Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme integrates core biology subjects with pedagogy and supervised classroom experience. Biology modules typically cover cell and molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, organismal biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology and laboratory techniques. Supporting topics often include biostatistics and bioinformatics concepts relevant to teaching modern biology.

Education-focused modules teach subjects such as adolescent development, learning theory, curriculum design, assessment and differentiation, classroom management, science education methods and the use of technology in the science classroom. Practical components include regular practicum placements in local schools and a culminating student-teaching semester where you take responsibility for planning, delivering and assessing lessons under mentor supervision.

Typical module examples

• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetics and Development
• Ecology and Environmental Biology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology and Laboratory Skills
• Biostatistics for Biologists
• Foundations of Education and Adolescent Development
• Secondary Science Curriculum and Assessment
• Methods of Teaching Biology
• Supervised Teaching Practicum / Student Teaching

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification with an academic profile showing strengths in science and mathematics. Required subjects normally include biology and chemistry; applicants without a chemistry background may be asked to take additional preparatory modules. Entry typically requires submission of school transcripts and references, and some applicants will be asked to attend an interview or provide a personal statement outlining their interest in teaching.

Because the programme leads to classroom practice, candidates must meet any background-check or health-clearance requirements set by local school partners, and be able to undertake placements in partner schools. Mature applicants with prior relevant experience or post‑secondary study are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers as secondary school biology teachers, often leading to initial teacher certification or licensure after meeting regional requirements. Other career paths include roles in curriculum design and educational materials development, science education coordination in museums and zoos, tutoring and private education, and laboratory technician positions where teaching skills are valuable.

Many graduates use the degree as a springboard to postgraduate study such as master's programmes in education (MEd), subject-specific advanced study in the biological sciences, or specialised certification programmes. The combination of scientific knowledge and pedagogical skill is also an asset for educational policy roles and community science outreach.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers small seminar-style classes and hands-on laboratory sessions that let students develop practical scientific skills alongside teaching practice. The college maintains close partnerships with local secondary schools, providing sustained placement opportunities and mentor support throughout the programme. Faculty include practising teachers and active researchers who bring current science and classroom strategies into teaching.

Students benefit from personalised advising for certification pathways, campus resources such as modern teaching labs and learning-technology support, and extracurricular opportunities for outreach and science communication. The programme is designed to balance subject mastery with real-world classroom experience to prepare confident, classroom-ready biology teachers.