Only one-third of high school instructors teaching physics in the United States have a major in physics. There is a strong demand for new physics teachers in secondary education. This degree program blends the core physics and astronomy courses with education courses, so that students are well prepared for a teaching career upon graduation.
The B.S. in physics and astronomy education includes a minimum of 32 credit hours in physics and astronomy courses. The student in this program must also complete the required secondary education courses and professional field experience, including PHYS 489 (Cross-listed with ED 489), The Teaching of Natural Sciences. See the Education program webpages for details »
In addition to completing the required courses, students are encouraged to take advantage of any of the many research opportunities available at Valpo.
Foundations
B.S. students in physics at Valpo must complete the general-education requirements for the B.S. This University-wide core strengthens communication and critical-thinking skills while introducing the student to global cultures and traditions. General-education requirements for the B.S. (.pdf) »
Requirements for the Major
The following courses constitute the minimum 32 credits required for the major. Further courses are required for students who pursue concentrations in fundamental physics or applied physics.
It is assumed that students will acquire competency in at least one computer programming language (FORTRAN, C, C++).
| Core Courses | 32 credits | ||
| ASTR 101 | Astronomy | 3 credits | |
| ASTR 101L | Astronomy Laboratory | 1 credit | |
| PHYS 141 | Newtonian Mechanics | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 141L | Experimental Physics I | 1 credit | |
| PHYS 142 | Physics: Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 142L | Experimental Physics II | 1 credit | |
| PHYS 243 | Physics: Atoms and Nuclei | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 245 | Experimental Physics III | 1 credit | |
| PHYS 246 | Data Reduction and Error Analysis | 1 credit | |
| PHYS 250 | Mechanics | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 360 | Thermal Physics | 3 credits | |
| PHYS 445 | Senior Research in Physics (With departmental approval, PHYS 481-483 or PHYS 497 may be substituted.) |
2 credits | |
| PHYS 499 | Physics and Astronomy Colloquium | 0 credits | |
One group from the following options:
OR
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4 credits | ||
| Total Required Courses | 32 credits | ||
Additional Recommended Courses:
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Additional Courses for Secondary Education Licensure:
A cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for admission to the Professional Semester and to be eligible for recommendation for licensure. |
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of Education
Course descriptions
Physics and astronomy courses investigate the fundamental laws that explain the interactions of matter and energy.