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Narrative: "Careers in Biology" is a two-credit hour course developed by Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Biology Department. The course is open to all students considering a career in biology. In addition to learning about careers in biology, medicine and agriculture, students learn interviewing and resume techniques and how to get into professional and graduate schools. The course also includes a unique shadowing opportunity for students. Nearly seventy (70) community professionals from doctors to physical therapists, to lab technicians to microbiologists are partners with this course and allow students to visit their work sites to learn more about the fields in which they want to major.
The course is transferable to UT Knoxville and counts toward credit for a biology degree. Students complete research and select five professions to visit. One-half day is spent shadowing. Students make presentations to the class so all students benefit from the information gained.
It Works! The Chemistry Department at Pellissippi State is considering the development of this course for their majors. Plans are also underway to articulate this course with high schools in Knox County. Twenty-two (22) students have had the course thus far. Some comments: "This class has helped me make up my mind about my future goals in education." "This class is just fantastic-plain and simple." "I have really benefited from the shadowing experiences."
Contact:
Dr. Susan McMahon
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Hardin Valley Road
Knoxville, TN 37933
E-mail: smcmahon@pstcc.cc.tn.us