Physics Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration

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Department of Physics

College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Available Program Format(s): In-Person

About the Program

The Department of Physics at the Metropolitan State University of Denver offers programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Physics, a Bachelor of Arts in Physics, and a minor in physics. We also offer a Bachelor of Arts in Physics with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure. We offer introductory courses designed for both STEM majors as well as for the enrichment of non-science majors, including introductory physics, astronomy, and cosmology. We prepare our physics majors for graduate study in a wide range of disciplines including physics, astronomy, engineering, and science education, and for successful employment in technologically oriented industries. Our faculty are outstanding classroom teachers, bringing rigorous coursework, laboratory experience, advising and mentoring to our students. They maintain professional currency and engage in scholarly activities through involvement in undergraduate research, personalized professional development programs, and projects associated with teaching and learning. We seek to increase the science literacy of the Denver community through science outreach and an increasingly strong role in the education of future teachers.

Degree seeking candidates who wish to obtain Colorado teacher licensure for Secondary Science Education with a major in Physics must earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Included in the requirements for the Physics major with a concentration in Secondary Science teaching is a core curriculum designed to ensure that the Physics education program meets the Colorado Science Licensure Standards and addresses the objectives of the General Science content area examination. The core curriculum adds a firm foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Mathematics. The Colorado Academic Standards are strongly emphasized within the curriculum. The core curriculum is supported by the depth of the major in Physics.

Student Outcomes

Secondary Education

Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure programs will demonstrate awareness of multiculturalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students in Secondary/K-12 Education teacher licensure program will gain readiness and eligibility for student teaching
Teacher candidates will successfully complete student teaching

Physics Major B.A.

Develop mathematical skills that facilitate their understanding of the fundamental principles of physics and enable problem solving.
Apply advanced mathematical techniques (understanding vectors in multiple coordinate systems, solving differential equations, and basic computational skills).
Use standard laboratory equipment to collect data and perform quantitative evaluations of the experimental outcome.
Communicate the process and outcomes of scientific experiments using scientifically sound reports including posters, papers, and oral presentations.
Demonstrate content and pedagogical expertise in teaching science.
Plan and deliver effective instructions in science to the diverse body of students.
Demonstrate knowledge of language acquisition and culturally linguistically diverse learners.

General Degree Requirements

To earn a degree, students must satisfy all requirements in each of the four areas below, in addition to their individual major requirements.

Program Requirements

A total of 123 semester hours are required for graduation.
A grade of C- or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required.
A minimum GPA of 2.75 in the Physics Major and Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure is needed to apply for student teaching.

General Studies Requirements: 33 credits

Students should consult the General Studies Requirements for a list of courses that fulfill the General Studies Requirements for degree completion.

Written Communication (6 credits)
Oral Communication (3 credits)
Quantitative Literacy (3 credits)
- Recommended: MTH 1410 - Calculus I (Note: this course also meets the Mathematics requirements for Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure. Depending on the course selected, this category may exceed 3 credits.)
Arts and Humanities (6 credits)
Historical (3 credits)
Natural and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: this category of General Studies can also be met by courses required in Additional Content Courses for Secondary Science Licensure. Depending on the course selected, this category may exceed 6 credits.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)
- Recommended: EDS 3130 - Foundations of Educational Psychology and Philosophy
- Recommended: EDS 3150 - Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools
- Note: these courses also meets the requirements in Foundation and Methods courses for Secondary Education. Depending on the course selected, this category may exceed 6 credits.
Global Diversity (0 or 3 credits**)

** Students will fulfill the global diversity requirement by taking an approved course within one of the following categories: arts and humanities; historical; natural and physical sciences; or social and behavioral sciences.

Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Requirement: 0 or 3 credits

Students should consult the Ethnic Studies & Social Justice Graduation Requirement for a list of courses that fulfill the ESSJ Requirement for degree completion.

Students can fulfill this requirement with EDS 3150 - Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools .

Physics Major Core Courses: 32 credits

MTH 2420 - Calculus III Credits: 4
PHY 2311 - General Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2321 - General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2331 - General Physics II Credits: 4
PHY 2341 - General Physics II Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 2711 - Vibrations, Waves, and Mathematical Methods Credits: 4
PHY 2811 - Modern Physics I Credits: 4
PHY 2821 - Sophomore Physics Laboratory Credits: 1
PHY 3011 - Modern Physics II Credits: 3
PHY 3711 - Junior Physics Laboratory Credits: 2
PHY 4921 - Physics Senior Seminar Credits: 1
SCI 3950 - Teaching Science in Secondary Schools Credits: 3

Additional Courses for Secondary Science Licensure: 33 credits

All students must complete courses in the following disciplines to prepare to teach Secondary Science. Ten or more credits in this category can also satisfy General Studies requirements for Quantitative Literacy and Natural and Physical Sciences.

Biology Requirements (8 credits):
BIO 1080 - General Biology I Credits: 3
BIO 1081 - General Biology II Credits: 3
BIO 1090 - General Biology Laboratory I Credits: 1
BIO 1091 - General Biology Laboratory II Credits: 1
Chemistry Requirements (10 credits):
CHE 1800 - General Chemistry I Credits: 4
CHE 1801 - General Chemistry I Laboratory Credits: 1
CHE 1810 - General Chemistry II Credits: 4
CHE 1811 - General Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 1
Earth Space Science Requirements (7 credits):
GEL 1010 - Physical Geology Credits: 4
Select one of the following courses:
MTR 1400 - Weather and Climate Credits: 3
OR
GEG 1100 - Introduction to Physical Geography Credits: 3
Mathematics Requirements (8 credits):
MTH 1410 - Calculus I Credits: 4
MTH 2410 - Calculus II Credits: 4

Foundation and Methods Courses for Secondary Education: 28 credits

All the courses in the this area are required for Secondary Science Licensure. Some course pairs must be taken together; please see an advisor in the School of Education for more detail on recommended sequence.

EDS 3130 - Foundations of Educational Psychology and Philosophy Credits: 4 *
EDS 3140 - First Field Experience in Secondary Education Credits: 1 *
[EDS 3130 and EDS 3140 must be taken concurrently.]
EDS 3150 - Issues in Multicultural Education in Urban Secondary Schools Credits: 3 *
EDT 3010 - Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching Credits: 3
SED 3600 - Exceptional Learners in the Classroom Credits: 3
EDS 3210 - Classroom Management, Planning, and Assessment in Secondary Schools Credits: 3 **
EDS 3240 - Field Experience: Classroom Management, Planning and Assessment in Secondary Schools Credits: 1 **
[EDS 3210 and EDS 3240 must be taken concurrently.]
CLD 3510 - Perspectives in Education for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners Credits: 3
CLD 3910 - Assessment of English Language Learners Credits: 3
EDS 3280 - Disciplinary Literacy in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Schools Credits: 3 **
SCI 3960 - Field Experience in Teaching Science in Secondary Schools Credits: 1
[SCI 3950 (listed in the major) and SCI 3960 must be taken concurrently]
EDS 4290 - Student Teaching and Seminar: Secondary 7-12 Credits: 6,12 **
* Requires at least provisional admission to the School of Education
**Requires formal admission to the School of Education

Senior Experience: 12 credits

EDS 4290 - Student Teaching and Seminar: Secondary 7-12 Credits: 6,12

Summary of Requirements

General Studies Requirements	33 credits
ESSJ Requirement	0-3 credits
Physics Major Core Courses	32 credits
Additional Courses for Secondary Science Licensure	33 credits
Foundation and Methods Courses for Secondary Education	28 credits
Senior Experience	12 credits
Total for the Physics Major, B.A. with Secondary Science Teacher Licensure Concentration	123 credits

Required courses for the major may also count for General Studies and ESSJ requirements, so the total credits listed may be greater than the number required to complete the degree. Therefore, it is important that you work with your advisor to make sure you are meeting requirements for your degree.

Up to 15 of the 33 General Studies credits in this program may be fulfilled through requirements for the degree.