The Departments of Biochemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology offer a program leading to a Master of Science degree with a major in general biology. This program is designed for middle and high school teachers who desire advanced, specialized training in biological sciences to enhance their classroom teaching methods. The Master of Science in General Biology degree is a summer-oriented, 32-unit program of course work and research units. Participants usually complete their degree requirements in a 4-year period; most course work is taken in the summers. The curriculum consists of: Biology Update I (BIOC 623a), Biology Update II (BIOC 623b), Secondary Biology Laboratory Curricula (BIOC 633), Biology Lesson Development (BIOC 643), Workshop Development and Presentation (BIOC 691a), and electives, independent study, research, and thesis units. Participants take 6 units of graduate electives in the biological sciences and an additional 3 units in any approved science, math or education course. A maximum of 3 units of BIOC 597c may be used to fulfill the elective requirements. Participants take 3 units of independent study: 1 unit to follow up on course work resulting from BIOC 633; 1 unit to prepare for research units; and 1 unit for the purpose of field testing lessons developed through research and BIOC 643. A 1-unit preceptorship (BIOC 691a) to disseminate scientific knowledge, curriculum materials and teaching approaches among the participants' peers is required, along with a written thesis, an oral presentation at a regional convention for science teachers, one or more poster presentations, and a final oral examination over the thesis. For course descriptions, see Biochemistry (BIOC) course listings elsewhere in this Catalog. Applicants are required to submit a completed program application (available in the General Biology Program Office located in the Department of Biochemistry) and official transcripts of all college work. Applications are due on March 1 each year for summer admission. Students usually are not admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters. Applicants must have a minimum of 1 year's classroom teaching experience at the high school or middle school level. In addition, applicants must have completed a minimum of 18 units of college-level biology course work with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.