Physics BA - Teaching of Science Physics Concentration/Physics Adolescent Education EdM

Undergraduate Course Requirements

Graduate Course Requirements

Notes

* Dual listed with a graduate course and satisfies both undergraduate and graduate requirements.

Total Credits Required for Undergraduate Major: 54

Additional Degree Requirements Include:

• Additional coursework to fulfill UB Curriculum requirements
• 16 credits of Education Core*

Total Credits Required for Major: 99

Total Graduate Credits Required for Degree: 40

Total Credits Required for Graduation: 139

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Academic Requirements

To progress to the graduate portion of the program, students must maintain a 3.000 GPA, earn a “C” grade or higher in content courses (courses in the undergraduate major); earn a “B-” or better in all education coursework (courses that begin with CEP, ELP, and LAI), and complete an interview in the Office of Educator Preparation. Students must complete these progression points by March of year three of the bachelor’s program to be eligible to register for graduate level coursework. No formal application is required for graduate school.

Program Honors

A student must excel in course work as well as complete a Senior Thesis.  The Senior Thesis is prepared under the supervision of a Department of Physics faculty member. Credit for this is obtained through PHY 497 . The thesis is reviewed by the student’s mentor and the Undergraduate Director. The thesis should be at least 20 pages long and the student must have completed at least one semester of PHY 497 . 

Students must also meet the remaining criteria outlined in the Academic Honors policy. Students who successfully complete the honors program and meet the criteria will have the appropriate notation on their official transcript.

Program Distinction

A student in this major is eligible for Program Distinction upon degree conferral if the criteria are met. Criteria are found under Academic Honors in the Policy and Procedure section of this Catalog. Program Distinction is noted on the official transcript.

Curricular Plan

A Curricular Plan provides a roadmap for completing this academic program and the UB Curriculum on time. Your actual plan may vary depending on point of entry to the university, course placement and/or waivers based on standardized test scores, earned alternative credit and/or college transfer credit.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the combined program will complete the learning outcomes of the Physics BA Teaching of Science Physics Concentration:

• Students can identify basic/core laws of physics, describe the variables they contain, and relate them to observed natural phenomena.
• Students can derive analytic solutions to new or complex problems.
• Students can collect experimental data, analyze results and uncertainties quantitatively, present data graphically, and compare physical models with experimental results.
• Students become familiarized with contemporary areas of physics research and can implement modern research techniques, including computational methods.
• Students can present scientific results in the format of scientific journals with appropriate citation methods and present findings in conference-style talks.

In addition, graduates of the Physics Education EdM program will:

• Demonstrate subject specific content expertise that supports effective teaching in the field.
• Create inclusive learning environments to meet individual differences in a caring, culturally responsive, and professional manner.
• Construct relevant and rigorous curricula that include critical assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Design, develop, and evaluate learning experiences that maximize the use of digital and interactive technologies.
• Promote the application of research and evidence-based practices in diverse settings throughout their teaching careers.
• Remain intellectually curious, continually updating their knowledge and skills to ensure ongoing excellence in teaching.

(HEGIS: 19.02 PHYSICS-GEN-NO BIOPHYSCS, CIP: 40.0801 Physics, General)