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College of Science and Technology
Temple University

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Physics with Teaching BS

 

Program Goals

Completion of the “with Teaching” Bachelor’s of Science degree will prepare students for the same scientific and related careers as the Physics B.A. program and is appropriate for students seeking an in-depth understanding of physics and the natural sciences within the context of a broader education. In addition, students will also be prepared to take the Pennsylvania Department of Education Praxis exams, which will certify them to teach Biology in a secondary school classroom in Pennsylvania, and in states with reciprocal agreements with Pennsylvania. The pedagogy courses in this program are especially designed for science and mathematics majors, and emphasize skills in designing and delivering inquiry-based curricula, with extensive opportunities for practice teaching in Philadelphia School District classrooms.

Learning Objectives

After completing this program, students should:

  • understand some fundamental principles of physics and their ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems in:
    • CLASSICAL MECHANICS (such as kinematics, Newton's laws, work and energy, oscillatory motion, rotational motion about a fixed axis, dynamics of systems of particles, central forces and celestial mechanics, three-dimensional particle dynamics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalism, noninertial reference frames, elementary topics in fluid dynamics)
    • ELECTROMAGNETISM (such as electrostatics, currents and DC circuits, magnetic fields in free space, Lorentz force, induction, Maxwell's equations and their applications, electromagnetic waves, AC circuits, magnetic and electric fields in matter)
    • OPTICS AND WAVE PHENOMENA (such as wave properties, superposition, interference, diffraction, geometrical optics, polarization, Doppler effect)
    • THERMODYNAMICS AND STATISTICAL MECHANICS (such as the laws of thermodynamics, thermodynamic processes, equations of state, ideal gases, kinetic theory, ensembles, statistical concepts and calculation of thermodynamic quantities, thermal expansion and heat transfer)
    • QUANTUM MECHANICS (such as fundamental concepts, solutions of the Schrödinger equation (including square wells, harmonic oscillators, and hydrogenic atoms), spin, angular momentum, wave function symmetry, elementary perturbation theory)
    • ATOMIC PHYSICS (such as properties of electrons, Bohr model, energy quantization, atomic structure, atomic spectra, selection rules, black-body radiation, x-rays, atoms in electric and magnetic fields)
    • SPECIAL RELATIVITY (such as introductory concepts, time dilation, length contraction, simultaneity, energy and momentum, four-vectors and Lorentz transformation, velocity addition)
    • SPECIALIZED TOPICS Nuclear and Particle physics (e.g., nuclear properties, radioactive decay, fission and fusion, reactions, fundamental properties of elementary particles), Condensed Matter (e.g., crystal structure, x-ray diffraction, thermal properties, electron theory of metals, semiconductors, superconductors)
  • have appropriate laboratory skills for the analysis of physical systems. These include data and error analysis, instrumentation, radiation detection, counting statistics, and dimensional analysis.
  •  be able to use mathematical methods to study physical models. Such mathematical methods include single and multivariate calculus, coordinate systems (rectangular, cylindrical, and spherical), vector algebra and vector differential operators, Fourier series, ordinary and partial differential equations, boundary value problems, matrices and determinants, and functions of complex variables
  • have appropriate oral and written communication skills that enable students to explain their work to people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
  •  have a basic understanding of elementary principles of other natural science such as astronomy, chemistry, biology or geology and their ability to apply these principles in the solution of problems
  • Work with Master and Mentor teachers to learn to gain an appreciation of the teaching profession and increase teaching skills.
  • Understand and be able to design and deliver lessons using the “5E” model.
  • Be able to design and deliver inquiry-based science and mathematics lessons, groups of lessons and entire courses.
  • Gain experience in utilizing state of the art technology in designing science and mathematics lessons.
  • Understand accepted models and standards for science and mathematics principles.
  • Acquire skill in designing and applying a variety of methods to assess student learning.
  • Have compared and utilized various modes of teaching including direct instruction, inquiry and cooperative group instruction in designing and delivering instruction.
  • Be ready to teach lessons via project-based instruction.
  • Develop an overview of the development of modern science and mathematics and acquire skills in historical resource including identify sources and evaluating their reliability.
  • Develop awareness of issues of equity and diversity as applicable to instruction in secondary schools.
  • Know how to create a classroom environment of respect and rapport that fosters a positive climate for learning, equity and excellence.
  • Become skilled in promoting student learning by providing responsive instruction that make use of effective communication techniques, instructional strategies that actively engage students in the learning process, and through timely, high-quality feedback.
  • Learn to fulfill professional roles and responsibilities and adhere to legal and ethical requirements of the profession.

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