Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Bulletin 2010-2011 
    
Undergraduate Bulletin 2010-2011 [Archived Catalog]

Physics Teaching (B.S.)


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Program: Physics Teaching B.S.
Department of Physics
College of Arts and Sciences

Kettler Hall 126B ~ 260-481-6306 ~ www.ipfw.edu/physics/


The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows:

  • Will reason about physically significant problems conceptually and mathematically
  • Will solve complex physical problems using sophisticated mathematical techniques
  • Will interpret mathematical solutions conceptually and physically
  • Will use computation and computer modeling to investigate physical phenomena and solve physical problems
  • Will communicate in appropriate scientific media and forms
  • Will be aware of effective teaching techniques for physics
  • Will be aware of appropriate physics laboratory methods 

This program helps you prepare for teaching physical science in the high schools. You may also be interested in physical science teaching certification (listed separately in this Bulletin).

You should work closely with your academic advisor to ensure completion of general-education requirements for teacher certification. To be certified to teach, you must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher in the general-education areas of humanities and social and behavioral sciences. Additionally, you must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher in your major and the professional-education course area with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. Each professional-education course must be completed with a grade of C or better.

The School of Education requires that you first complete EDUA F300, EDUC W200/M101, and EDUC K201 before you are permitted to take professional education courses. Prior to your junior year, you must successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) before admission to the teacher education program. The PRAXIS II Specialty Area Exam in physics must be completed before or during the student-teaching semester, normally in your senior year.

If you wish to transfer to physics teaching from another degree program, you must have an average of C or better in all physics and mathematics courses you have completed, and not more than one grade below C in those courses.

To earn the B.S. with a major in physics teaching, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and the College of Arts and Sciences (see Part 4 ) in addition to the following requirements:

IPFW General Education Requirements


Area I—Linguistic and Numerical Foundations


Area II—Natural and Physical Sciences


Area III—The Individual, Culture, and Society Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area IV—Humanistic Thought Credits: 6


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area V—Creative and Artistic Expression Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

Area VI—Inquiry and Analysis (not in PHYS) Credits: 3


See Part 2 General Education Requirements for approved courses 

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements


Teacher Education Program Requirements


Prior to being admitted to the teacher education program, you must complete the Initial Requirement courses and pass the PPST.

Total Credits: 125


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