Implementation Date: 2010
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
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BACHELOR OF ARTS: SECONDARY TEACHER LICENSURE OPTION
Students preparing to teach high school physics may become licensed by earning the B.A. Degree: Secondary Teacher Licensure Option. A major in Physics with this option consists of a minimum of 120 semester hours that fulfill the general degree requirements of the University and that include at least 33 semester hours in physics with an average grade of C or better. The 33 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of either PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L or PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. The remaining 25 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 3282, PHYS 3283, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4241, plus three additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L, MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. Students may substitute PHYS 3220 for MATH 2242. Students are also required to take courses specified by the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 33-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year.
A schedule to complete the Secondary Teacher Licensure Option within a 4-year period has little flexibility due to the large number of required courses. The student should obtain a “Suggested Schedule” from the Department of Physics and Optical Science, make arrangements for an advisor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education, and obtain an up-to-date listing and schedule for required education courses. Licensure applications are the responsibility of the student and the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the College of Education.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: SECONDARY TEACHER LICENSURE OPTION
Students preparing to teach high school physics may become licensed by earning the B.S. Degree: Secondary Teacher Licensure Option. The student must (a) fulfill all requirements for the B.S. Degree and (b) complete the additional courses required by the College of Education. The student should make arrangements for an advisor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education, and obtain an up-to-date listing and schedule for required education courses. It is generally not possible to complete this option within four years without attending summer sessions. Licensure applications are the responsibility of the student and the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the College of Education.
PHYS 4350. Teaching and Learning Physics. (3)Prerequisite: PHYS 2102 or permission of instructor. A course on how people learn and understand key ideas related to physics. Course focus includes physics content, pedagogical methods and curriculum, cognitive science, and physics education research. Course includes opportunities for teaching and individualized projects. (On demand)
BACHELOR OF ARTS
The Bachelor of Art degree is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics within the context of a broader education. This curriculum allows the greatest freedom in choosing electives offered by other departments, and is ideal for students wishing to pursue double majors, matching physics with another discipline. A major in Physics leading to the B.A. degree consists of at least 33 semester hours of physics with an average of C or better. The 33 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of either PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L or PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. The remaining 25 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4241, either PHYS 3282 or PHYS 3283, plus six additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L and MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. Students may substitute PHYS 3220 for MATH 2242. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 33-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year. Students interested in teaching physics in high school should take both PHYS 3282 and PHYS 3283. In addition to meeting the requirements for the physics degree, students who plan to become licensed teachers must minor in Secondary Education. These students should contact the Office of Teacher Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the College of Education regarding teacher licensure.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
The Bachelor of Science degree is appropriate for students planning to pursue physics as a professional career, either immediately after graduation in a physics-related industry or after graduate study in physics. A major in Physics leading to the B.S. degree consists of at least 48 semester hours of physics with an average of C or better. The 48 hours of physics must include eight hours in an introductory sequence of PHYS 2101, 2102, 2101L, and 2102L. Under special circumstances, and with the approval of the Undergraduate Studies Committee, PHYS 1101, 1102, 1101L, and 1102L may be substituted for the PHYS 2101-2102 sequence. The remaining 40 hours must include PHYS 1000, PHYS 3101, PHYS 3121, PHYS 3141, PHYS 3151, PHYS 3210, PHYS 3282, PHYS 3283, PHYS 4222, PHYS 4231, PHYS 4232, PHYS 4241, and at least six additional hours at the 3000-4000 level. PHYS 3000, 3900, 4000, or 4800 may be used to fulfill the 48-semester hour requirement only if approved in advance for this purpose by the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Also required are CHEM 1251, 1251L, MATH 1241, 1242, 2171, 2241, and 2242. Students may substitute PHYS 3220 for MATH 2242. Freshmen should complete MATH 1241 before the beginning of their second year. Students planning for graduate study in physics are strongly advised to take PHYS 4242 as part of their 3000-4000 level elective hours. In addition to meeting the requirements for the physics degree, students who plan to become licensed teachers must minor in Secondary Education. These students should contact the Office of Teacher Advising and Licensure (TEAL) in the College of Education regarding teacher licensure.