Middle College

• What does Middle College mean?
• Overview of the Middle College Program
• Introduction to the Curriculum
• Programs of Study/Course Descriptions
  
• Careers
• Admissions
• FAQ's

What does Middle College mean?

Middle College is a designation given by the Texas Higher Education Board that enables high school juniors and seniors who attend the Texas Bioscience Institute (TBI) to take more than two college courses per semester. Students who begin taking courses their junior year may earn as much as 58-60 college credits and seniors may earn 28-30 credits by high school graduation.

The benefits of the Middle College program are:

• Increase the number of college credits students can obtain while still in high school.
• Make higher education more accessible, affordable, and attractive by bridging the divide between high school and college.
• Provide needed guidance and support from adults through the first two years of college.
• Facilitate the transition of motivated students to higher education.

Overview of the Middle College Program

The goal of the Texas Bioscience Institute is to create young scientists and the focus of the Middle College experience is biotechnology and related medical areas. Taking rigorous college level courses, participating in seminars focused on current biotechnology and medical research projects, observing in scientific laboratories engaged in cutting edge research, and engaging in reflective discussions are all part of this academic focus and the Institute experience.

Many of the teachers are engaged in recognized research and bring perspective and experiences to the classroom that enrich and add real world relevance to the subject matter and allow students to benefit uniquely from that knowledge and expertise. At TBI, students will find an environment in which they can increase knowledge, develop imagination, explore ideas and feelings, find life-long friends, and strengthen the desire to serve humankind.

Students who attend the TBI Middle College may take courses that:

• Transfer to a university and lead to a four-year degree in some area of science or math.
• Lead to completion of an Associate of Arts degree from Temple College.
• Lead to completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Biotechnology. To complete the AAS degree students will be required to take an extra semester and attend summer school, if accepted into the program.
  

Middle College students will participate in special seminars and practicum experiences. Some of the unique features of the Texas Bioscience Institute experience are (1) opportunities to observe in a research/clinical lab, (2) attend seminars by leading medical researchers and college faculty, and (3) complete a practicum or project at various medical facilities. The practicum will be associated with individuals from facilities such as: Cancer Research Institute, Cardiovascular Research Institute, private medical facilities, and Texas A&M College of Medicine. Potential careers within the biotechnology field will be explored, and Friday mornings will require Middle College students to attend seminars, tutorials, or classes at their respective high school campuses.

Middle College Demographics as of July 24, 2006:

• 61 Middle college students registered
• 13 High schools involved
• 10 School districts
• 195 Courses scheduled
• 32 Senior students
• 29 Junior students
• 46 Female
• 15 Male 

Introduction to the Curriculum

The following courses will be offered at the Texas Bioscience Institute in the Middle College.

Here is a sample schedule of classes for one semester.

Programs of Study/Course Descriptions

Careers

Click here for Career information.

Admissions

Click here for Admission information.

FAQ's

Click here for FAQ's specific to the Middle College.