Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University was established in 1992. The Faculty of Education began its educational activities in 2001. The Science Teacher Education program started admitting students in the 2001-2002 academic year. In addition to the four-year undergraduate education, successful students continue their master's and doctoral education under the Institute of Educational Sciences. Our department emphasizes not only strengthening the professional knowledge and experience of students but also supporting their personal development and directing them towards activities that enhance their creativity and social relationships, such as sports, arts, communication, and culture.
The Department of Science Education, with its four-year undergraduate program based on contemporary approaches in teacher training, aims to cultivate teachers who:
- Possess the fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the teaching profession
- Can follow studies in their field
- Base their lives on scientific processes
- Can access and transform information into production
- Have high problem-solving skills
- Are creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial
- Know and respect common societal values
- Can work in teams
- Have awareness of professional and ethical issues
- Can use various teaching methods and strategies in the teaching process
- Know and apply assessment and evaluation approaches
In line with this goal, the department's program includes courses aimed at both professional and subject matter knowledge as well as general culture to ensure the academic development of teacher candidates.
Since 2007, the Bologna Process, which allows citizens of countries within the European Higher Education Area to easily move across Europe for higher education or work, has been implemented. Graduating students have been able to receive a Diploma Supplement since 2012. The university has received the Diploma Supplement Label and is working towards obtaining the ECTS Label.
The department aims to increase knowledge and experience by supporting student and academician exchanges with reputable international institutions through bilateral agreements. As of 2007, the department has bilateral agreements within the ERASMUS, FARABI, and MEVLANA Student and Academic Exchange Programs.
The Department of Science Education operates within the Faculty of Education building, which has 39 classrooms, and biology, physics, and chemistry laboratories. Classrooms are equipped with technological tools such as projectors, overhead projectors, smart boards, and internet connections. Within the faculty, there are computer laboratories, a science shop classroom, coding and robotics workshops, a mathematics classroom, and a library available for the use of department students. The Faculty of Education also provides two group and five individual psychological counseling rooms to serve students, staffed by faculty members of the relevant department.
The Department of Science Education comprises 120 teacher candidates and 20 academic staff, including 6 professors, 9 associate professors, 2 assistant professors, 1 instructor doctor, and 2 research assistants.