Physical Science - Teacher Education Emphasis (B.A., B.S.)

Student Success Advisor(s)

Sample Degree Plan

Program Summary

The mission and role of the Physical Science Teacher Education degree is to provide an environment that fosters academic breadth in the disciplines of chemistry, geography, geology, physics, and education in order to obtain the competencies required to teach physical science in a secondary school.

Physical Science Teacher Education Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Scientific Knowledge: Students should demonstrate knowledge of the major facts, theories, and models in the physical sciences.
2. Problem Solving Skills: Students should be able to define problems clearly, develop testable hypotheses, design and execute experiments, analyze data using appropriate statistical methods, and draw appropriate conclusions.
3. Field and Laboratory Skills: Students should understand responsible chemical disposal techniques, how to comply with safety regulations, be proficient in the use of safety data sheets (SDS) and methods to recognize and minimize potential chemical and physical hazards in the laboratory, and be equipped with knowledge necessary to handle laboratory emergencies effectively.
4. Communication Skills: Students should be able to present information in a clear and organized manner, write well-organized and concise reports in a scientifically appropriate style, and be proficient in the use of technologies and communication techniques to effectively represent and convey scientific information.

All teacher candidates are required to complete an appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment and the Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) Assessment adopted by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The Physical Science Praxis Subject Assessment content knowledge test measures fundamental knowledge common to physics and chemistry, and competencies necessary for a beginning teacher of one of the physical sciences in a secondary school.

Program Information

• All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the major.
• All prerequisite courses must be passed with “C” (2.0) or better.
• Credits greater than 10 years old will not be accepted for this degree.
• Courses in computer science are strongly recommended additional electives.
• Some courses are taught every other year. Consult your Student Success Advisor for scheduling help.
• This major by itself does not include the minimum requisite number of upper-division hours needed for a bachelor’s degree. Students completing this degree will fill the upper-division requirements while completing coursework for Secondary Education Licensure . Students who do not complete the licensure requirements will need to complete additional upper-division coursework to reach the minimum 40 credits.

Program Prerequisites

The Department of Physical Science strongly recommends that students complete the following courses as part of their General Education  requirements, as they are prerequisites for required major courses. Students who do not complete these courses as part of General Education can potentially add additional credits and time to their degree.

• CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I  & CHEM 1215 - Principles of Chemistry I Lab  (can be used to fulfill General Education Physical Sciences Knowledge Area)
• MATH 1210 - Calculus I * (can be used to fulfill General Education Quantitative Literacy)

* Note: Students who are not prepared for this math course may need additional math credits/preparation. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for more information.