Department of Physics

B.A. Physics Major - Teaching

Purpose and Goals

The Physics Major Teaching is designed for students preparing to be physics teachers at the secondary school level. The requirement in physics and mathematics are such as to provide time for coursework in other science areas in order to achieve certification approval in a second and third area. Common teaching combinations are physics-chemistry, physics-earth science or physics-mathematics.

Outline of Program

Required Physics . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 hours
880:130 Physics I for Science and Engineering - 4 hrs
880:131 Physics II for Science and Engineering - 4 hrs
880:132 Physics III: Theory and Simulation - 3 hrs
880:137 Modern Physics - 4 hrs
880:138 Modern Physics Laboratory - 2 hrs

Electives in Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 7 hours
(all 100-level courses)

Required Mathematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 hours
800:060 Calculus I - 4 hrs
800:061 Calculus II - 4 hrs

Required Science and Science Education . . . . . . . 8 hours
820:190 Orientation to Science Teaching - 3 hrs
820:193 Current Curricula in Physical Science - 3 hrs
820:196 Current Technologies in Science Teaching - 2 hr

Electives in Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 hours
Non-physics courses from the College of Natural Sciences (excluding 820:XXX and mathematics below 800:060

Total 46 hours

Completion of this major will satisfy the requirement of the Iowa Department of Education for licensure to teach physics at the secondary school level. It is strongly recommended that sufficient work including current curricula be taken for licensure approval in a second area. Common teaching combinations are physics-chemistry or physics-mathematics.

NOTE: All the candidates for the Teaching Program are required to take the courses in the common professional sequence (30 hours). For a complete description see the UNI Catalog under Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts--Teaching.