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Physics as a Second Teaching Field Minor

NSM PEAK

This minor is designed for students intending to pursue a teaching license. Students may qualify for licensure if they complete all of the following: a major in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Precertification or an approved content area major, the Physics as a Second Teaching Field minor, and the fifth-year student teaching experience. Students interested in becoming licensed educators should contact the Education Department about all requirements related to certification, including admission to the Teacher Education program.

Minor Requirements

20 credit hours of physics (math does not count) courses. If there are questions please check in with the Physics Department. 

Complete the following courses (11 credits):

MAT-175Single Variable Calculus

4 credits
PHY-100The Universe

3 credits

MAT-175 is counted in the Professional Foundations PEAK for this minor.

Physics Sequence

Complete the Analytical Physics Sequence (PHY-271 and PHY-272 with associate labs). Note: A majority of the elective courses require the Analytical Physics sequence.

PHY-271Analytical Physics I

3 credits
PHY-271LAnalytical Physics I Lab

1 credit
PHY-272Analytical Physics II

3 credits
PHY-272LAnalytical Physics II Lab

1 credit

Complete 9 credits of the following electives:

Please note that some electives may require additional prerequisite coursework. In the list below, PHY 235 Electronics requires the PHY 231/232 General Physics sequence, which students may take in addition to the Analytic Physics sequence noted above. 

PHY-199TSpecial Topics in Physics

1-3 credits
PHY-210Statics

3 credits
PHY-235Electronics

3 credits
PHY-235LElectronics Laboratory

1 credit
PHY-283Modern Physics

3 credits
PHY-294Independent Study

1-3 credits
PHY-299TSpecial Topics in Physics

1-3 credits
PHY-301Theoretical Mechanics

3 credits
PHY-313Thermal Physics

3 credits
PHY-330Electricity and Magnetism

3 credits
PHY-399TSpecial Topics in Physics

1-3 credits
PHY-400Quantum Physics

3 credits
PHY-490Mathematics-Physics Capstone

3 credits
PHY-494Independent Study

1-3 credits

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this minor, the students will be able to:

1)    Demonstrate knowledge of the broad structure of physics including classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, waves, thermodynamics, optics, and nuclear physics;

2)    Carry out scientific experiments to test a hypothesis as well as accurately record and analyze the results of such experiments;

3)    Apply appropriate mathematical problem solving skills, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning skills to scientific problems;

4)    Clearly communicate the results of scientific work in written and electronic formats;

5)    Act ethically when collecting, analyzing, and presenting experimental data; and

6)    Function as a member of an interdisciplinary problem-solving team.