Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences

Why study this program?

Do you dream of becoming a Science teacher? Biological Sciences can be taken as a major or minor as part of a Bachelor of Secondary Education.

Areas of focus include energy and matter, ecosystems and population change, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, nervous and endocrine systems, reproduction and development, cell division, genetics and molecular biology.

You can also take this major as part of a Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Education combined degree.


Why take the Secondary Education After-Degree program?

This program is designed for students who already hold a university degree. The length of the after-degree will vary depending on how much of your previous university coursework is transferable.

The after-degree can be taken at the University of Alberta or at one of our partner universities as part of our Collaborative Off-Campus Program.


Why study at the University of Alberta?

Teaching is a calling, and we are dedicated to helping you become the homeroom teacher that your students will remember for a lifetime. Our Secondary Education program in the Faculty of Education prepares you to pass on your love of learning and discovery in almost any subject to students in grades 7-12. You’ll choose two areas of specialization — a major and minor — allowing you to pursue your passion and customize your experience.

The Secondary Education program includes a five-week Introductory Professional Term (IPT) and a nine-week Advanced Professional Term (APT). You will typically teach in your Major subject in both your IPT and APT.

This degree is normally taken as a four-year program but can also be taken as an after-degree. Upon completion of this program, you will be recommended for teacher certification in Alberta.


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POSSIBLE CAREERS
  • Adult Educator
  • Child and Youth Care Worker
  • Corporate Trainer
  • English as a Second Language Teacher
  • Human Resources Professional
  • Post-Secondary Advisor
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Teacher
  • Tutor
  • Volunteer Coordinator

"I’ve wanted to become a teacher for as long as I can remember. There is something about helping other people understand, and watching the light bulb go off in their heads, that has always kept me on this path.– Ali is a Secondary Education student from Calgary. She’ll be entering her second year, at Campus Saint-Jean, in the fall.

Program Requirements

Non-Direct Entry

This program does not allow admission directly from high school. See requirements below for more details.

After-Degree Applicants - General Requirement:

All Applicants must present the following:

  1. A three- or four-year degree from an accredited postsecondary institution
  2. An Admission GPA (AGPA) of at least 2.0, or equivalent, based on the most recent graded and transferable ★24. The length of the program will depend on the courses that a student presents at the time of admission. The Secondary After Degree program length will depend on the courses presented at the time of admission.
  3. Mathematics 30-1 and Mathematics 30-2 are not necessary for admission to the Faculty of Education After Degree although Mathematics 30-1 may be a prerequisites for some required courses.
  4. Submission of the Casper test is required to be evaluated for Admission to the program. More information on the Casper test requirement, dates and deadlines can be found at Faculty of Education Casper Test Website.

Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.

At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.

Deadline

For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.

View costs for:

The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.

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