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Instructional Assistants

The School of Biological Sciences offers practical teaching experience to UC San Diego students. Graduate students may participate as Teaching Assistants. Undergraduates may participate through experiences as a Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice effective FA25 (formerly UGIA) or Reader. Under the mentorship and direction of the course instructor and the Faculty Advisor to Instructional Assistants, undergraduates receive an introduction to the pedagogy of teaching, along with supervised, applied experience in teaching science at the collegiate level. Graduate student Teaching Assistants also benefit from mentorship and supervision in an applied practicum experience, while at the same time exploring more in-depth professional development and independent application of teaching and content development skills.

  • Teaching Assistants exist for both PhD and MS level students to assist in the development of the participant's understanding of teaching and learning.
  • Pedagogy and Learning Apprentices afford students the occasion to participate in the instructional process from an entirely unique perspective and to develop an appreciation for dynamic teaching.
  • Readers support instruction in the School through service as a grader, exam proctor, or exam scribe.
  • Summer Opportunities give eligible students the chance to extend their experience.

Excellence in Teaching Awards are presented annually to Instructional Assistants whose student and instructor evaluations reflect an exemplary level of performance as an Instructional Assistant.