Important Notice: Fall enrollment for continuing students has been moved to mid-July, due to the upcoming transition to the new Triton Student System (TSS). For questions about how this may impact fall enrollment, please contact the Registrar’s office. Additional information from campus will be shared as it becomes available.

Undergraduate Pedagogy and Learning Apprentices

Instructional Assistant (IA) is an umbrella term encompassing instructional roles including Pedagogy and Learning Apprentices (PLA), Readers, Tutors, and Teaching Assistants (TA).

The School of Biological Sciences offers undergraduates the opportunity to support courses and receive academic credit by participating in an introduction to science teaching at the collegiate level through supervised experiences as Pedagogy and Learning Apprentices (PLAs),

Pedagogy and Learning Apprentices (PLAs)

PLAs participate in supervised instructional activities under the direct guidance of a Biology course instructor. They also enroll in BISP 195P (4 units), a required academic course taken concurrently with the PLA assignment. Through BISP 195P, students receive instruction from a teaching faculty member and learn the fundamentals of teaching in a collegiate-level science course.

Enrollment in BISP 195P is restricted to students who have been formally selected and assigned as PLAs through the application process. Students may not enroll in BISP 195P independently or without an active PLA assignment.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Prior completion of the same or equivalent course of the assignment. Instructor may require completion of certain courses with stipulated grades (often a grade of A or B expected). See also, Alternative Qualifying Courses
A cumulative 3.00 UC GPA at the time of application and during the quarter of assignment.
A minimum of 90 units completed or transferred into UC San Diego at the time of application.
During the academic year, enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at UC San Diego during the quarter of assignment.
No more than 8 units of F and/or U grades in current degree aim at time of application and during the quarter of assignment.
Registered UC San Diego student with fees paid in the quarter of assignment.

Restrictions
- Students may NOT assist in more than one course per quarter at UC San Diego.

For other UC San Diego undergraduate student opportunities, please visit the page on Undergraduate Readers.

Current Application

Fall 2026 application will open on Monday May 11th, 2026 and close on Sunday, June 14th, 2026 at 11:59pm PST.

Application for Fall 2026 Positions

For more information on Summer Session opportunities, please visit the Summer Session IA page.

BISP 195P

BISP 195P is a weekly seminar course in which students enroll when assigned as an Pedagogy and Learning Apprentice (PLA) via the application process. BISP 195P grades are based upon both weekly seminar and practicum (PLA duties) participation.

Four-unit course
Pass/No Pass
May fulfill an upper-division biology elective requirement
Assigned PLAs are responsible to enroll in and attend one section of BISP 195P

Responsibilities and Time Expectations

PLA Duties

Actual duties for a particular course may vary and will be defined by the supervising instructor. Typical duties may include

Attend lectures
Participate in review/group sessions
Hold office hours
Answer student questions
Proctor exams
Meet regularly with the instructor
Other applicable duties as assigned by the instructor
10 hours per week (average)

Time Expectations

PLAs typically commit an average of 10 hours per week to their assignment (110 total hours in the quarter). Workload may fluctuate throughout the term, with increased time commitments during peak periods such as midterms and finals. If support is needed prior to the start of the quarter, instructors will communicate this in advance.

The distribution of hours is determined by the supervising instructor based on course needs. Readers are expected to plan and manage their time in coordination with the instructor to ensure responsibilities are completed within the established workload.

Assigned hours are outlined in the appointment notification and offer communication. Instructional Assistants should plan their time accordingly and may refer students with extensive questions to office hours or discussion sections.

Appointments may not exceed the established maximum workload. Instructional Assistants who anticipate exceeding their assigned hours must consult with their supervising instructor in advance to ensure workload remains within established guidelines. Early communication is essential.

Training

Assigned students are required to complete all campus and School of Biological Sciences training requirements.
BISP 195P

Performance Evaluations and Standards

PLAs are evaluated by the instructor of the course and by the students enrolled in the course via online evaluation surveys conducted at the end of the quarter.

Resources

The IA Resource page includes information about office hours, make-up sections, review sessions, technology, etc.
Biological Sciences Faculty Assistants can assist IAs and Course Instructors with course supplies, printing, scantrons, etc.
Teaching and Learning Commons: Checklist for Foundations Tasks as an Instructional Assistant
Teaching and Learning Commons:Remote teaching resources
Canvas: Keep Calm and Teach On: Resources and Support

Dr. Jim Kadonaga is the Faculty Advisor for Instructional Assistants. The Faculty Advisor is a point of initial contact for inquiries related to professional development as an IA, science of teaching, classroom effectiveness, or other questions and concerns related to ethics, behavior, or academic integrity.

FAQs for Assigned PLAs

Enrollment and Eligibility

Students must be registered and enrolled as a student in the quarter of service to be eligible to hold this assignment. Part time enrollment of at least 6 units does qualify for undergraduates.

Enrolling in BISP 195P

Pre-authorization to enroll in BISP 195P is provided prior to the start of the quarter, with instructions sent to @ucsd email. Please enroll through WebReg. BISP 195P is a required course, and PLAs must plan to enroll and attend one section during Weeks 1-5.

Application Status Listed as "Pending" Approval

PLA application status will likely appear as "pending" until Week 1 of the quarter of service. Please be aware that applications were pre-screened for eligibility, and in Biology, faculty have already reviewed the majority of student applications. Biological Sciences only forwards applications for which approval is anticipated. Assigned students who maintain academic eligibility (minimum 90 units complete and minimum 3.00 GPA) can plan and proceed as if the assignment is confirmed.

Contacting the Supervising Instructor

IAs may or may not receive instructions from the supervising instructor before the start of the quarter. If no communication is received, IAs are encouraged to proactively reach out to the supervising instructor via email. If unable to make contact, IAs should notify biota@ucsd.edu and attend the first class meeting. Discussion section assignments are coordinated directly with the supervising instructor.

Application Timeline

Application Periods and Deadlines
For participation in:	Application Opens	Applicants Notified of Decision
Fall	Late Spring Quarter	August, prior to the Fall term
Winter	Weeks 1 - 4 of the preceding quarter	By week 8 of the preceding Fall quarter
Spring	Weeks 1 - 4 of the preceding quarter	By week 8 of the preceding Winter quarter
Summer	Early Spring Quarter	By week 8 of the preceding Spring quarter

*Approximate timeline. Actual dates may vary.

Questions? Send to biota@ucsd.edu