Biology M.Ed., Vocational School Teacher

 

Program Components

Two subjects are also combined in Master's teacher training studies. The combination possibilities for the teacher training subjects are identical with those in the corresponding Bachelor courses of study.

Master's teacher training studies includes not only the two subjects but other elements as well:

• Educational studies
• Practical semester
• German for School Students with an Immigration Background (DSSZ)

 

Degree Content

Subject-Didactic and Practical School Studies

Lesson and school practice are at the focus of the first two semesters. A preparatory module accompanying the practical semester contains a technical seminar, a preparatory seminar with lesson exercises, and a seminar accompanying the practical semester.

In the subject-didactic module central topics of biology pedagogy are explored further using selected lesson topics (such as simplification and didactic reconstruction; exploration methods like experiments, investigations, and observations; media; modelling; subject and language; material and personal facilitation of learning process). Furthermore, students also work on the didactic structuring of individual hours and lesson sequences as well as planning and carrying out a skill-oriented biology lesson taking curricular requirements into consideration.

During the seminar that accompanies the practical semester, students work on turning skill-oriented learning objectives into subject content and methods for biology lessons. Another component of the subject-didactic module is managing media, tools and equipment relevant to school.

 

Technical Studies

The technical component, that is the third and fourth semesters, encompasses two elective modules. In these modules students independently expand their theoretical and practical skills.

Through a technical internship students learn to apply common biological working methods and to transfer these to lessons. Both modules must be selected from the following fields:

• General Biology (for ecample Microbiology, Cell Biology, or Environmental Sciences)
• Botany
• Zoology (for example Human Biology, Developmental Biology, or Neurobiology)

At least one of the modules must be closely related to biology lessons in schools (for example Human Biology 1) and at least one must contain an internship.

Students work out a current specific topic with the science, pedagogy, or education of biology in their Master's thesis. They have six months to write the thesis part-time. This period ends with a colloquium, in which students present their results.

Study Abroad

The Faculty has several international partner universities with which it has well-established links, such as collaborations in teaching and research as well as exchange programs such as ERASMUS+. An overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs can be found at: Overview of Exchange Options. Information on the feasibility of stays abroad can be found at International on the Departments website or by contacting the Departmental Advisors.

 

Prerequisites

First University Degree

An initial university degree is required to begin a Master's teacher training program. The exact technical educational background required is summarized in the examination regulation. The examination board is responsible for determining if admissions requirements have been fulfilled.

Language Requirements

In order to be admitted to teaching practice students must provide documentation of skills in two foreign languages. The university entrance qualification typically fulfills this. Students, who did not learn German as a native speaker and acquired their university entrance qualification in German, only need to submit proof of knowledge of one additional language. Only one foreign language is required for students pursuing a combination with at least one professional subject for teacher training at a vocational school.

 

Career Prospects

You can find information from the NRW Ministry of Schools about the career prospects for various fields of teaching through 2039/40 in the brochure Prognoses on the Job Market for Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia (de).

 

Subject-Related Practical Training

Training to become a teacher at vocational school includes relevant practical training lasting twelve months. The subject-related practical training is not part of teacher training studies, meaning the twelve months are not included in the study period. The practical training must be completed before beginning the teaching practice period. The majority of the practical training should be completed before finishing studies. More about subject-related practical training

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

General Regulations: Comprehensive Exam Regulations of RWTH Aachen Master Teaching Training for Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, and Berufskollegs

Special Regulations: Subject Specific Exam Regulations (de) (The current version applies to all first year students.)

 

Faculty

Studies in Biology are offered by the Department of Biology in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.