production. The effect of genetic information on the cell is followed through the pathway from DNA to RNA to protein. Co-requisite: BIO-181L.
Course Description
This lab course is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-181 through experiments and activities which complement and enhance understanding of macromolecules, cell membrane properties, cellular components, and their contribution to cell structure and function. Assignments are designed to relate cellular processes such as metabolism, cell division, and the flow of genetic information to cell structure. Co-requisite: BIO-181.
Course Description
This course is a study of biological concepts emphasizing the interplay of structure and function at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels of organization. Relationships of different life forms are studied, noting characteristics and general lifecycles of the different types of organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. Plant structure, function, and reproduction are studied, as well as photosynthesis and plant nutrition. Ecological principles are discussed, including organism interactions at the various ecological levels. Principles of conservation are introduced. Prerequisites: BIO-181 and BIO-181L. Co-Requisite: BIO-182L.
Course Description
This lab is designed to reinforce principles learned in BIO-182. Organisms are examined to recognize similarities and differences among different types. Plant structure and processes, including photosynthesis and water transport, are investigated through observation and activities. Concepts of ecology are explored through study of species interactions projects and other activities. Prerequisites: BIO-181 and BIO-181L. Co-Requisite: BIO-182.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
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