M University of Minnesota
CONTACT INFORMATION
School of Physics & Astronomy
116 Church Street S.E.
Minneapolis, MN, 55455
Phone: 612-624-7375
Fax: 612-624-4578
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Physics with a Teaching Emphasis

For students who are interested in teaching secondary school physics, this program offers a versatile broad-based education. It is particularly useful to students who are planning on teaching in Minnesota, as it has been optimized to fit well with the new state licensure procedures. And, should a student's needs or plans change, this program combined with the physics core curriculum also prepares him or her for a variety of other career tracks, including graduate study in physics.

Course Work

Teaching Emphasis: Additional Programmatic Requirements (30-34 cr)
Credits

Chem 1021-1022. Chemical Principles
8

At least one course from each of the four groups listed below. These must be approved by the advisor. The listed courses are suggestions for filling this requirement.
(12-16)

History and philosophy of science

Phys 4111. History of Nineteenth-Century Physics
3
Phys 4121. History of Twentieth-Century Physics
3

Relativity, astrophysics, and cosmology

Astr 2001. Introduction to Astrophysics
4
Phys 4811. Introduction to Relativity and Cosmology
3

Earth sciences

Geo 2201. Geodynamics I: The Solid Earth
4
Geo 3201. Geodynamics II: The Fluid Earth
4
Geo 2303. Geochemical Principles
3
Geo 3401. Geochronology and Earth History
3

Technology

Phys 4711. Introduction to Optics
3
EE 5621. Physical Optics (together with EE 5622. Physical Optics Laboratory)
4
Phys 5701. Solid State Physics
4
AEM 4201. Fluid Mechanics
4

Technical electives in physics and related areas at the upper division level or above with approval of advisor.
10
 

Teaching Emphasis: Further Programmatic Requirements

Included in a student's overall program must be two courses in Engineering, one of which has a substantial design component. In addition, a student must demonstrate the knowledge of computer programming in at least one language through course work or completion of a project.

Students following this option in preparation for secondary school teaching are strongly advised to participate in a program of voluntary secondary school teaching. Such experience is required for students wishing to enter the University of Minnesota College of Education Secondary School Graduate Program leading certification to teach. (See the Education Advising Office, Wulling Hall for information on how to meet this requirement).  Early admission into this program is possible in the Junior year.
Students who follow this degree track with the intent of continuing in physics graduate school are also strongly encouraged to take the all four of the upper division core courses, Phys 4001, 4002, 4101, and 4201.