Biology

Certifying to Teach

• If you are hoping to become certified to teach, the biology major and minor is available only for secondary certification. Our biology faculty are as concerned with non-academic qualities as about biology concepts. With this concern, the faculty will be monitoring and reporting on character, attitude, and behavioral qualities during a student's education at Spring Arbor University. This information will have a direct impact on recommendation of a student for admission to the teacher education program and for admission to student teaching.
• All biology education students are required to pass the State of Michigan Subject Area Test in Biology prior to being certified. In order to help Spring Arbor University students pass this requirement, the following requirement is added to the course requirements:
  • Every Spring Arbor University biology major or minor will be required to pass the Spring Arbor University biology comprehensive test prior to departmental approval for student teaching. Biology majors and minors certifying to teach at the secondary level should pass the departmental examination prior to taking the Michigan State Teacher Test in Biology.
  • The Spring Arbor University biology test may be taken at any time with one week notice to the biology department secretary. Results will be returned to the student within one week of taking the test. The Spring Arbor University biology test may be taken as many times as needed to pass.

Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies

We partner with the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies to offer courses in field biology and conservation. Students may spend one or two summer sessions at the Institute in northern Michigan studying such subjects as aquatic biology, field botany, restoration ecology and watershed management. Cathy Weakland is SAU's Campus Representative for Au Sable. You can read more about the Institute by visiting the Au Sable website at ausable.org.