The Graduate Group in Science and Mathematics Education (SESAME) is an interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of learning and teaching in science, engineering, and mathematics. It acts in most respects like a regular department, carrying out research, teaching courses, and offering a graduate program leading to a PhD degree in science or mathematics education. The faculty of the group consists of professors from several of the Berkeley science and engineering departments and the School of Education, and instructors associated with other units on campus, such as the Lawrence Hall of Science. The group operates under the auspices of the Graduate Division.
SESAME is closely related to the LSHD (Learning Sciences and Human Development) program and shares many courses with LSHD. A major difference in the programs is that SESAME students are expected to obtain at least master's level competency in their mathematical or scientific disciplines. It produces scholars who can communicate well with scientists and engineers, as well as with educational researchers and practitioners. The program includes studies that connect human development, cognitive science, and educational technology with the learning of science, mathematics, and engineering.
SESAME PhDs have frequently taken positions in college science, mathematics, and engineering departments, teaching courses in the discipline but also serving as the "education person" in the department and doing research on the teaching and learning of the subject matter. Through the years SESAME students have also focused on learning in informal settings and have gone on to careers in institutions such as museums and science centers.
Undergraduate Program
There is no undergraduate program in Science and Mathematics Education.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Practical experience on an educational research or development project on campus or elsewhere for 8-12 hours per week. Class meetings augment research experience with discussions of readings and interaction with guest speakers. Practicum in Science and Math Education Research and Development: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of fieldwork per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Science and Mathematics Education/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2021
Survey of literature on design of instruction in science and mathematics, including development of computer-based instruction. Includes consideration of evaluation methods and development of instruction modules for topics in science and mathematics. Instructional Design in Science and Mathematics Education: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: 220B or consent of the instructor
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 3 hours of lecture per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Science and Mathematics Education/Graduate
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Discussion of current education research carried on by students, faculty, and guest speakers. A written analysis of several presentations required. Research Seminar and Colloquium: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 2 hours of colloquium per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Science and Mathematics Education/Graduate
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
Terms offered: Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024
Individual study, under the supervision of a faculty member, designed to prepare the student for Ph.D qualifying examination. Individual Study for Qualifying Examination: Read More [+]
Rules & Requirements
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor
Credit Restrictions: Course does not satisfy unit or residence requirements.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit without restriction.
Hours & Format
Fall and/or spring: 15 weeks - 0 hours of independent study per week
Additional Details
Subject/Course Level: Science and Mathematics Education/Graduate examination preparation
Grading: Offered for satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade only.
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