Biological Science (Composite Teaching)

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College of Science

Location(s): Logan, Uintah Basin

Major Description

Biology educators teach how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. The field develops constantly, and it is important for biological science teachers to stay current. The department helps students do this by incorporating recent research results into the classroom, providing research opportunities, and inviting them to participate in research seminars and presentations.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen: Freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for this major.  Eventual admission to STEP with this major requires minimum ACT scores of: Composite-21, Math- 19, English-20 and over-all GPA of 3.0.  All major departmental courses and STEP courses must be passed with a C or better.

How to Customize Your Own Class Schedule

1

ACT/SAT Scores, AP, IBO, and Concurrent Enrollment/Transfer Credits

Gather your ACT/SAT and advanced placement (AP) scores, any concurrent enrollment, International Baccalaureate (IB), and transfer credits you have taken or are currently taking.

  • Know your ACT/SAT scores so you can determine which prerequisites you have already met (particularly for math). Make sure these scores are all in Banner by clicking “Test Scores” in your student records, and double check when you took the test (math scores are only good as prereqs if taken after August 1, 2021).
  • See how your AP credits will count at USU by viewing the AP table in the University Catalog. You can see if USU has received your AP scores by viewing your transcript by clicking on “View Transcript” in your student records
  • See how your IBO credits will count at USU by viewing the IBO table in the University Catalog.
  • See if your transfer or concurrent enrollment credits are equivalent to any courses or requirements at USU by looking at the “Course by Course” page on the transfer page. Make sure your previous courses are on your USU transcript by clicking “View Transcript” in your student records.
  • Go to the Finding Your Scores/Courses webpage if you need help getting current scores or credits transferred to USU.

If you have already satisfied some recommended first-semester courses listed on this guide, you may need additional credits to complete your schedule. Refer to the four-year plans in the University Catalog, register for the next courses listed in your plan, and then verify your course selections with your advisor after the date listed in the advising section below.

 
2

Placement Tests

Math Placement

Every incoming student has access to the ALEKS math system for free. ALEKS is the software you will use to place into a math class, and brush up on math skills you lack. You can take up to five proctored exams for placement purposes, and you can work through customized learning modules for up to six months so you can place higher in math, or learn some basic skills so your math class isn’t as difficult once you get into it.

Go to ALEKS and take a proctored math exam to determine when you can place in math. After that, feel free to study in ALEKS before the semester begins, and take additional placement exams if you think you can place higher. This website has information about how to take a proctored exam in Logan, throughout Utah, and at an out-of-state location.

Note: some students with math ACT/SAT scores, AP scores, or college-credit math grades earned after August 1, 2021 are able to automatically register for a math class because they meet the pre-requisite for the course. If you think you can automatically qualify to register for a math class, click on a specific math class in the math path below to see the pre-requisite scores needed for that class.

Language Placement

If you have foreign language skills, take the language placement exam if you would like to earn inexpensive elective credits for previous knowledge, or place into a higher language course.

Call the freshman hotline at (435) 797-0283 if you have additional questions as you prepare.

 
3

Class Schedule

Use the results from steps one and two, along with the recommended courses below, to make a list of several classes you would like to take. Be sure to include a few extra courses as back-ups.

The classes that you will take this semester are dependent upon your starting math level, and these classes have been recommended by your academic advisor. Start at the highest math class you can. You must meet all prerequisites, which can be found by clicking on a math class below to see the catalog description. Refer to page one of this guide for information about the ALEKS math placement exam, which you can use to test into a higher math, and to refresh your math skills. This degree ultimately requires completion of MATH 1210 and STAT 2000/STAT 3000.

Some students with math ACT/SAT scores, AP scores, or college-level math grades earned after December 1, 2024 are able to automatically place into a math class because they meet the pre-requisite for the course. Start with the highest math that you can take, based on prerequisites.

Make sure you register for a math class each semester until you are finished with math/stats since math prerequisites only last for 1 year. Math 1050 and 1060 can be taken together but do not necessarily have to be. Both courses are needed to register for MATH 1210.

If more credits are needed to fill your schedule, refer to the four-year plan in the University Catalog or follow the link to take additional breadth courses, and then consult with your advisor about your class selections after the date listed in the advising section below.

MATH 0995

4 credits

If starting with MATH 0995, take:

  1. BIOL 1610 3 credits & BIOL 1615 1 credit
  2. ENGL 1010 (CL1) 3 credits or ENGL 2010* (CL2) if you have already satisfied CL1
  3. General Education Breadth Course (BCA, BAI, or BHU) 3 credits
  4. USU 1010 2 credits (not required but highly recommended)

MATH 1050*

(QL) 4 Credits 

If starting with MATH 1050, take:

  1. BIOL 1610 3 credits & BIOL 1615 1 credit
  2. CHEM 1110 (BPS) 4 credits or CHEM 1210* AND CHEM 1215* 5 credits
  3. ENGL 1010 (CL1) 3 credits or ENGL 2010* (CL2) if you have already satisfied CL1
  4. USU 1010 2 credits (not required but highly recommended)

MATH 1060*

2 Credits 

If starting with MATH 1060 (Only take MATH 1060 if you have already completed MATH 1050), take:

  1. BIOL 1610 3 credits & BIOL 1615 1 credit
  2. CHEM 1110 (BPS) 4 credits or CHEM 1210* AND CHEM 1215* 5 credits
  3. ENGL 1010 (CL1) 3 credits or ENGL 2010* (CL2) if you have already satisfied CL1
  4. USU 1010 2 credits (not required but highly recommended)

MATH 1210*

4 credits

If starting with MATH 1210, take:

  1. BIOL 1610 3 credits & BIOL 1615 1 credit
  2. CHEM 1110 (BPS) 4 credits or CHEM 1210* AND CHEM 1215* 5 credits
  3. ENGL 1010 (CL1) 3 credits or ENGL 2010* (CL2) if you have already satisfied CL1
  4. USU 1010 2 credits (not required but highly recommended)

STAT 2000 or
STAT 3000*

3-4 credits

If starting with STAT 2000 or STAT 3000, take:

  1. BIOL 1610 3 credits & BIOL 1615 1 credit
  2. CHEM 1110 (BPS) 4 credits or CHEM 1210* AND CHEM 1215* 5 credits
  3. ENGL 1010 (CL1) 3 credits or ENGL 2010* (CL2) if you have already satisfied CL1
  4. USU 1010 2 credits (not required but highly recommended)

To improve employment and career options the two-year chemistry sequence as shown (CHEM 1210 and CHEM 1215 option) is highly recommended and will meet the requirements for a Chemistry Teaching minor.

Prerequisites and Course Descriptions

The classes marked with an asterisk(*) have prerequisites. For course descriptions and prerequisite information, click on the the course in this guide or see the University Catalog and click on "Course Numbers and Descriptions."

If you have met a class prerequisite via AP or IBO scores or college credits, but have not yet transferred them to USU, you can request a temporary prerequisite override. Only do this if you have already met the prerequisite and are certain you can get your test scores/credits to USU and into Banner well before December 1, 2024

This is the day that your temporary override will expire and your class will be dropped unless you meet the prerequisite in Banner. After you submit a temporary override request, allow for up to 3-4 business days for the request to be processed. Once processed, the Registrar’s office will reach out to you via email.

Math prerequisites typically only last 1 year, math prerequisites the fall 2021 semester are valid if they were earned after December 1, 2024

English 1010 (CL1) and English 2010 (CL2) or English 2020 (CL2)

The Communications Literacy 1 requirement (CL1) is typically fulfilled by ENGL 1010. You have already satisfied the CL1 requirement if you have any of the following:

  • ACT English Test: Score of 29 or higher
  • RSAT Reading Test (if taken after March 2016): Score of 34 or higher
  • SAT Critical Reading Test (if taken before March 2016): Score of 640 or higher
  • AP English Language Test: Score of 3 or higher (for CL1 only)
  • CLEP College Composition Test: Score of 50 or higher (for CL1 only)
  • IBO English A: Language & Literature Test: Higher-level Score of 5 or higher (for CL1 only)

If you have already met the CL1 requirement, you should take English 2010 (CL2) or English 2020 (CL2). 

When You Can Register

Registration opened for all students on November 14, 2024 and is an ongoing process. Incoming students can begin registering for classes as soon as they complete the second orientation module. For specific dates on when registration will close, check the USU Catalog. 

Waitlist Information

If the class you want to register is full, and it uses the waitlisting feature, you will see an option to join the waitlist. If the course has an opening, an email is sent to the student first in the waitlist line. That student is given 24 hours to add the class online. Once the first week of classes starts, the time a waitlist student has to add a class is shortened to 12 hours. You can view your position in the waitlist through your student schedule in Banner.

Advising for First-Year Students in this Major

You can find more information about the biological science – composite teaching degree on the degree finder website or at the department website. (Meeting with the advisor is highly suggested, as requirements can change both in major and in the secondary education program.)

You can make an advising appointment (in-person or phone) at advising.usu.edu.

Degree Works is a useful software that helps students see the degree requirements. A student tutorial is available to help you use Degree Works tool.

After you have utilized the instructions listed in this guide and completed Module 2 of the New Student Orientation, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with your Statewide advisor by going to www.usu.edu/advisors and selecting your advisor by location and program.

Dani Lawrence

Academic Advisor

Office Location: BNR 101
Email: dani.lawrence@usu.edu

Schedule an Appointment

In addition to your academic advisor students at one of the statewide campuses are also assigned a success coordinator, who will be a central point of contact for any questions or concerns you have. They can help you understand campus resources as well as help you with localized tutoring or campus events, the financial aid office, our wellness psychologists, or finding your academic advisor. If your success coordinator doesn’t know the answer, they will help connect you to an expert at USU to resolve your question or issue. Visit a campus site to find your success coordinator.