Chemistry/Mathematics—Secondary Education, BAE

What Is the Chemistry/Mathematics—Secondary Major?

The program of study for the chemistry/mathematics majors provides many benefits to students, such as 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.

As a practical matter, Mathematics is a science of pattern and order. Its domain is not molecules or cells, but numbers, chance, form, algorithms, and change. As a science of abstract objects, Mathematics relies on logic rather than on observation as its standard of truth, yet employs observation, simulation, and even experimentation as means of discovering truth."
-From Everybody Counts: A Report to the Nation on the Future of Mathematics Education (c) 1989 National Academy of Sciences.

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?

Teaching mathematics and chemistry is a challenge, a responsibility, and an opportunity. Learning to teach mathematics and chemistry occurs through a variety of means: the study of a wide variety of mathematics and chemistry, pedagogical preparation within a mathematical and science context, formal clinical preparation in education, an extended internship, and continual experiences as a student, learner, and problem solver in mathematics and chemistry.

Everyone aspiring to be a mathematics and chemistry teacher is aware of the demand for qualified teachers at the secondary level, but there is an even greater need for quality mathematics and chemistry teachers—teachers who care about students, mathematics and chemistry teachers who have a broad and deep understanding of mathematics and chemistry and teachers who are thoroughly professional. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are even greater.

As a prospective teacher you need to focus on expanding your personal understanding of mathematics and chemistry and capitalizing on opportunities to work with pre-college students as a tutor, as a classroom assistant, as a practicum student, and as a novice teacher in your internship.

How to Declare:

Students planning to major in Chemistry/Mathematics are advised to consult the departments at the beginning of their first quarter on campus to arrange for proper sequence of courses.

A cumulative GPA of at least 2.50, plus a minimum grade of C (2.0) or better in individual courses must be maintained in the courses required by the major.

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

CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry
CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry
MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
MATH 309 - Introduction to Proof in Discrete Mathematics
MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 360 - Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry
MATH 419 - Historical Perspectives of Mathematics
MATH 483 - Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics
- NOTE: The pair MATH 203 and 303 may be substituted for MATH 204 and 331
PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
SCED 370 - Science and Society
SCED 481 - Fundamentals of Teaching Science
SCED 491 - Methods in Secondary Education for Science Teachers
❑Choose one of the following series:
- 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
Option A or B:
- Option A:
  - CHEM 251 - Elementary Organic Chemistry
  - CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
- Option B:
  - Choose one of the following series:
    - CHEM 351 - Organic Chemistry
    - CHEM 352 - Organic Chemistry
    - CHEM 353 - Organic Chemistry
    - CHEM 354 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
  - And either
    - CHEM 375 - Elements of Biochemistry
    - OR
    - CHEM 471 - Biochemistry I
    - CHEM 472 - Biochemistry II
    - CHEM 473 - Molecular Biology
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
At least two of the following:
- MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
- MATH 341 - Probability and Statistical Inference
- MATH 410 - Mathematical Modeling

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