Physics (B.S.) - Science Teaching Specialization

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Program Coordinator/Contact
Joel Rauber, Department Head
Department of Physics
Daktronics Engineering Hall 255
605-688-5428
E-mail: joel.rauber@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/phys
Click here for additional information.

Program Information
Physics is the foundation of almost all of the science and engineering disciplines. The curriculum in Physics has the flexibility to accommodate a wide range of student interests including engineering, physical science, mathematics, biological science, or health sciences. Graduates find careers in physics research, education, engineering, medicine, nuclear medicine, law, science journalism or alternatively many other choices.

Program Outcomes
Graduates will be productively employed and will compare favorably in their theoretical and technical knowledge with students completing similar programs nationally. Physics students will have learned to apply technical knowledge; to design an experiment and analyze and interpret the data; to communicate effectively in a team environment; and to use appropriate scientific tools in solving problems. They will have a basic understanding of contemporary issues and professional/ethical responsibilities in a local and global context. Physics graduates will have enhanced learning skills that prepare them to be lifelong learners.

Academic Requirements
The program requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above for all physics courses and a GPA 2.0 or above in PHYS 211-213 (or PHYS 111-113) and PHYS 331.

Accreditation, Certification and Licensure
Accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Programs (NCATE)
South Dakota Department of Education

Certification and Licensure
With this major and the accompanying teacher education coursework required for teaching licensure, candidates are eligible to take the Praxis content tests, and apply for a teaching license in South Dakota. Students are required to take the PRAXIS II content test, as well as the PRAXIS II Principles of Learning and Teaching test. The minimum score for the Praxis II PLT must be obtained for teaching licensure and varies by state.

Course Delivery Format
Physics students learn through hands-on and face to face learning in lecture, laboratory, and field based experiences.

Requirements for Physics Major - Science Teaching Specialization: 120 Credits

Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements

Goal #1 Written Communication:
ENGL 101
  and
ENGL 201
  or
ENGL 277
  Credits: 6
Goal #2 Oral Communication:
SPCM 101
Credits: 3
Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity : GEOG 210 and SGR #3 Elective Credits: 6
Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity : PHIL 200 and SGR #4 Elective Credits: 6
Goal #5 Mathematics:
MATH 123
Credits: 4
Goal #6 Natural Sciences:
PHYS 211-211L
and
PHYS 213-213L
Credits: 8

Institutional Graduation Requirements

Goal #1 First Year Seminar: PHYS 109 or UC 109 Credits: 2
Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility: ANTH 421-521 Credits: 3

College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Bachelor of Science Requirements: 10+

Natural Sciences Credits: 10+
- Any two lab sciences.
- Coursework must include 2 prefixes.
- MATH and STATS courses do not count toward the science requirement.
One declared minor outside of the major prefix OR a second major OR a teaching specialization. The minor may be a traditional minor within one department or it may be interdisciplinary involving more than one department. The minor can be in a different college. The minor must be declared no later than the student’s third semester of enrollment.
Capstone course in the major discipline
Upper division coursework Credits: 33

SGRs, IGRs, and/or Major coursework may satisfy some or all of the above requirements. Consult program advisor for details. See the College of Arts and Sciences for additional information about Bachelor of Arts specifications.

Major Requirements

CHEM 112-112L - General Chemistry I and Lab * (COM) Credits: 3, 1
CHEM 114-114L - General Chemistry II and Lab * (COM) Credits: 3, 1
EE 220-220L - Circuits I and Lab (COM) Credits: 3, 1
MATH 125 - Calculus II * (COM) Credits: 4
MATH 225 - Calculus III * (COM) Credits: 4
MATH 321 - Differential Equations (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 185-185L - Introduction to Astronomy I and Lab * (COM) Credits: 3
or PHYS 187-187L - Introduction to Astronomy II and Lab * (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 316-316L - Measurement Theory and Experiment Design and Lab (AW) Credits: 2
PHYS 331 - Introduction to Modern Physics (COM) Credits: 3
PHYS 337 - Foundations of Health Physics Credits: 3
PHYS 341 - Thermodynamics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 343 - Statistical Physics (COM) Credits: 2
PHYS 421-521 - Electromagnetism (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 451-551 - Classical Mechanics (COM) Credits: 4
PHYS 490-590 - Seminar Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)

Teaching Specialization Requirements

AIS / HIST 368 - History and Culture of the American Indian ** (COM) Credits: 3 (IGR #2)
or AIS /ANTH 421 Indians of North America ** (COM) Credits: 3 (IGR #2)
EDFN 101 - Exploration of Teaching and Learning (COM) Credits: 1
EDFN 351 - Teaching and Learning I Credits: 1
EDFN 352 - Teaching and Learning II Credits: 3
EDFN 352L - Teaching and Learning II Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 453 - Teaching and Learning III Credits: 5
EDFN 453L - Teaching and Learning III Lab Credits: 2
EDFN 454 - Teaching and Learning IV Credits: 11
EDFN 475 - Human Relations (COM) Credits: 3
SEED 450 - Reading and Content Literacy (COM) Credits: 2
SEED 456 - Capstone/Action Research Credits: 1
Content Methods
(Varies by Content Area) Credits: 3-4

Additional Requirements

Students must also receive a “C” grade or better in
SPCM 101
,
ENGL 101
, and
MATH 102
or higher.
There are GPA requirements for entry into and continuation within the teacher education program. For additional information please consult the Secondary Education Handbook.