SECONDARY EDUCATION CERTIFICATION COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Professional Education

The equivalent of a 3 semester hour course on the psychology, identification and methods of teaching the exceptional student, including the learning disabled, is included in the complete course sequence for secondary education candidates.

Middle School Endorsement Option

All secondary certification candidates wishing to teach subject specific grades 6-8 must complete Teaching and Learning in the Middle School (Educ 260). Coursework on early adolescent development is included in Educational Studies 255 and 260. Candidates wishing to student teach in grades 6-8 should take Educ 260 prior to student teaching, but not concurrent with Educational Studies 360 or 362.

Disciplinary Concentration (variable units)

All science teachers, regardless of disciplinary major, are required to demonstrate competence in the common core science standards.

BIOLOGY

The principal objective of the biology specialization is to provide students with a comprehensive and current background in all of the major subdisciplines of biology. The biology curriculum consists of a strong core of laboratory and field courses, which lend themselves to the investigative approach to science education, for it is principally in these environments that such approaches can best be implemented. The development of independent individuals who think carefully and who ask questions is the hallmark of the program.

Major Requirements

Additional Required Courses Outside the Major: Astronomy and General Physics
Expected of majors and/or science certification candidates
        Chemistry – 4 courses – 210, 212, 311, 312

CHEMISTRY

The program of classes in Chemistry assures a depth of experience as well as a breadth of exposure to concepts of inorganic, organic, physical and analytical chemistry. The required laboratory components assure that the student has gained an appreciation of the subject matter from a practical as well as a theoretical viewpoint. Required coursework in math and physics, as well as the recommended courses in biology, assure that the student has both the skills and experience to deal with aspects of chemistry related to other physical and life science topics.

Major Requirements

(Chemistry courses also meet the IWU/ISBE general education requirements in physical science.)

Expected

Recommended

PHYSICS

Students preparing for teaching careers in physics do so through the University’s approved program in the Physics Department. The physics program is designed so that all students obtain a broad and firm footing in physics, mathematics, and chemistry.

Physics and chemistry courses may meet IWU/ISBE general education requirement in physical science.

Expected

Recommended