Major in Natural Sciences, Physics Education Concentration

Program Overview

This program prepares students to become secondary physics teachers with a curriculum that spans eight semesters, totaling 120 credit hours. The program emphasizes physics content, pedagogical methods, and real-world experience through practica and student teaching. Graduates must maintain a 2.75 GPA and earn a C or higher in all relevant courses to qualify for licensure.

Program Outline

Outline:

The program is designed to prepare students for a career as a secondary physics teacher.

Sophomore Year:

• Semester 3: EDUC 275 (Schooling in the United States), LIFE 102 (Attributes of Living Systems), PH 142 (Physics for Scientists and Engineers II), Select one group from the following: AA 100 (Introduction to Astronomy), AA 101 (Astronomy Laboratory), GEOL 120 (Exploring Earth - Physical Geology), GEOL 121 (Introductory Geology Laboratory)

Junior Year:

• Semester 5: EDUC 350 (Instruction I-Individualization/Management), EDUC 386 (Practicum-Instruction I), EDUC 461A (Secondary Science and Technology Education I), PH 245 (Introduction to Electronics), STAT 301 (Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods), Advanced Writing
• Semester 6: EDUC 461B (Secondary Science and Technology Education II), PH 315 (Modern Physics Laboratory), PH 361 (Physical Thermodynamics), Science/Math Electives

Senior Year:

• Semester 7: EDUC 450 (Instruction II-Standards and Assessment), EDUC 486E (Practicum: Instruction II), PH 353 (Optics and Waves), Arts and Humanities, Historical Perspectives
• Semester 8: EDUC 485B (Student Teaching: Secondary), EDUC 493A (Seminar: Professional Relations)

Other:

• All Physics Education majors must maintain a 2.75 GPA and receive a C or better in all content and education courses for licensure.
• All coursework must be completed prior to Student Teaching (AUCC 4A/4B/4C requirement).
• Admission into the teacher licensure program is required for phase II education courses and above.