COURSE CURRICULUM

The master’s specialisation Biology and Education is designed to prepare students for a career as secondary school Biology teachers, providing the necessary qualifications and practical training. The program is structured into two main components: a Biology component in the first year and an Education component in the second year, offered by the Leiden Graduate School of Teaching. Students can also participate in the World Teachers program, which provides an international teaching experience.The Biology component, comprising 60 EC, includes a substantial biology research project (36 EC) and advanced theory courses and lectures (24 EC). This ensures that students develop a strong scientific foundation and research skills, which are essential for teaching Biology at a high level.The Education component, also 60 EC and taught in Dutch, consists of Education Courses (30 EC) and Teaching and Practice (30 EC), providing comprehensive pedagogical training and hands-on classroom experience. Students who have completed a minor in Education during their BSc program may only need 30 EC of the specific education modules, with the remaining 30 EC added to their Biology electives. The World Teachers program (60 EC) offers an alternative path, combining Education Courses (30 EC, partly in Dutch) with International Teaching and Practice (30 EC, in English), giving students experience in teaching in diverse, global contexts. The Education component can only be started in August/September or January/February after completing the Biology modules.Educational methods in this specialisation are varied and interactive, including colloquia, lectures, individual papers, lab work, presentations, research projects, seminars, working groups, and school practice. This combination of rigorous scientific training and practical teaching experience ensures that graduates are fully prepared to teach Biology effectively, both in Dutch secondary schools and, through the World Teachers program, in international educational settings.