Course Requirements
Content Area Courses
Science Core: 36 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
Environmental Science Core: 26 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
Environmental Science Electives: 8 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
Choose two of the following, one must be a lab (* indicates lab):
Pre-Education Introductory Courses: 24 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
Advanced Standing Education Courses: 16 quarter hours required, grade of C or better required
Student Teaching: 12 quarter hours required, grade of B- or better required
Registration in student teaching requires completion of all requirements and procedures indicated in the college core section. EDU 095 indicates to the Illinois State Board of Education that all field experience hours are complete. All students also take SEC 384 with student teaching (listed in the Liberal Studies section).
Certification Tests
All individuals certified by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are required to complete certification tests specific to their teaching certificate. Secondary Education Environmental Science majors must complete the following tests:
Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) (test #400) - assesses knowledge of reading comprehension, language arts, writing, and math. Test is required to qualify for Advanced Standing.
Science: Environmental Science Content Area Test (test #112) – assesses knowledge of life science, physical science, and the living environment. Test is required before Student Teaching (deadlines apply).
Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT) (test #103, grade 6-12) – assesses knowledge of teaching planning, delivery, assessment, professionalism, and technology. Test is required to be certified, recommended that it be taken before Student Teaching.
BIO 191
GENERAL BIOLOGY I FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
Focuses on the unity of life: its biochemical and cellular makeup and functions, the acquisition and utilization of energy, and the storage and utilization of genetic information. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee. Formerly BIO 101. CO-REQUISITE(S): Recommended: CHE 130 and CHE 131.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 is a prerequisite for this class.BIO 192
GENERAL BIOLOGY II FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
Introduction to evolution, ecology, organismal development and diversity. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee. Formerly BIO 102.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 and BIO 191 are a prerequisite for this class.BIO 193
GENERAL BIOLOGY III FOR SCIENCE MAJORS
Deals primarily with diversity and development within the plant and animal kingdoms including basic principles of physiology. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee. Formerly BIO 103.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 and BIO 192 are a prerequisite for this class.CHE 130
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
This introductory course for science majors emphasizes the composition of matter, atomic and molecular structure, bonding and chemical reactions. It is the first in the three-course sequence of General Chemistry. This course meets for three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Formerly CHE 111LEC. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE 131.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 or (CHE 128 and CHE 129) is a prerequisite for this class.CHE 132
GENERAL CHEMISTRY II
Second course of three in the General Chemistry series. Topics discussed include: common states of matter, phase transitions, properties of solutions, kinetics and equilibrium. This course meets for three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week. Formerly CHE 113LEC. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE133.
Prerequisites:
CHE 130 and CHE 131 are a prerequisite for this class.CHE 134
GENERAL CHEMISTRY III
Third of three courses in the General Chemistry sequence. Topics included in lecture: chemical equilibrium in aqueous solution (acids and bases, solubility, complex ion formation), Thermodynamics (entropy and free energy), electrochemistry, chemistry of d-block elements and descriptive chemistry. Formerly CHE 115LEC. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE135.
Prerequisites:
CHE 132 and CHE 133 are a prerequisite for this class.CHE 135
GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY III
Laboratory to be taken in conjunction with CHE 134. The Course meets weekly for three hours. The experimental techniques provide hands-on experience with the course material in CHE134. Formerly CHE 115LAB. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE 134.
Prerequisites:
CHE 132 and CHE 133 are a prerequisite for this class.PHY 150
GENERAL PHYSICS I
Mechanics, vibrations and fluids. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisites:
MAT 131 or above is a prerequisite for this class.PHY 151
GENERAL PHYSICS II
Heat, thermodynamics, sound and light. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisites:
PHY 150 is a prerequisite for this class.PHY 152
GENERAL PHYSICS III
Electricity, magnetism and modern physics. Laboratory fee.
Prerequisites:
PHY 151 is a prerequisite for this class.BIO 215
ECOLOGY
Study of organismal interactions; responses of individuals, populations and natural communities to their external environment. Lecture-laboratory. Lab fee.
Prerequisites:
BIO 193 is a prerequisite for this class.ENV 216
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE
This course focuses on three of the great spheres of the Earth (lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere) and how they interact with the biosphere to create an integrated Earth system with an emphasis on how human activities impact important earth system cycles. Students should have a basic understanding of how living organisms interact with their physical environment. Laboratory activities provide experience with the tools and methodology of systems thinking. Lab fee applies.
ENV 217
HUMAN IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT
A science-based course that examines the interface between humans and the living and non-living environment, the consequences of these interactions, and options for mitigating environmental impacts.
Prerequisites:
ENV 216 is a prerequisite for this class.ENV 260
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA ANALYSIS
This course provides an overview of the biometrical techniques employed in the analysis of environmental data. Topics include: handling of data, experimental designs, testing for differences between an experimental and a control group, testing for differences among many groups, and determining trends in data. Data from the environmental sciences is used throughout, and students are introduced to appropriate software for data analysis.
ENV 294
SECOND YEAR SEMINAR
The purpose of this course is to advance ecological literacy. The seminar presents the study of the environmental to students in a philosophical, cultural, and historical context, and in addition makes them aware of some foundational ideas of the discipline through a selection of new and classic literature. 2 quarter hours.
ENV 350
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS: CAPSTONE
This course examines basic core concepts of and current issues in environmental science drawing on perspectives of the liberal studies curriculum, including reflectiveness, value consciousness, critical and creative thinking, and a multicultural perspective. Senior standing in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies
INTC 326
ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND RHETORIC (Formerly CMNS 326)
Rhetorical perspective on environmental public discourse. Course also explores the relationship between rhetorically constituted ideas about nature and the development of political and social ideas, institutions, and practices that inform our understanding of the human place in the environment. (Formerly CMNS 326)
ENV 152
ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ECONOMICS
In this course, students examine the role of the environment and natural resources in neoclassical, environmental and ecological economics. First, students study mechanisms for efficiently allocating scarce resources among specific alternative ends and take a brief foray into environmental economics and learn methods of resource/environmental valuation. We also discuss aspects of macroeconomics as it pertains to ecological economics. Students come away able to critically assess the benefits and drawbacks of these three ways that the economy incorporates the environment. It also encourages ethical reasoning as we discuss distribution of environmental benefits over generations and globally.
ENV 204
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
This course is designed to provide students with the scientific tools necessary to understand and critically evaluate both personal and policy decisions regarding the variety of options (e.g. fossil fuel, solar, wind, etc.) for energy generation and use. The course also focuses on the environmental impacts of all forms of energy, from the extraction of fossil fuels and mineral resources from the earth, to the generation, distribution and consumption of energy, and ultimately emission of fossil fuel combustion products, notably carbon dioxide and other heat trapping gasses, to the atmosphere. Course fee applies.
ENV 230
GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
This course introduces the student to the general principles of climate change and how it affects weather, agriculture, ocean levels, etc. In recent years, the problem of global climate change became one of the most important issues in science and politics. This course will cover topics like natural and human made climate changes, the handling of proxy data and data methods, and social behavior.
ENV 300
PLANT IDENTIFICATION
An in-depth overview of plant families and species in the Chicagoland area. Lectures will focus on morphology of plants, evolutionary relationships among plant families, and terminology of plant structures. Students will use botanical keys and manuals for the area to identify plants and will learn collection techniques. Plant species will be collected in their natural habitats during field trips. Lab fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO 193 or BIO 215 or ENV 250 or instructor consent is a prerequisite for this class.ENV 310
ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL SCIENCE
An examination of the physical, chemical, biological and engineering properties of soils, their genesis and classification, how they function as sites of waste disposal, and their role in global agricultural production. The course includes a three-hour lab and a mandatory Saturday field trip. Lab fee applies.
ENV 316
CHEMISTRY OF EARTH SYSTEMS
This class focuses on the impact of pollution on the Earth?s ability to provide clean air, water and food for human consumption. The industrialization of the economy during the last 150 years has greatly increased the amount of waste that is sent into the four Earth spheres: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. These emissions directly harm organisms and also cycle back to pollute essential ecosystem services provided by the Earth. This class will consider the source, transport, transformation and ultimate fate of pollution emitted into the air, water and solid Earth. Examples will include relatively simple cases (agricultural pesticides harming birds) and range to more complex interactions (depletion of stratospheric ozone by CFCs and the increase in harmful ultraviolet radiation). The laboratory component will be project based and some work can be completed outside of the assigned lab time. Lab fee applies
ENV 320
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Conservation biology is an interdisciplinary endeavor concerned with the protection and management of biodiversity. It employs insights from the biological sciences, from the theory and practice of natural resource management, as well as from the social sciences and humanities. The reach of the discipline is vast ? ranging across all organismal groups and the landscapes and processes that sustain them ? we will therefore restrict ourselves to a general overview and draw upon a series of case studies in Chicago area. Lab fee applies.
Prerequisites:
BIO 215 is a prerequisite for this class.ENV 322
ECOSYSTEM ECOLOGY
This course will introduce students to the conceptual and methodological tools of ecosystem ecology. The course will focus on understanding the fundamental structure and function of ecosystems but will also address very recent debates on the economic value of ecosystem services, the role of biological diversity in maintaining ecosystem processes, and the consequences of stressed and degraded ecosystems for human welfare. Finally, we assess the role of ecosystem ecology in designing sustainable restoration projects. The course includes a weekly lab.
ENV 340
URBAN ECOLOGY
In this course we examine the way ecological ideas can increase our understanding of cities in ways that assist us in making cities more habitable ? cleaner, healthier and more biodiverse. We will pay considerable attention to the ways in which ecology can be broadened by its encounter with disciplines that have historically paid more attention to the city ? urban sociology, anthropology, economics, demography, architecture and planning.This course has a required lab; some Saturday field trips.
Prerequisites:
BIO 215 or ENV 250 is a prerequisite for this class.ENV 345
URBAN AGRICULTURE
This course will acquaint students with the challenges, opportunities, practices, and transformative potential of urban agriculture. Taking an interdisciplinary, integrative, case-study approach, this course will explore issues such as food access, food security, food deserts, community gardening, farmers markets, locavore food movement, entrepreneurial aspects of urban agriculture, method of food production, community nutrition, and food consumption patterns. The course will meet both in the classroom and on-site at an urban farm, where students will work in all aspects of the farm as well as learn to organize communities in an effort to help them create food security and access to healthy food systems.
ENV 355
INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Study of the environment factors that influence health. Topics include air and water pollution, global population and local community dynamics, toxicology, infectious and chemical agents, radiation, and management.
SCU 339
PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHOLOGY OF YOUTH AND MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION
This course introduces foundational and contemporary theories of youth and adolescent development. It provides an investigation of how these theoretical ideas relate to contemporary questions of youth and middle level education. The course explores the historical invention of adolescence, changing ideas about the meaning of childhood, as well as some of the broader social, economic, political, and cultural implications of these changing ideas. This course seeks to develop in prospective educators a broader capacity to theorize about youth and schooling and, hence, to act critically and reflectively in multiple contexts in which youth learn.
Prerequisites:
Advanced Teacher Candidate Standing is a prerequisite for this class.EDU 95
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH
(no credit) Required of all students. Observations and participatory experience with children and youth in a school or agency. This course is a prerequisite for student teaching and related professional courses.
SEC 390
SECONDARY STUDENT TEACHING
(12 credits) Five school days a week in supervised teaching in a cooperating school for a full academic quarter. Feedback and discussion of problems encountered in student teaching as well as new materials and techniques of student teaching. PREREQUISITE(S): Application and approval required. Open only to DePaul students.
SEC 384
CAPSTONE IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
The senior capstone course is designed to help students integrate the central emphases of their liberal learning studies curriculum into their professional behavior. It will provide prospective elementary educators with opportunities to engage in activities requiring them to be relective, to consider value commitments, to use critical and creative thinking, and to examine their practice from a multicultural perspective as they discuss issues specific early childhood education. The course is grounded in the School of Education's framework for an Urban Professional Multicultural Educator, which also reflects the goals of the Liberal Studies program. COREQUISITE(S): SEC 390.
EDU 25
BASIC TECHNOLOGY LITERACY
(0 Credit) This online course provides students with a knowledge about assembling, using, and troubleshooting basic technology hardware and software. In this course, students demonstrate understanding of basic computer setup and the use of peripheral devices such as printers, speakers, flash drives, scanners, digital cameras, videos, and computer software.
SCU 207
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION
This course examines through an interdisciplinary framework sociological and historical issues and concerns associated with the relationship between education and public life. The course analyzes education as a form of cultural power, addressing its political and ideological effects. Emphasis will be placed upon the social and historical meanings and purposes assigned to education, especially as it pertains to questions of race, gender, sexuality, and the political economy of class.
SEC 363
ORIENTATION TO SECONDARY TEACHING AS A PROFESSION
(6 credits) In this process-oriented course, students engage in critical reflection on the roles and expectations of secondary educators from both institutional and community perspectives. Questions considered will include: what is an educator, what is a professional, what are the attributes of effective teachers, what do effective teachers do? Students will examine their own values and begin to develop their own philosophies about education and teaching. Included in this course are 25-30 hours of clinical experiences at arranged sites.
SEC 364
METHODS: CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
(6 credits) This course will examine materials, methods, and techniques appropriate for teaching in secondary schools. Topics include: educational goals; the development of a rationale and underlying assumptions; instructional goals and objectives; learning objectives; both cognitive and affective; classroom environment; classroom management principles and techniques; multicultural materials in various content areas; the development of appropriate methods and materials; current curriculum issues and controversies. Included in this course are 25-30 hours of clinical experiences at arranged sites. PREREQUISITE(S): SEC 363 or permission.
Prerequisites:
SEC 363 or status as a major in World Language Education is a prerequisite for this class.SCU 336
ADOLESCENT AND ADULT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Theories of development throughout adolescence including current issues of problems and growth crises in attaining maturation. The course also includes adult and aging life span considerations. Emphasis is placed on the role of the early childhood professional in interaction with adults in the lives of young children (i.e., parents, grandparents).
SCU 337
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
This course is an introduction to the study of the process of human development from conception to old age. Through a range of theories, the periods of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood are examined with particular attention to the role of culture, gender, and class as they inform the contextualized process of growth and change across the life span.
PE 206
PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH
This course is designed to assist students in gaining insight into their health/wellness attitudes, behaviors, and choices. Health/wellness experiences and topics examine the total wellness concept, as a self-designed, dynamic style of living which focuses on optimal functioning and quality of life. Emphasis is placed on the physical, emotional, intellectual, social, occupational and spiritual dimensions of health/wellness.
PE 273
HEALTH AND NUTRITION
This course will provide students with an introductory background in nutrition throughout the life span. The study of foods and their effects upon health, development and performance of the individual will be emphasized. Software analysis of dietary intakes will facilitate an individual reflective approach to an application of the content.
LSI 346
STRATEGIES FOR MAINSTREAMING AND INCLUSION
Focus will be on the practical problems related to the integration of exceptional children and youth into regular classrooms. Identification, characteristics, programs, curricular variations, and techniques for securing maximum development of students with a variety of special needs with emphasis on learning disabilities. The course also covers historical background, as well as current legal and service provision issues, including mainstreaming and inclusion. PREREQUISITE(S): Junior standing.
Prerequisites:
Advanced Teacher Candidate Standing is a prerequisite for this class.SEC 325
LITERACY IN THE CONTENT AREAS
The course explores the interrelationships between reading, writing, and other forms of communication (e.g., classroom talk, technology, visual arts) that are available to content area middle-level and high-school teachers. There will be an emphasis on the interrelationship of all aspects of language, oral and written, that result in literacy as a meaning-making tool in the construction of content-area knowledge. The course will discuss specific aspects of literacy processes from a multicultural, multilingual perspective as they apply to a variety of school settings in general and urban schools in particular. Students will become acquainted with theoretical issues as well as a wide range of literacy-teaching strategies including reading, writing, research, and study skills to be tailored to the needs of different students and to be applied across a variety of learning situations and text types.
Prerequisites:
SEC 363, SEC 364 and Advanced Teacher Candidate Standing are prerequisites for this class.SEC 339
TEACHING SCIENCE IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL
This course is designed to update teachers in the methods of teaching science. This involves reviewing the processes of science, theories of learning, and instructional strategies appropriate to laboratory science. This course also provides an update on the current trends and issues in science education as well as an analysis of successful science curricula programs. PREREQUISITE(S): SEC 364 or equivalent.
Prerequisites:
SEC 363, SEC 364 and Advanced Teacher Candidate Standing are prerequisites for this class.SCU 338
THE PROCESS AND EVALUATION OF LEARNING
The process involved in human learning is examined from alternative theoretical and research paradigms and perspectives. The roles of emotions, cultural differences, social realities, cognitive uniqueness, character and achievement tendencies are examined with respect to learner functioning. Alternative methods and techniques for evaluating learner development and academic achievement are surveyed and discussed. Emphasis is placed upon identifying the characteristics of individually and culturally responsive and responsible testing and assessment protocols in the school setting.
Prerequisites:
Advanced Teacher Candidate Standing is a prerequisite for this class.CHE 131
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY
Laboratory course to be taken in conjunction with CHE 130. The course meets weekly for three hours. The experimental techniques provide hands-on experience with the course material in CHE130. Formerly CHE 111LAB. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE130.
Prerequisites:
MAT 130 or (CHE 128 and CHE 129) is a prerequisite for this class.CHE 133
GENERAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY II
Laboratory to be taken in conjunction with CHE 132. The Course meets weekly for three hours. The experimental techniques learned in lab provide hands-on experience with the course material in CHE132. Formerly CHE 113LAB. CO-REQUISITE(S): CHE 132.
Prerequisites:
CHE 130 and 131 are a prerequisite for this class.