Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching is designed to enable experienced, practicing elementary and middle school teachers to improve their teaching of those subjects for which they often feel least prepared: mathematics and science. The part-time, two-year program comprises 30 credits, organized into six courses offered one per semester. 

The aim of the program is to improve the quality of mathematics and science teaching in elementary and middle schools, instilling within teachers the confidence and skills to become mathematics and science leaders in their classrooms, schools and districts. In order to achieve this aim, the program balances between two enabling objectives:

1. Improving teachers’ understanding of mathematics and science.
2. Providing opportunities for experienced teachers to explore their own and others’ teaching successes in order to improve their teaching methodologies and resources.

Graduates of the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma will:

• Create interesting mathematics units and lessons from a well-founded and broad understanding of mathematical problem-solving techniques and deep understanding of the aims and goals of the BC mathematics curriculum from kindergarten right through to high school graduation.
• Create innovative science units and lessons from a problem-based learning approach that emphasizes scientific reasoning and technique.
• Appreciate the role of popular culture in forming opinions of the roles of mathematicians and scientists and the work that they do as well as popular positive and sinister conceptions of mathematics and science in society.
• Critically examine current issues in mathematics and science education.
• Have an expanded practical toolbox of teaching, integration and assessment techniques, making their classroom mathematics and science engaging and relevant.
• Be champions of mathematics and science within their classrooms, schools and districts.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

If you are a Category 4 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the Diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 4 to 5. If you are a Category 5 teacher, British Columbia Teacher's Qualification Service (TQS) accepts the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching as an "integrated" program which makes graduates of the diploma eligible for a pay scale upgrade from category 5 to 5+.

NOTE: Some districts require approval of a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Plan before starting your program. Check with your Human Resource department to see if this applies in your district.

Intake Dates

The program is planned for biannual intakes, and is limited to 28 students per course. The next intake is scheduled for Fall 2013.  Late entry to join the Fall 2011 cohort may be possible.  Please contact the Program Coordinator.  (Note that with late entry, completion of the program within two years is not guaranteed.) 

Application Deadline

Application deadlines for the Fall 2013 intake will be announced in Fall 2012.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Up to 50% of total seats may be allocated prior to the application deadline.

Admission Requirements

To enrol in the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching, candidates must meet the following prerequisite conditions:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution. 
2. Hold a Professional Teaching certificate from the BC College of Teachers or the Independent Schools Branch of the BC Ministry of Education or be eligible to obtain such certification.       
3. A current curriculum vitae.
4. Two (2) letters of reference, one of which should speak to the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced work in education.

Preferential Admissions Procedure

Applicants who meet all admission requirements may be offered early acceptance (i.e., before the application deadline). Applicants who do not meet all the requirements may be admitted to the program if space is available. They should contact the Program Coordinator.

Program Duration

The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching is a part-time, two-year program.  There is no necessary order to the courses, other than for MSTE 5230 which may be taken only after completion of all three of the MSTE 5100-series courses.

Credential Offered

Students successfully completing the 30-credit program are eligible for a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Program Content

Year One: Foundation and Content
The first year of the program focuses on giving students the opportunity to “go back to school,” to investigate the sciences and mathematics in order to improve their general understanding of science, mathematics and the scientific method. These investigations will involve laboratory work as well as individual and collaborative online research. It consists of three courses.

MSTE 5110 - Teaching biology and earth science
Selected topics from biology and earth sciences are examined through expert presentation, seminar discussion, hands-on laboratories and field trips. Topics are presented with a pedagogical perspective in order to improve experienced teachers’ ability to teach scientific reasoning to an audience of elementary or middle school children.

Delivery mode: Blended, weekly online discussions and biweekly Saturday meetings that will include laboratories and field trips.

MSTE 5120 - Teaching chemistry and physics
Selected topics from chemistry, physics and astronomy are explored face-to-face, on-line, in the laboratory and through night observations. Topics are presented with a pedagogical perspective in order to improve experienced teachers’ ability to teach scientific reasoning to an audience of elementary or middle school children.

Delivery mode: Blended, weekly online discussions and biweekly Saturday meetings that will include laboratories and field trips.

MSTE 5130 - Teaching mathematics
We will examine the BC K-12 mathematics curriculum with the critical eye of the experienced teacher in order to deeply understand the underlying philosophy as well as the practical considerations of teaching mathematical skills, conceptual development, the role of problem-solving, integration of mathematics within other disciplines and how and why teachers assess learning.    

Delivery mode: Blended, weekly online discussions and evening meetings.

Year Two: Diversification and Application
The second year of the program sees the students continuing to explore mathematics and sciences, first in reference to popular conceptions of the sciences and then through exploration of current issues in teaching mathematics and the sciences. The second year ends with the synthesis of all that has been learned into a paper, project or unit plan.

MSTE 5210 - Mathematics and science in popular culture
This course examines the portrayal of mathematics and science in literature and popular culture. While focusing on subjective representations of mathematicians and scientists, the course will also address the presence of science and mathematics in the structural design of texts, and the role science and mathematics play as thematic touchstones in literature, film, and graphic novels.

Delivery mode: Blended, weekly online discussions and evening meetings.

MSTE 5220 - Contemporary issues in mathematics and science teaching
This course will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues in mathematics and science education. Topics may vary according to interests of the group, but will address such concerns as assessment, gender issues, learning theories and the use of technology. 

Delivery mode: Blended, weekly online discussions and evening meetings.    

MSTE 5230 - Engaging students in mathematics and science
A seminar course whose aim is to synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. An individual project is completed in consultation with a faculty member. The project may take the form of a major paper or a practical project.

Delivery mode: Weekly seminar with supervisor, guided individual research.