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Programs, Undergraduate
Notes:
- Click on physics course numbers to see descriptions and any pre-/co-requisites.
- All course descriptions can be found here
Introduction
Physics is the study of how nature works, from the unimaginably small world of sub-atomic particles to the marvelously huge world of galaxies and black holes. It is a basic science that can and must have an important impact on the problems facing modern society. Physicists help attack these problems directly through research and indirectly through teaching, both at the secondary and the university levels.
The secondary education (SED) physics major is for students who want to teach physics at the junior or senior high school level. The primary aims of this major are to provide students with a thorough background in the methods and applications of general physics, an understanding of how the present view of the natural universe has evolved, and the training required to be an effective teacher.
Either a major or a minor in secondary education physics can lead to state certification to teach high school physics. Students should meet with an advisor in the College of Education and Human Development for their general education, pre-professional, and professional education requirements.
Required Courses
Refer to the College of Education and Human Development section of the Undergraduate catalog for additional curriculum requirements for this program. Students should meet with the undergraduate advisor to plan a course of study as soon as possible.
| Energy and the Environment | 3 hrs | ||
| Sky and Solar System Laboratory | 1 hr | ||
| Introduction to the Sky and Solar System | 3 hrs | ||
| University Physics I | 4 hrs | ||
| University Physics I Laboratory | 1 hr | ||
| University Physics II | 4 hrs | ||
| University Physics II Laboratory | 1 hr | ||
| Introductory Modern Physics | 4 hrs | ||
| Introductory Modern Physics Lab | 1 hr | ||
| Waves and Optics | 3 hrs | ||
| Teaching & Learning of Physics | 4 hrs | ||
| SCI 4040 | Teaching of Secondary Science | 3 hrs |
Required Cognates
| CHEM 1100 | General Chemistry I | 3 hrs | |
| CHEM 1110 | General Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 hr | |
| CHEM 1120 | General Chemistry II | 3 hrs | |
| CHEM 1130 | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 hr | |
| MATH 1700 | Calculus I, Sci. & Eng. | 4 hrs | |
| MATH 1710 | Calculus II, Sci. & Eng. | 4 hrs | |
| MATH 2720 | Multivariate Calculus and Matrix Algebra | 4 hrs | |
| PHIL 3550 | Philosophy of Science | 3 hrs |
NOTE: MATH 1220 - Calculus I can be substituted for MATH 1700, and MATH 1230 - Calculus II can be substituted for MATH 1710.
Computer Programming Requirement
The Department recommends SED Physics majors to be proficient in a computer programming language before graduation.
Baccalaureate Writing Requirement
Students who have chosen the Secondary Education Physics major will satisfy the Baccalaureate Writing Requirement by successfully completing ES 3950 School and Society.
Important Notice
Secondary Education students receive their degrees from the College of Education and Human Development but must choose a major and a minor from the College of Arts & Sciences. These students should see an advisor in Education for their general education, pre-professional, and professional education requirements.