Courses - SCED Graduate Level
500. Life Science Applications for K-8 Teachers (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to M.S. in Science Education program; BIOL 200.
Emphasizes major themes and processes in life sciences, focusing on deepening understanding of concepts and approaches to teaching material in K-8. Approaches to developing/teaching inquiry-based/experiential learning units in biology modeled and integrated throughout course.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
501. Earth Sciences Applications for K-8 Teachers (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Science Education program and GEOL 102+GEOL 104 or GEOL 106.
Investigates earth science topics with focus on deepening connections between concepts in earth science and matter and energy cycling, providing applications of earth science concepts and activities in K-8 classrooms and schools.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
502. Physical Science Applications for K-8 Teachers (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to M.S. in Science Education program; PHSC 112.
Investigates physical science topics with focus on deepening students' science understanding while showcasing applications of physical science for students' personal lives and their K-8 classrooms and schools.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
550. Current Issues and Research in Science
Education (3)
Prerequisite: Admission to M.S. in Science Education program. SCED 550 is a core course in the M.S. in Science Education.
Introduces students to body of research and practical knowledge shared by science education community from the early 1900s through today (including recent reforms such as NGSS). Includes choosing, studying, and discussing articles from science education literature relevant to key issues in science education.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
551. Science Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
Models (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to M.S. in Science Education program and SCED 550 or prior consent of instructor.
Introduces students to professional literature about science teaching and learning. Traces historical development of elementary/secondary science curriculum models more specifically, and STEM education efforts more broadly. Students examine role science and education organizations played in reforming science curriculum (including standards movements and NGSS), and analyze curricula from variety of teaching/learning perspectives.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
552. Nature of Science (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to M.S. in Science Education program and SCED 550.
A core course in the M.S. in Science Education. Looks at science from historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Examines perceptions of science and scientists, especially views of science in different cultures and times. Discusses using these perspectives to teach students about nature of science.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
553. Science Learning in Informal Settings (3)
Prerequisite: Admission to Science Education M.S. program; consent of instructor. SCED 553 is a core course required of all Science Education M.S. candidates who have declared an option in informal science learning.
Examines characteristics of non-school learning settings (e.g., science museums, zoos, aquaria, nature centers, homes) and how they promote (or hinder) scientific understanding. Multiple theoretical perspectives examined. Authentic evaluation/research project with local institution.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
560. Science Education Research Methods (3)
Prerequisites: Admission to the M.S. in Science Education program.
Examination and application of science education research methodology including various types of qualitative and quantitative methods, research designs, sampling methods, inferential statistics and hypothesis testing, interpretation and use of science education research instruments and development of a research proposal.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 3 hrs.)
580. Introduction to College Science Teaching - 1 (1)
Prerequisite: Admission to Master's-level program in CNSM.
Addresses the fundamentals of college science instruction with an emphasis on immediate classroom application. Strategies for active learning, student assessment, and teacher development are introduced.
Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 1 hr)
590. Selected Topics in Science Education (1-3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Undergraduates enroll in SCED 490; graduate students enroll in SCED 590).
Topics in Science Education. Course content will vary from section to section.
May be repeated to a maximum of 6 units with different topics in different semesters. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. Letter grade only (A-F). (Seminar 1-3 hrs.)
697. Directed Research (1-3)
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and admission to M.S. in Science Education program.
Independent investigation of a research problem or directed project, under the direction of a faculty member.
May be repeated to a maximum of 3 units with different topics in the same semester. Letter grade only (A-F).
698. Thesis (1-3)
Prerequisites: Advancement to Candidacy for the M.S. in Science Education, 18 units of coursework required for M.S. Science Education completed, and consent of the chair of the thesis committee.
Planning, preparation, and completion of the thesis project in Science Education. Enrollment in more than 2 units in a given semester requires departmental approval.
Letter grade only (A-F).
