Physics Teaching - BS

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College of Science

Department of Physics

About This Degree

Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interactions.

Students study both the theory of physics and experiment using those theories as a guide. Physics teaching majors take classes in thermal physics, intermediate modern physics, wave phenomena, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics, as well as teaching courses.

For more information about Physics, see the Department of Physics website.
Admitted and current students must meet with the advisor, Karalee Ransom.
Log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
The highest math requirement for this degree is MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) . Suggested schedule assumes student has passed MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) .

Minimum University Requirements

Total Credits: 120
Credits of C- or better: 100
Total credits taken through USU: 30
Total major required credits taken at USU: 10
Minimum Grade Point Average (many majors require a higher GPA): 2.0 GPA
Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above): 40
Upper-division credits taken at USU: 20
General Education Requirements
University Studies Requirements
Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Admission Requirements For This Program

New freshmen must be admitted to USU in Good Standing and an overall GPA of 2.0.
Transfer students from other institutions or other programs at USU must have a 2.20 GPA.
A combined GPA of 3.0 is required to be admitted to SCED program.

Major Requirements (35 credits)

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

PHYS 1040 - Introductory Astronomy (BPS) 3 credit(s)
PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2310 - Physics for Scientists I (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab I 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s) or
PHYS 2320 - Physics for Scientists II (BPS/QI) 4 credit(s)
PHYS 2225 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers Lab II 1 credit(s)
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics 2 credit(s)
PHYS 2710 - Introductory Modern Physics 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3710 - Intermediate Modern Physics 3 credit(s)
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory (CI) 3 credit(s)
BIOL 1010 - Biology and the Citizen (BLS) 3 credit(s) or
BIOL 1610 - Biology I 3 credit(s)
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s)
GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 credit(s)
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)

Physics Teaching Math Requirements (11 credits)

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL) 4 credit(s)
MATH 1220 - Calculus II (QL) 4 credit(s)
STAT 3000 - Statistics for Scientists (QI) 3 credit(s)

Physics Electives (6 credits)

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

PHYS 3010 - Space Exploration from Earth to the Solar System (DSC/QI) 3 credit(s) or
PHYS 3030 - The Universe (DSC/QI) 3 credit(s)
Select 3 additional credits from a PHYS course at the 3000 level and above.

General Science Requirements (6-8 credits)

A miminum grade of C is required for all courses. In addition, students must select one full Science Series (2 semesters) from the following:

BIOL 1610 - Biology I 3 credit(s) and
BIOL 1620 - Biology II (BLS) 3 credit(s)
or
CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 credit(s) and
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II (BPS) 4 credit(s)
or
GEO 1110 - Physical Geology (BPS) 3 credit(s) and
GEO 1115 - Physical Geology Laboratory 1 credit(s)
and
GEO 2200 - The Earth Through Time 3 credit(s)
or
CS 1400 - Introduction to Computer Science–CS 1 4 credit(s) and
CS 1410 - Introduction to Computer Science–CS 2 (QI) 3 credit(s) or
CS 1440 - Software Engineering Fundamentals 3 credit(s)

Required Courses for the Secondary Teacher Education Program

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better.

STEP Admission Courses (6 credits)

These courses may be taken prior to admission.

ITLS 5500 - Integration and Innovation of Technology in Education 3 credit(s)
SCED 3210 - Educational and Multicultural Foundations (CI/DSS) 3 credit(s)

Secondary Education courses, continued (32 credits)

SCED 3300 - Clinical Experience I 1 credit(s)
SCED 4300 - Clinical Experience II 1 credit(s)
SCED 5100 - Motivation and Classroom Management 3 credit(s)
SCED 5200 - Language, Literacy and Learning in the Content Areas (CI) 3 credit(s)
SCED 5210 - Learning Theory, Curriculum, and Assessment 3 credit(s)
SCED 5500 - Student Teaching Seminar 2 credit(s)
SCED 5630 - Student Teaching in Secondary Schools 10 credit(s)
SCED 5820 - Science Education Teaching and Dispositions Knowledge 3 credit(s)
SCED 5821 - Three-Dimensional Science and Engineering Pedagogical Knowledge 3 credit(s)
SPED 4000 - Education of Students with Disabilities 3 credit(s)

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure and was designed to meet licensing qualifications in the state of Utah. If students wish to work in another state within the United States, they should review the qualifications for that state and the Education Licensure Compliance Table provided by School of Teacher Education and Leadership.

For more information, please contact the School of Teacher Education and Leadership at https://cehs.usu.edu/teal/

Additional Information

Students must complete the General Education Requirements and the University Studies Requirements :

Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above course in the Depth Humanities and Creative Arts (DHA) requirement.

Courses used to fulfill major requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis, except those courses that are only taught pass/fail.

Open Electives

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. Please consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Total Credits: 121

Suggested Degree Map - Physics Teaching BS

Physics Teaching BS - 4 Year Degree Map