Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Chemistry/Physics-Secondary, BAE
What Is the Study of Chemistry/Physics-Secondary Major?
The Chemistry major provides many benefits to students. There is close student-faculty contact and relatively small classes. The students have direct access to modern laboratory equipment and instrumentation, and there are opportunities for research work under the direction of a faculty advisor. Physics is the fundamental science. It is the study of matter and energy and of the interaction between the two. Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Engineering apply the principles of Physics to specific problems. Almost all areas of modern technology involve applications of Physics.
This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in secondary education offered through Woodring College of Education. Courses required for a state teaching endorsement must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
The Department of Chemistry, in addition to its core of fundamental studies in Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Analytical and Biochemistry, has added a variety of elective courses that offer diversity in training, study and research at the undergraduate level.
The study of Physics provides an excellent liberal arts foundation and can open a variety of doors for jobs, including Secondary Education.
How to Declare:
Students planning to major in Chemistry and Physics are advised to consult the department at the beginning of their first quarter on campus to arrange for proper sequence of courses.
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less that 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Miller Hall 105 and printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/Admiss
See Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
Basic Requirements
- ASTR 315 - The Solar System
- CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry
- CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- PHYS 226 - Physics with Calculus IV
- PHYS 224 - Modern Physics I
- PHYS 225 - Modern Physics II
- PHYS 326 - Tools and Data Analysis
- SCED 370 - Science and Society
- SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
- SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
- Choose either:
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- CHEM 122 - General Chemistry II
- CHEM 123 - General Chemistry III
- CHEM 333 - Analytical Chemistry
- OR
- CHEM 125 - General Chemistry I, Honors
- CHEM 126 - General Chemistry II, Honors
- CHEM 225 - General Chemistry III, Honors
- Choose either option A or B:
- Option A:
- CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
- Option B:
- CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry
- CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
- CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
- (OR the following):
- CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I
- CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II
- CHEM 473 - Molecular Biology
- Option A:
- 6 upper-division credits in physics and/or astronomy under advisement, to include 2-3 credits of:
- PHYS 491 - Senior Project in Experimental Physics
- PHYS 492 - Senior Project in Theoretical Physics
- ASTR 493 - Senior Project in Astronomy
- Choose either:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- OR
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
- MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
- OR
- MATH 138 - Accelerated Calculus
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- I T 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II-Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 124, 125, 134, 135, 138
- LSCI: PHYS 161, 162, 163; CHEM 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 225, 251
Sample Careers
- Secondary Education Teacher
Department
Contact
Chemistry Department
CB 270360-650-3070chemdept@chem.wwu.edu
Chemistry Department Chair
Steve GammonCB 270A360-650-3071Steve.Gammon@wwu.edu
Physics Department
CF 385, 360-650-3618
Physics Education Advisor
Andrew BoudreauxCF 369360-650-7383Andrew.Boudreaux@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Professional Program
Information
Program Manager
Patricia RobertsMH 401C; 360-650-3327Patricia.Roberts@wwu.edu
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie GrammMH 401A; 360-650-3327Debbie.Gramm@wwu.edu
Teacher Education Admissions
MH 150360-650-3313www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss