Physics (Teacher Certification), Bachelor of Science

(Focus: 7TH – 12TH Grade UTeach Certification)

This program leads to a profession which requires an occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001 This requires that all applicants seeking to become licensed must undergo a criminal background check prior to licensure. Students in this program should check with the College of Education and P-16 Integration on the requirements for a criminal background check prior to student teaching.

A Physicist has a solid understanding of fundamental laws, which in turn can be applied to a wide area of scientific and engineering fields. It is an exciting career that requires discipline and significant amount of work. It also requires development of mathematical, experimental, theoretical, and computational skills. As a result of the Physicist’s solid and broad background, Physicists can apply to a wide range of job opportunities, including National Laboratories and Research Centers, Industry, and Academia.

Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website. 

 

Core Curriculum - 42 Hours

Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.

Mathematics – 3 hours

MATH 2413Calculus I

4

Life and Physical Sciences* – 6 hours

PHYS 2425Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

4

PHYS 2426Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

4

Note: *It is mandatory for students pursuing a BS in Physics to take face-to-face (onsite) lecture sections for PHYS 2425/2426.

Integrative and Experiential Learning – 6 hours

CSCI 1380Computer Science I

3

PHYS 2425Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

4

PHYS 2426Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

4

Note: Any additional course of at least 1 hour that satisfies the General Education Core “Integrative/Experiential Learning Option” requirement.

Major Requirements – 72 Hours (61 advanced)

Physics Core Courses – 27 hours (27 advanced)

PHYS 3000Undergraduate Research

0

PHYS 3305Classical Mechanics

3

PHYS 3303Thermodynamics

3

PHYS 3304Optics

3

PHYS 3402Modern Physics

4

PHYS 3411Math Methods in Physics I

4

PHYS 4305Statistical Mechanics

3

PHYS 3301Electromagnetic Theory I

3

PHYS 4303Quantum Mechanics I

3

PHYS 4101Laboratory Research

1

PHYS 4008Seminar in Physics

0

PHYS 4008: taken twice

PHYS 3000: taken three times

Capstone Course – 3 hours (3 advanced)

PHYS 4300Undergraduate Research Project

3

Mathematics – 12 hours (3 advanced)

MATH 2413Calculus I

4

MATH 2414Calculus II

4

MATH 2415Calculus III

4

MATH 3341Differential Equations

3

Educational Physics – 30 hours (28 advanced)

Educational Physics – 6 hours (6 advanced)

PHYS 4392/MATE 4329/BIOL 4392Research Methods

3

PHYS 3330/MATE 3321/BIOL 3330Functions and Modeling

3

UTeach Certification – 24 hours (22 advanced)

Area of Certification: Physics/Mathematics (7-12)

UTCH 1101Inquiry Approaches to Teaching

1

UTCH 1102Inquiry-Based Lesson Design

1

UTCH 3301Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science

3

UTCH 3302Classroom Interactions

3

UTCH 3303Project-Based Instruction

3

UTCH 4601Apprentice Teaching

6

UTCH 4101Apprentice Teaching Seminar

1

READ 4305Disciplinary Literacy in Content Area Classrooms

3

 

MATE 3317/PHIL 3317Perspectives in Mathematics and Science

3

Or

PHIL 3317/MATE 3317Perspectives on Science and Mathematics

3

Free Electives – 6 Hours

Complete 6 hours of Free Electives.

Total Credit Hours: 61

Total Credit Hours: 120

Admission, Progression, and Graduation Requirements, if applicable:

Progression Requirements

Admission to the College of Education and P-16 Integration is required for participation in Apprentice Teaching and Seminar (UTCH 4101, 4601). Students unable to be admitted to UTCH 4601 and UTCH 4101 will be required to substitute 7 advanced hours, as recommended by advisor.