MCB and the Biotech Project provide resources to support biology teachers in the classroom. Visit our Outreach page for additional opportunities.
Continuing Education Course Descriptions
The courses below are offered at a reduced tuition rate for educators as part of the MCB Microplan for Teachers non-degree seeking graduate program. Please contact Daryn Stover (dastover@arizona.edu) or Lisa Rezende (lrezende@arizona.edu) for questions concerning enrollment and course availability.
MCB 570: Applications of Cell and Molecular Biology for Teachers (Online)
Principles of cell and molecular biology with a focus on applications and current research appropriate for secondary school biology. This online course is designed for in-service science teachers who wish to develop a deeper understanding of central ideas in cell and molecular biology or who need graduate-level coursework. Core topics in the course include structure-function relationships, gene expression, membrane biology, cell structure, and regulation of cell division. 3 units. Instructor: Dr. Lisa Rezende (lrezende@arizona.edu).
MCB 572: Advanced Genetics for Teachers (Online)
Principles of genetics with a focus on applications and current research appropriate for secondary school biology. This online course is designed for in-service science teachers who wish to develop a deeper understanding of central ideas in genetics or who need graduate-level coursework. Core topics include the molecular basis for inheritance, basic descriptive genetics and the mathematical patterns that explain genetic patterns, gene regulation, genomics, and the use of genetic technologies to address human problems. 3 units. Instructor: Dr. Lisa Rezende (lrezende@arizona.edu).
MCB 597C: Current Topics for Biological Teaching
Workshop course dedicated to the practical application of theoretical learning within a group setting, involving an exchange of ideas, methods, skills, and principles. This course is designed for in-service science teachers who wish to be exposed to new classroom activities, while developing lesson plans in collaboration with other educators. Specific core topics vary by year. 1-2 units. Instructor: Dr. Daryn Stover (dastover@arizona.edu).
MCB 657: Cancer Biology for Teachers (Online)
Explore recent developments in our understanding of the mechanism of cancer and how this new research leads to improvements in treatment and prevention of cancer. Course participants will explore ways to incorporate cancer examples into current biology standards and evaluate educational resources to help teach this subject in the secondary school classroom. This online course is designed for in-service science teachers who need graduate-level coursework. 3 units. Instructor: Dr. Lisa Rezende (lrezende@arizona.edu).
ECOL 509: Evolution of Infectious Disease (Online)
Causes and consequences of evolutionary change in pathogens. Evolutionary principles, vertebrate immunity, molecular epidemiology, evolution of virulence, evolution of antimicrobial resistance, predicting epidemics, impacts of infectious disease on host evolution, HIV evolution. This online course is open to in-service science teachers who need graduate-level coursework. 3 units. Instructor: TBA.
ECOL 585: Mammalogy (Online)
Systematics, ecology, and evolution of mammals. This online course is open to in-service science teachers who need graduate-level coursework. 4 units. Instructor: TBA.
UA College of Science Community Scholars Program
Members of the local community can audit science classes at the UA for a reduced tuition rate. Classes span ten departments within the College of Science, from life and physical sciences to mathematics. Examples include Golden Age of Planetary Exploration, Frontiers of Brain Science, Foundations of Biochemistry, Historical Geology, Bioinformatics Seminar, and Astronomy and the Arts. Instructors include award-winning teachers, University Distinguished Professors, and Department Heads. A small number of seats are open to auditors, and they are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the Community Scholars Program web page for additional information.