<p>Hello,
My son is interested in becoming a secondary school biology teacher. He is a junior at a private school and we are starting to research some colleges and universities. All seem to have the same freshman year course sequence....Biology 101 with lab, Chemistry 101 with lab , and calculus. This can be a very difficult course sequence....more difficult than if he wanted to be a pre-med.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any suggestions as to what a more reasonable course sequence can be?</p>
<p>And can anyone suggest some schools which prepare one to become a secondary school biology teacher?</p>
<p>No, that is the normal sequence for many majors, including every medically related profession, biomedical engineers, and bio majors. Other engineers have to take Calc, Chem, Physics and Computer Science together. You can look at the course sequences on the various college websites. It is a lot of work, but certainly not impossible. To teach science In PA, it is required to first get a BS in the science concentration, followed by a masters in teaching. </p>
<p>Since your son is still in high school, he should prepare himself as well as he can for the rigors to come. If possible take AP Calc, Bio and Chem now to ease the transition to college.</p>
<p>Lots of colleges offer an education major, but your son will need to do a bio major first. I know that Penn State has education, as does Duquesne, Clarion, Slippery Rock, Cal U, Edinborough (all western PA), and many others.</p>
<p>He wants to teach H.S. Bio but doesnt plan on taking AP Bio? </p>
<p>Seems a curious thing.</p>
<p>Id have him take AP Bio and probably AP Calc AB if possible.</p>
<p>Im a mature student planning on teaching soft sciences or humanities and took AP bio but not Calculus. Im not retracking my steps and taking extra math just to eventually take college calculus in a yr. </p>
<p>The more fields you are competent in-especially given the job market right now- the better.</p>
<p>He will be taking AP Biology his senior year, along with Pre-calculus, and Calculus. </p>
<p>I do believe its important to have Calculus under your belt when yougo to college. Seems every one in a freshamn calculus class has already had calculs, and youstart out behid them.</p>