Articulation of biology education and reform of undergraduate programs for non-majors requires clarifying fundamental biological concepts, recognizing the unique characteristics of institutions, and considering the role and influence of pre- college education in the life sciences. The Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS) proposes to complete a design study of biology education at pre-college and college levels. The goals of the study are to elaborate the conceptual structure of biology and to determine appropriate curriculum frameworks for high school, community colleges, and undergraduate courses for non-majors. The development of curriculum frameworks for collegiate courses for non-majors biology can provide substantial leadership for the biology education community. The concurrent development of high school programs based on a similar conceptual framework will help accomplish the objective of bridging the gap between precollege and undergraduate science. Because the proposed undergraduate program includes two-year colleges large numbers of women and minority students will be served, groups that are currently underserved by science education.The eleven-month study will use experts to identify and clarify the major concepts of biology and recommend curriculum frameworks for pre-college and college programs. The recommendations of this study will be published and disseminated to professional societies in biology and biology education for further distribution.
