Program Overview

Introduction to the Chemistry/Physics — Secondary, BAE Program

The Chemistry major provides numerous benefits to students, including close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. Students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor. Physics is the fundamental science, studying matter and energy and their interactions. It provides an excellent liberal arts foundation and can open various doors for jobs, including Secondary Education.

Program Requirements

• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50, plus a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better in the individual courses, must be maintained in the courses required by the major.
• Students must also earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program.

Course Requirements

The following courses are required for the Chemistry/Physics — Secondary, BAE program:

• ASTR 315 - The Solar System (4 credits)
• CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry (4 credits)
• CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry (4 credits)
• MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra (4 credits)
• MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I (5 credits)
• PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I (5 credits)
• PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II (5 credits)
• PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III (5 credits)
• PHYS 220 - Physics with Calculus IV (4 credits)
• PHYS 230 - Introduction to Quantum Physics (3 credits)
• PHYS 321 - Tools and Data Analysis (4 credits)
• SCED 370 - STEM and Society (3 credits)
• SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science (2 credits)
• SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers (5 credits)
• Choose either:
  • CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I (5 credits)
  • CHEM 162 - General Chemistry II (5 credits)
  • CHEM 163 - General Chemistry III (5 credits)
  • CHEM 333 - Analytical Chemistry (5 credits)
  • or
  • CHEM 175 - General Chemistry I, Honors (5 credits)
  • CHEM 176 - General Chemistry II, Honors (5 credits)
  • CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors (5 credits)
• Choose either:
  • CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry (5 credits)
  • or
  • CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
  • CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
  • CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry (4 credits)
  • CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (3 credits)
• Choose either:
  • CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry (4 credits)
  • or
  • CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I (4 credits)
  • CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II (4 credits)
• Choose either:
  • CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++ (4 credits)
  • or
  • CSCI 141 - Computer Programming I (4 credits)
• Choose either:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 credits)
  • MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5 credits)
  • or
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors (5 credits)
  • MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors (5 credits)
  • or
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus (5 credits)
• 6 upper-division credits in physics and/or astronomy under advisement
• 2-3 credits of independent research under the guidance of a faculty member from Chemistry, Physics, or SMATE

Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program

The following courses are required for the Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program:

• SEC 303 - Teaching Adolescents: Development and Identity (4 credits)
• SEC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity (5 credits)
• SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching (2 credits)
• SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education (4 credits)
• SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools (4 credits)
• SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards (4 credits)
• SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning (4 credits)
• SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline (4 credits)
• SEC 433 - Teaching and Learning Laboratory (1 credit)
• SEC 435 - Secondary Practicum I (2 credits)
• SEC 436 - Secondary Practicum II (1 credit)
• I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary) (2 credits)
• SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary (18 credits)
• SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs (4 credits)

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Chemistry/Physics — Secondary, BAE program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive education in chemistry and physics, preparing them for a career in secondary education. The program requires a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 and a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better in individual courses. Students must also complete a secondary education professional program and maintain a grade of C (2.0) or better in those courses. The program includes a range of courses in chemistry, physics, and education, as well as independent research and practicum experiences. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to teach chemistry and physics in secondary schools.