BS Mathematics & Science Teaching
A guide on the BS Mathematics and Science Teaching (MST) journey — from understanding the curriculum to surviving your first teaching experience. MST isn't just a degree, it's a calling: as you grow in content knowledge and teaching craft, you're also preparing to become a Guro ng Bayan para sa Bayan, someone who teaches with purpose, heart, and impact.
The MST Program
The Mathematics and Science Teaching Program (MSTP) is designed to produce versatile teachers who can teach all high school mathematics and science courses with proficiency and can perform action research using current technology, strategies, and methods.
It is a joint program of the Institute of Biological Sciences, the Institute of Chemistry, the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, and the Institute of Physics.
Graduates of the BS Mathematics and Science Teaching program have the competencies to handle the science and mathematics subjects at the junior high school level and the STEM strand of the Academic Track at the senior high school level of the Philippines' K-12 enhanced basic education program.
History of MST
The BS MST program is one of the 12 undergraduate degree programs offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. It was first offered during the first semester of A.Y. 2003–2004.
The program was established upon the endorsement of the former UP President Francisco Nemenzo Jr. during the 1158th meeting of the University's Board of Regents (BOR) in January 2002. It replaced the education option of the BS Biology and BS Mathematics curricula at that time, and was designed to address the dismal performance of Filipino high school students in mathematics and science, as measured by national and international assessment studies, by producing competent and versatile teachers.
Program Coordinators
- Prof. Rolando G. Panopio, PhD (2003–2019) — professor of mathematics at UPLB; served as director of IMSP, associate dean of CAS, and assistant to the vice chancellor for academic affairs of UPLB.
- Assoc. Prof. Rosemarie D. Eusebio (2019–2023) — respected figure in physics education research, focused on assessment and evaluation, flipped classroom techniques, and quality assurance.
- Assoc. Prof. Annalee S. Hadsall (2023–2024) — research focus on morpho-anatomical diversity of native orchids, mountain ecosystem conservation, and phytogeographical patterns of epiphytes.
- Assoc. Prof. Abriel S. Bulasag, PhD (2024–present) — teacher at UPRHS and researcher in plant pathology and science education, with over 600 high school research projects advised.
Courses Offered
The BS MST curriculum is a strong version of the BS Education program as far as mathematics and science teaching are concerned. It includes 54 units of fundamental courses, 46 units of education and MST courses, 13 to 16 units of specialization courses, 18 units of required General Education (GE) courses, nine units of elective GE courses, eight units of HK courses, and six units of NSTP courses.
Fundamental Courses
| Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| AMAT 19 | Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| BIO 11.1 | Investigative Biology Laboratory | 2 |
| BIO 14 | Biodiversity | 5 |
| BIO 30 | Genetics | 3 |
| CHEM 18 | University Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 18.1 | University Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHEM 40 | Basic Organic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 40.1 | Basic Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| CHEM 160 | Introductory Biochemistry | 4 |
| MATH 18 | College Geometry | 3 |
| MATH 25 | Fundamental Calculus | 3 |
| MATH 27 | Analytical Geometry and Calculus I | 3 |
| PHYS 50 | Foundations of Physics | 3 |
| PHYS 71 | University Physics I | 4 |
| PHYS 71.1 | University Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
| PHYS 72 | University Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 72.1 | University Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
| STAT 162 | Experimental Designs | 3 |
| STAT 166 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 |
Education & MST Courses
| Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| COMA 150 | Workplace Communication | 3 |
| DEVC 40 | Fundamentals of Educational Communication and Technology | 3 |
| EDUC 102 | Theories and Principles of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 111 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDUC 122 | Principles and Strategies of Teaching | 3 |
| EDUC 144 | Evaluation of Learning Outcomes | 3 |
| MST 101A–D | Field Study I–IV | 1 each |
| MST 123 | The Teaching of Mathematics and Science | 5 |
| MST 190 | Special Problem | 3 |
| MST 191 | Special Topic | 3 |
| MST 195 | Research Methodologies in Education | 3 |
| MST 199 | Undergraduate Seminar | 1 |
| MST 200A | On-Campus Student Teaching | 3 |
| MST 200B | Off-Campus Student Teaching | 3 |
| SPCM 156 | Speech Communication Strategies for Classroom Instructions | 3 |
Specialized Courses
Biology: Ecology · University Botany · Human Physiology · Biology and Applications of Microorganisms · University Zoology
Chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry (+ Lab) · Elementary Physical Chemistry · Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory · General Environmental Chemistry
Math: Matrices and Applications · Landscape of Mathematics · Analytical Geometry and Calculus II · Logic and Set Theory · Elementary Theory of Numbers
Physics: Physics of Scientific Instruments · Physics of Electronic Devices · Foundations of Computer Science · Experimental Physics I & II
General Education & Non-Credited Courses
Required GE courses include Critical Perspectives in the Arts, Critical Perspectives in Communication, Ethics and Moral Reasoning to Everyday Life, Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas/Philippine History, The Life and Works of Jose Rizal, and Science, Technology, and Society. You may also choose up to three elective GE courses from a list spanning humanities, philosophy, and the social sciences. Non-credited requirements include Wellness and Basic Injury Management, Human Kinetics Activities, and two semesters of NSTP.
Areas of Specialization
BS MST offers four majors, each housed in institutes recognized as Centers of Excellence for quality instruction and research.
Biology
Proficiency in the biological sciences — genetics, ecology, botany, microbiology, and zoology — preparing you for careers in biology and healthcare education.
Physics
Proficiency in matter, energy, and motion — from mechanics to modern physics — preparing you for careers in physics, engineering, and even quantum computing.
Chemistry
Proficiency in chemical interactions and reactions — organic, inorganic, biochemistry, and physical chemistry — preparing you for careers in chemistry, industry, and pharmaceuticals.
Mathematics
Proficiency in logical problem solving — geometry, calculus, and set theory — preparing you for careers in mathematics and engineering.
Faculty and Staff
The BS MST Management Committee oversees the program's implementation, ensuring academic quality and coordination across specializations:
- Assoc. Prof. Abriel S. Bulasag — MSTP Coordinator
- Asst. Prof. Rainier Kent Emerson B. Gonzales — Area Coordinator for Biology, Quality Assurance Officer, MST 200B Coordinator
- Asst. Prof. Ralph Lauren M. Alomia — Area Coordinator for Chemistry
- Asst. Prof. Lara Ruth Mavil A. Ching-Dailo — Area Coordinator for Mathematics
- Mr. Ahl G. Balitaon — Area Coordinator for Physics
- Asst. Prof. Ronadane N. Liwanag — MST 101 Coordinator
- Asst. Prof. Ma. Grechelle Lyn D. Perez — MST 200A Coordinator
- Asst. Prof. Leopoldo B. Laset — Member
- Asst. Prof. Ma. Angelie M. Pasicolan — Member
- Asst. Prof. Mabel S. Buela — UPRHS Principal
Possible Careers
Teaching and Education
- Junior High School Teacher — teach Grades 7–10 basic science or math.
- Senior High School Teacher (STEM Strand) — teach advanced science or math to Grades 11–12.
- College Instructor — teach general or specialized college courses.
- Private Tutor / Learning Program Specialist — one-on-one or small group instruction.
Curriculum and Instruction
- Curriculum and Instructional Designer — create lesson plans and materials.
- Learning Material Evaluator — review textbooks and teaching tools.
- Teaching Strategies Specialist — explore new teaching methods and technologies.
Academic and Research
- Educational Researcher — study how students learn and teachers teach.
- Education Consultant — advise schools and organizations on curriculum and outcomes.
- School Administrator — principal or academic coordinator roles.
Professional Advancement
- Graduate Studies — MS Education, Math, or Science.
- Law or Medicine — use your science/math background as a stepping stone, with the right prerequisites.
MST Recognitions
The Excellence in Quality Assurance in Teacher Education (EQUATE) Award was presented to the University of the Philippines Los Baños in recognition of its commitment to national education development goals and quality pre-service teacher education at the secondary level.
This distinction highlights the BS MST program's consistent 100% passing rate in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers — achieved in March 2015, March 2016, 2018, March 2019, September 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and March 2025.
LEPT Topnotchers
| Name | Date | Rank / Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey Magtibay | March 2012 | #2 | 87.40 |
| Jonan Marie Obias | March 2013 | #6 | 91.00 |
| Ymmalu Margarette Esparagoza | September 2015 | #10 | 87.80 |
| Joy Melanie Luluquisen | March 2016 | #9 | 89.20 |
| Angel Mae Ombid | September 2018 | #6 | 91.80 |
| Noviel Natividad | March 2019 | #9 | 91.00 |
| Elaiza Bautista | January 2022 | #10 | 90.80 |
| Niccolo Alexio Franco | October 2022 | #6 | 93.20 |
| Alvin Jay Estimadora | March 2024 | #8 | 91.20 |
| Arianne Abigail Monzon | September 2024 | #7 | 93.20 |
| John Reynor Pionilla | March 2025 | #2 | 93.60 |
| Kerby Tacorda | March 2025 | #10 | 92.00 |
Notable Alumni
Give MST a chance to shape you, to show you the beauty of teaching — especially when you go to UP Rural High School for your field study courses and teaching practicum — and to help you discover what you can become. Take heart, take your time, and trust the journey. You are exactly where you're meant to start. Mabel S. Buela, MA, LPT Major in Physics, Batch 2006 — Principal, UP Rural High School
The program gives you the experience needed to navigate the challenges of the 21st-century classroom — from classroom management to instructional design and curriculum development. Welcome to the marathon: don't lose sight of your goal, rest if you must, and don't be afraid to create communities of support. John Joshua A. Azucena, MS, LPT Major in Biology, Batch 2012 — Special Science Teacher 4, PSHS-CALABARZON
The program helps shape you into a well-rounded educator, someone who can navigate a range of science topics beyond your major. It teaches you to value inclusivity and to ensure that science education is accessible and meaningful for all learners. Ronia Melecia R. Mosaso, MS, LPT Major in Biology, Batch 2011 — Science Education Specialist I, NISMED
Since MST prepares you to essentially teach lessons, it becomes an advantage in any field — you learn to simplify topics, discuss reports with confidence, and explain complex ideas clearly. You are in a very promising degree program no matter what path you plan to take after graduation. Rhys Ivan L. Galang, MD Major in Biology, Batch 2009 — Second Year Resident, Emergency Medicine, UP-PGH
Message from the MST Coordinator
Welcome to UPLB and to the BS Mathematics and Science Teaching (MST) program! The country needs passionate, skilled, and grounded teachers like you — ready to inspire curiosity, explain hard concepts, and show compassion where it's most needed. Your MST journey won't just be about solving equations or memorizing reactions, it's about solving real-world problems and reacting with purpose. Dream of the kind of classroom you want to create, then let MST equip you to build it. Abriel S. Bulasag, PhD MSTP Coordinator
Significance of MST
The Philippine education system is in the midst of a deeply rooted crisis. International large-scale assessments, including PISA, have repeatedly shown that Filipino students are underperforming in essential competencies, particularly in mathematics and science — reflecting declining quality of instruction, lack of systemic support for teachers, and persistent inequities in access to quality learning.
The findings of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) affirm the urgency of intervention: teacher mismatch remains widespread, instructional time is frequently lost, and learning recovery continues to lag. MST graduates stand at the forefront of educational reform, armed with deep disciplinary expertise, pedagogical proficiency, and a strong research orientation — uniquely positioned to drive curriculum innovation and advance equitable access to quality science and mathematics education across the Philippines.
Acknowledgments
This BS MST Primer was made possible through the contributions of Nicole Agustin, Elyze Mastrili, Franklin Razon, and John Tagara — BS MST interns under the DOST Practical Training Program who served as content writers and graphics and layout artists. Other contributors: Iza Victoria Artates, Carl Nowitzki Cabriga, Matt Gabriel Gallardo, and King Jalil Umpar.
Begin with Passion. Grow with Purpose.