Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Chemistry/Biology-Secondary, BAE
What Is the Study of Chemistry/Biology-Secondary Major?
The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical and Biochemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level. Within the department, faculty members are active in many research areas including Organometallic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Photochemistry, Protein and Nucleic Acid Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of Viruses, Electrochemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, Reaction Kinetics, Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry, Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, and new areas of computer applications.
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The programs of study within the Chemistry major provide many benefits to students. There are a wide variety of accredited programs that are designed to meet diverse career goals. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor.
The Chemistry Department at Western Washington University is approved by the American Chemical Society, and students who complete the Bachelor of Science in the Chemistry program receive ACS certification of their degree.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Chemistry are advised to consult the department at the beginning of their first quarter on campus to arrange for proper sequence of courses.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less that 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Miller Hall 105 and printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide
Coursework
Basic Requirements
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIOL 205 - Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 206 - Introduction to Organismal Biology
- BIOL 321 - Genetics
- BIOL 323 - Cell and Molecular Biology
- BIOL 325 - Ecology
- BIOL 326 - Ecology Laboratory
- BIOL 432 - Evolutionary Biology
- CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
- SCED 370 - Science and Society
- SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
- SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
- One course from:
- BIOL 471 - Biochemistry I
- CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I
- One course from:
- BIOL 472 - Biochemistry II
- CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II
- One course from:
- BIOL 474 - Biochemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 474 - Biochemistry Laboratory
- One course from:
- BIOL 322 - Genetics Lab
- BIOL 324 - Methods in Molecular Biology
- Choose one of the following series:
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- CHEM 333 - Analytical Chemistry
- OR
- CHEM 125 - General Chemistry I, Honors
- CHEM 126 - General Chemistry II, Honors
- CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors
- Choose one of the following series:
- PHYS 114 - Principles of Physics I
- PHYS 115 - Principles of Physics II
- PHYS 116 - Principles of Physics III
- OR
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- One course from:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 134
- LSCI: BIOL 204, 205, 206; CHEM 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 225;
- PHYS: 115, 116, 161, 162, 163
- SCI: PHYS 114
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher
Department
Contact
Chemistry Department
CB 270, 360-650-3070
Chemistry Department Chair
Steve Gammon
CB 270A
360-650-3071
Physics Department
CF 385, 360-650-3618
Physics Education Advisor
Andrew Boudreaux
CF 369
360-650-7383
Secondary Education Professional Program
Information
Program Manager
Patricia Roberts
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327