Physics Education (Minor)

Location(s): Main Campus

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Program Summary

Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. The subject of physics finds application and provides a deeper level of understanding to many other scientific disciplines. The study of physics is accompanied by the development of problem-solving and analytical skills. The mission of the physics faculty is to ensure academic excellence through the development of critical thinking and scientific reasoning. Our mission is met through the following:

Establishing a learning environment that provides students with a quality, current, comprehensive, and rigorous course of study.
Developing successful students by stimulating curiosity and instilling a lifelong love of learning.
Ensuring students develop communication, creativity, information gathering, and processing skills.
Expectations of faculty excellence in classroom and laboratory instruction.
Support of faculty scholarly activities in pursuit of understanding, knowledge, and discovery.
Service to the university and broader community through engagement and education.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the minor.
All prerequisite courses must be passed with “C” (2.0) or better.
Courses greater than 10 years old will not be accepted in the minor.
Some courses are taught every other year or as needed. Consult your Student Success Advisor for scheduling help.

Physics Education Minor Curriculum (22 Credits)

Required Courses (18 Credits)

CHEM 2010 - Chemical Lab Safety 1 Credit(s)
MATH 1210 - Calculus I 4 Credit(s) * (can be used to fulfill General Education Quantitative Literacy)
PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4 Credit(s)
PHYS 2215 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab 1 Credit(s)
PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II 4 Credit(s)
PHYS 2225 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II Lab 1 Credit(s)

Complete One of the Following

PHYS 3310 - Quantum Physics I 3 Credit(s)
PHYS 3510 - Electricity and Magnetism 3 Credit(s)

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.

Required for Teaching License (4 Credits)

A student seeking a Physics Endorsement from the State of Utah must complete the following:

PSCI 4870 - 3D Science Secondary Education 2 Credit(s)
PSCI 4900 - Teaching Science in Secondary Schools 2 Credit(s)

Total Credits, Minor: 22

Licensure Notification

This program typically leads to licensure/certification and was designed to meet such qualifications for the state of Utah. Students who are or may be planning to pursue licensure/certification in any other U.S. state or territory may need to meet additional education requirements. This is not a reflection of SUU’s accreditation or quality, as each state and territory regulates their own education requirements for occupational licensure.

Students enrolled in a teacher preparation program may potentially be able to use a Utah educator license to obtain licensure through reciprocity. Additional information may be found through the Department of Teacher Education’s reciprocity table.

An overview of all of SUU’s programs that lead to licensure/certification and the programs’ current determination statuses may be found at www.suu.edu/provost/licensure.html.

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students who complete the physics program will be able to demonstrate they:

Understand and can utilize the scientific method.
Have attained a firm foundation in the fundamentals and application of current scientific theories within physics.
Are able to carry out, record, and analyze the results of physics experiments.
Are able to use instrumentation, classical techniques, mathematical methods, and modeling to carry out experiments.
Are able to properly record experimental results and develop conclusions from these experiments.
Are able to identify and solve problems within physics.
Are able to use information searching and retrieval methods to obtain relevant information to a topic, technique, or issue related to physics.
Are able to effectively communicate information and scientific data to scientists and non-scientists.
Are ready to pursue and excel in further education or employment opportunities.