Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Physics: Concentration in Physics for Teaching

The Bachelor of Science in Physics with a concentration in Physics for Teaching is designed for students who want to pursue a career in teaching physics at the high school or community college level. This program provides a strong foundation in physics, as well as coursework in education and teaching methods.

Program Overview

The program requires 66 units of coursework, including 28-31 units of lower-division prerequisites and 23 units of upper-division requirements. Students must also complete a culminating experience, which includes a senior thesis or project.

Lower-Division Prerequisites

The lower-division prerequisites include:

• MATH 226: Calculus I
• MATH 227: Calculus II
• MATH 228: Calculus III
• Select one of the following:
  • MATH 245: Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra
  • MATH 225 and MATH 376: Introduction to Linear Algebra and Ordinary Differential Equations I
• PHYS 200: Planning for Success as a Physics and Astronomy Major
• PHYS 220 and PHYS 222: General Physics with Calculus I and General Physics with Calculus I Laboratory
• PHYS 230 and PHYS 232: General Physics with Calculus II and General Physics with Calculus II Laboratory
• PHYS 240 and PHYS 242: General Physics with Calculus III and General Physics with Calculus III Laboratory

Upper-Division Requirements

The upper-division requirements include:

• Select one of the following:
  • CSC 309: Computer Programming
  • MATH 209: Mathematical Computing
• Select one of the following:
  • E ED 655: Hands-on Undergraduate Science Education Experience
  • MATH 375: Field Study for Secondary Teachers
• PHYS 320: Modern Physics I
• PHYS 321: Modern Physics Laboratory
• PHYS 330: Analytical Mechanics I
• PHYS 360: Electricity and Magnetism I
• PHYS 370: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics
• PHYS 385: Introduction to Theoretical Physics I

Culminating Experience

The culminating experience includes:

• PHYS 491GW: Advanced Laboratory Techniques I - GWAR

Math and Science Electives

Students must complete 9-12 units of math and science electives, selected in consultation with a faculty advisor. These electives are designed to prepare students to teach a second subject in addition to physics or general science at the 9th-grade level.

General Education Requirements

The program also requires completion of the university's general education requirements, which include:

• Oral Communication
• Written English Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Physical Science
• Life Science
• Lab Science
• Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
• Arts
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• American Ethnic and Racial Minorities
• Environmental Sustainability
• Global Perspectives
• Social Justice

Transfer Student Roadmap

For students transferring from a California community college with an Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Physics, the program requires completion of the remaining 60 units of coursework. A sample advising roadmap is available on the university's website.

General Advising Information for Transfer Students

Transfer students should complete as many lower-division requirements as possible before transferring to the university. The university's website provides information on satisfying the requirements for admission and graduation.

Previous Bulletins

Students following earlier bulletin requirements can access the appropriate year's bulletin using the university's website.