PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
(University of the City of Manila)
Intramuros, Manila
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARTS, SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
I. Rationale
The advent of past-changing technologies and increasing knowledge in
pedagogical trends are paving way towards innovations in the graduate programs, both in
science and in education. There are also new standards, provisions, trends and issues
brazing out the Philippine tertiary educational system that call for reforms in its curricular
offerings.
Most teachers in college and secondary levels are seeking for a more specific
program in the graduate schools that would be appropriate and fitting to their teaching
careers, at the same time, equipping them with broader knowledge and suitable skills in
their fields of specialization.
It is along these lines that the Graduate School is proposing a new curriculum that
will encompass current trends in Biology teaching, which will provide a stronger
foundation of concepts and principles in the life sciences, as well as, will endow graduate
students with pedagogical skills. The courses are organized to accommodate varied
interests among science teachers gearing them towards biological research and scientific
investigations.
The graduate students are provided with the four core courses that are designed to
equip them in the fields of curriculum design, instructional pedagogies, research studies
and quantitative analysis. The specialization courses are on the theoretical and applied
fields that will promote quality graduate education that is comprehensive, relevant and
responsive to the needs of their clienteles. Thesis writing, likewise, aims to hone the
research capabilities of students in the different fields of sciences (pure and applied) with
educational implications. Target enrollees for this course are Bachelor of Science
graduates in Biology (B.S. Biology) and Education, major in Biological Sciences
(B.S.E.in Biological Sciences).
II. Objectives
This proposed program is designed to:
1. provide a graduate program that will build an excellent academic community of science
professionals and researchers;
2. enhance access to information and resources about advanced biology teaching and
learning;
3. train and equip graduate students in the field of curriculum design, instructional
pedagogies, and research; and
4. provide professional development and science career opportunities for graduate students
in the academe, research industries and other technical applications of biology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
MSBE 605 - Cell and Molecular Biology
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts in molecular biology of the
cell. Topics include cell organization and sub-cellular structures, nucleic acid structure and
functions, DNA replication, transcription and translation, chromosome structure and remodeling,
and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Students are also introduced to
the experimental techniques used to study cell growth, manipulation and evaluation.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 608 - Advanced Plant Biology
An evolutionary approach to the study of major plant groups--algae to flowering plants.
Emphasis will be placed on cytology, anatomy, and development. Economic and ecological
aspects of various representative groups as they relate to humans will also be considered.
Laboratory will stress principles via hands-on study of selected representatives that are locally
available.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 609 - Advanced Developmental Biology
The course focuses on current cellular and molecular understanding of developmental
mechanisms controlling embryogenesis. Emphasis is placed on specific organ systems of the
mammalian embryo, including the heart, limbs, nervous system, and reproductive system.
Current developmental research studies are also introduced.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 610 - Biotechnology
This course covers basic methods in biotechnology for the manipulation of nucleic acids.
Emphasis is placed on topics requiring the application of techniques used in recombinant DNA
technology, including PCR, restriction digests, mapping, cloning, and forensics. Upon
completion, students should have an understanding of the theory, practice, and application of
recombinant DNA techniques.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 611 - Experimental Designs in Science
The subject covers the planning and designing of experiments with emphasis on techniques that
will illustrate concepts covered in the different areas of science.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 612 - Economic Microbiology
It is a discipline concerned on the biology of microorganisms with emphasis on the application
of microbiological concepts on practical problems such as disease, water and wastewater
treatment, food spoilage and food production, and the industrial and medical uses of microbes.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 613 - Advanced Micro-Parasitology
An advanced study on the mechanisms of host-parasite relationships, diagnosis, pathogenesis,
epidemiology and control strategies of major eukaryotic parasites. Emphasis is on infectious
diseases, biotechnology applications, molecular and biochemical characteristics, and molecular
and serological identification methods. Target output is a seminar on the current trends and
concepts in parasitism, and on the impact of biotechnology and genomics on the development of
antibiotics and vaccines.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 614 - Marine Biology and Freshwater Science
A comprehensive study on the concepts of the hydrosphere, focusing on the biology of the
marine environment – their nature and biodiversity, bioremediation, molecular approaches in
aquaculture, the role of marine microbes in global carbon cycling and genomics of marine
organisms.
Credit: 3 units
MSBE 617 - Environmental Education
A course on how natural environments function and, particularly, how human beings can manage
their behavior and ecosystems towards sustainable development. Focus is on environmental
improvement, protection and conservation, with the end view of increasing awareness, and
developing environmental literacy among graduate students. Output of the course is a seminar
on major environmental issues and plan of action to address them.
Credit: 3 units
