Program Overview

Physics/Mathematics — Secondary, BAE

Introduction

Physics is a branch of science that explores the basic principles that govern the physical world, including matter and energy, as well as their properties and interactions. Physics is often called the fundamental science because principles of physics are essential for the understanding of nearly all branches of the natural sciences.

Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around us. Now much more than Arithmetic and Geometry, Mathematics today is a diverse discipline that deals with data, measurements, and observations from science; with inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of natural phenomena, of human behavior, and of social systems.

Why Consider a Physics/Mathematics - Secondary Major?

Teaching mathematics and physics is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach mathematics and physics occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of topics in mathematics and physics, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical and science context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in mathematics and physics.

Everyone aspiring to be a mathematics and physics teacher is aware of the demand for qualified teachers at the secondary level, but there is an even greater need for quality mathematics and physics teachers-teachers who care about both students and subject, teachers who have a broad and deep understanding of mathematics and physics, and teachers who are thoroughly professional. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are even greater.

Requirements (105 credits)

• ASTR 315 - The Solar System (Credits: 4)
• Choose either:
  • MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (Credits: 5)
  • and MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (Credits: 5)
  • or
  • MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors (Credits: 5)
  • and MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors (Credits: 5)
  • or
  • MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus (Credits: 5)
• Choose either:
  • MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra (Credits: 4)
  • and MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations (Credits: 4)
  • or
  • MATH 203 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations I (Credits: 4)
  • and MATH 303 - Linear Algebra and Differential Equations II (Credits: 4)
• MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I (Credits: 5)
• MATH 309 - Introduction to Proof in Discrete Mathematics (Credits: 4)
• MATH 360 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry (Credits: 4)
• MATH 419 - Historical Perspectives of Mathematics (Credits: 3)
• MATH 483 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics (Credits: 4)
• At least two of the following:
  • MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing (Credits: 4)
  • MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference (Credits: 4)
  • MATH 410 - Mathematical Modeling (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I (Credits: 5)
• PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II (Credits: 5)
• PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III (Credits: 5)
• PHYS 220 - Physics with Calculus IV (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 230 - Introduction to Quantum Physics (Credits: 3)
• PHYS 321 - Tools and Data Analysis (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 322 - Fundamentals of Electronics (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 346 - Introduction to Particle and Nuclear Physics (Credits: 3)
• PHYS 363 - Classical Mechanics (Credits: 4)
• PHYS 391 - Junior Lab (Credits: 3)
• SCED 370 - STEM and Society (Credits: 3)
• SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science (Credits: 2)
• SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers (Credits: 5)
• 6 additional credits of upper-division physics or astronomy courses
• Note: MATH 101, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 115, MATH 118, and MATH 240 may not be counted toward this major.

Additional Requirements

Secondary Education Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Professional Program (59 credits)

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

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