Biology and Chemistry
The Department of Science in Education (Biology and Chemistry) at SIMAD University’s Faculty of Education was established in 2014 as the second academic program to address the national demand for skilled science educators. The department offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Education program, combining in-depth studies in biology and chemistry with modern teaching methodologies and hands-on laboratory experiences. The curriculum aligns with global standards, covering areas such as genetics, ecology, analytical chemistry, instructional technology, and educational psychology, alongside interdisciplinary skills in communication, ICT, and research. Through research projects and school-based teaching practice, students are equipped to teach effectively and contribute to solving real-world scientific and educational challenges. With its mission to produce competent, research-driven, and ethically grounded science teachers, the department continues to advance scientific excellence, both for local impact and global relevance.
- Completion of secondary school with a minimum overall average of 50%
- Should bring the original and a copy of secondary school certificate
- Should bring Six (6) passport size photos with white background
- Should bring the original copy of a letter of good conduct issued by your secondary school
- Should bring a sponsorship letter from your guardian
- Should successfully pass an admission interview and/or test
- Pay non-refundable Processing and ID card fees of USD $50 (bank draft)
Semester One
BIO 1101: Fundamentals of Biology – 3 Credits
CHM 1201: General Chemistry – 3 Credits
MTH 1101: General Mathematics – 3 Credits
ELS 1103: English Language I – 3 Credits
EDU 1101: Study Skills – 2 Credits
IST 1101: Fundamentals of Computing – 2 Credits
SLM 1101: Islamic Studies I – 2 Credits
ARB 1101: Arabic I – 2 Credits
EDU 1201: Somali Studies – 2 Credits
Semester Two
ZOO 1201: Invertebrate Zoology – 3 Credits
BOT 1201: Forms and Structure of Lower Plants – 3 Credits
CHM 2101: Inorganic Chemistry – 3 Credits
EDU 1201: Introduction to Education – 3 Credits
EDU 1202: Introduction to Psychology – 3 Credits
IST 1202: Computer Application and Technology – 3 Credits
PSC 1129: Conflict Resolution – 2 Credits
EDU 1204: Critical Thinking – 2 Credits
Semester Three
BOT 2101: Basic Ecology – 3 Credits
BOT 2102: Vertebrate Zoology – 3 Credits
BOT 1101: Forms and Structure of Higher Plants – 3 Credits
CHM 2201: Organic Chemistry I – 3 Credits
EDU 2101: Psychology of Human Learning and Instruction – 3 Credits
EDU 2102: General Methods of Teaching – 3 Credits
ELS 2105: English Skills – 3 Credits
ARB 2102: Arabic Language II – 3 Credits
Semester Four
BOT 2201: Introduction to Plant Anatomy – 3 Credits
ZOO 2201: Cell Biology – 3 Credits
ZOO 2202: Animal Physiology – 3 Credits
CHM 2202: Organic Chemistry II – 3 Credits
EDU 2201: Education Management and Administration – 3 Credits
ELS 2204: Communication Skills – 3 Credits
SLM 2202: Islamic Studies II – 3 Credits
Semester Five
ZOO 3101: Genetics – 3 Credits
ZOO 3102: Animal Reproduction and Development – 3 Credits
BOT 3101: Introduction to Plant Physiology – 3 Credits
EDU 3101: Educational Planning – 3 Credits
EDU 3102: Strategies and Practices in Teaching – 4 Credits
EDU 3202: Introduction to Biochemistry – 3 Credits
BOT 3202: Plant Taxonomy and Diversity – 3 Credits
Semester Six
ZOO 3201: Parasitology and Microbiology – 3 Credits
ZOO 3202: Basic Entomology – 3 Credits
ZOO 4102: Herpetology and Ichthyology – 4 Credits
EDU 3201: Instructional Technology – 3 Credits
CHM 3101: Environmental Chemistry – 3 Credits
RM: Research Methods – 3 Credits
EDU: School Practice I – 6 Credits
Semester Seven
ZOO 4101: Mammalogy and Ornithology – 4 Credits
BOT 3201: Biostatistics – 3 Credits
EDU 4101: Guidance and Counseling – 3 Credits
BOT 4101: Plant Pathology – 3 Credits
CHM 4101: Physical Chemistry – 3 Credits
BOT 4102: Crop Science – 3 Credits
EDU 4102: Curriculum Studies – 3 Credits
Semester Eight
ZOO 4201: Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy – 3 Credits
ZOO 4202: Animal Behaviour – 3 Credits
CHM 4201: Analytical Chemistry – 3 Credits
EDU 4201: Comparative Education – 3 Credits
EDU 4202: Evaluation of Teaching and Learning – 3 Credits
Research Project – 3 Credits
EDU 4218: School Practice II – 6 Credits
Five years
$ 115 in each semester
The SU academic year consists of 42 weeks split into two semesters of 18 weeks each, the first beginning in August.
Career Opportunities for Students (During Studies)
Locally (Somalia):
- Teaching Assistants in private or public secondary schools.
- Laboratory Technicians in schools or small local labs.
- Tutors for primary and secondary school students in science subjects.
- Interns at NGOs or government projects in education, environment, or public health.
- Research Assistants in university-led science and education research projects.
- Content Creators for Somali science education platforms, YouTube, or online tutoring services.
Globally:
- Remote Science Tutors on international platforms (e.g., Preply, Chegg, or Cambly).
- Online Course Assistants for international open education platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX).
- Virtual Lab Assistants or Science Demonstrators in online science outreach programs.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Locally (Somalia):
- Secondary School Science Teacher (Biology and Chemistry) – in public or private schools.
- Curriculum Developer – for the Ministry of Education or private institutions.
- Educational Supervisor or Inspector – monitoring and improving science instruction quality.
- Science Curriculum Advisor – assisting NGOs and government with educational reforms.
- University Lecturer or Assistant Lecturer – at universities or teacher training colleges.
- School Administrator – such as Head of Science Department or School Principal.
- Environmental or Agricultural Officer – with government or NGOs.
- Public Health Educator – working in health promotion campaigns.
- Science Communicator or Journalist – writing or broadcasting for science education platforms.
Globally (International Market):
- Science Teacher in International Schools – especially across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
- STEM Education Specialist – in international development organizations (e.g., UNESCO, UNICEF, Save the Children).
- Graduate Studies Opportunities – in education, environmental sciences, biotechnology, or public health.
- Education Consultant – advising schools, ministries, or NGOs on science education reform.
- Lab Technologist or Assistant – in research labs, universities, or hospitals.
- Environmental Analyst or Conservation Officer – especially in countries with active sustainability programs.
- Instructional Designer – creating science content for e-learning platforms and edtech companies.
- Science Researcher – in life sciences, chemical sciences, or interdisciplinary fields.
- Biotechnology Assistant – in agricultural, pharmaceutical, or bio-research companies.
Emerging Global Trends Enhancing Opportunities
- Green Careers: Sustainability and environmental education are in growing demand.
- STEM Education Advocacy: There is a strong global push for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education—graduates are valuable in both education and policy sectors.
- Digital Education: The shift to digital and hybrid learning models opens up new roles in content creation, virtual teaching, and online science engagement.
- Global Teacher Shortage: Many countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, have high demand for qualified science teachers.