Science Education
Major Handbook
Biology Education
Chemsitry Education
Earth Science Education
Physics Education
20132014
An Introduction to Science Education at UVU
The Professional Teacher Education Program at Utah Valley University is designed to prepare quality, entry levelcandidates for teaching in secondary education programs grades 7-12. All students who matriculate into the professional licensure program must have a major in an approved content area. Students seeking licensure in approved content areas complete a major in that area and required coursework in Secondary Education to qualify for a Level I Utah State Professional Educator License for grades 7-12.
Graduates from the UVU science education programs are competitive for positions as science teachers in grades 7-12. Typically, these areas are in great need of teachers and graduates have excellent job prospects. Each of these degrees will include an academic foundation in the content area, laboratory experiences, and a focus on educational theory and technique.
The Bachelor of Science in Biology Education
Biology is the study of living organisms and includes study of subjects such as evolution, ecology, zoology, physiology, anatomy, and botany among other subjects. Completion of this degree will prepare students to teach classes inhigh school biology, and related subjects, plus integrated science at the 7th grade level.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education
Chemical and physical principles form the foundationof all the sciences. The Chemistry Education BS degree provides a thorough background in Chemistry. This degree prepares graduates to teach courses in junior high integrated science, plus either high school chemistry.
The Bachelor of Science in Earth Science Education
Earth science is the study of the processes, structure, and composition of the Earth. Study in this area includes subjects such as geology, meteorology, and Earth systems. Graduates in this area are prepared to teach 9th grade earth systems classes.
The Bachelor of Science in Physics Education
Physics is the study of the fundamental nature of the universe and is the foundation for all other sciences. This degree gives you a firm foundation in physics and mathematics and prepares you to teach courses in junior high integrated science as well as physics at the junior high and high school level.
Middle Level Science Endorsement
After completing any of the above majors, the student can elect to take the General Science Praxis exam. A passing score on the exam will enable science education majors to teach either seventh grade integrated science and/or eighth grade integrated science in Utah secondary schools in addition to their area of specialization.
For more information contact:
Dr. Richard TolmanTerrell WycheTom Liljegren
Biology ProfessorBiology AdvisorChemistry, Earth Science, and PhysicsAdvisor
(801) 863-6229(801) 863-6308(801) 863-8616
SB 242fPS 201bPS 201a
B.S. in Biology Education
Application to the Secondary Education Department is required – contact Rick Dumont, Secondary Education Advisor, for further information. He can be reached at (801) 863-8478, or
A minimum of 30 credits must be in the major (BIOL, BOT, MICR, or ZOOL prefixes), courses as follows: a minimum of 9 Biology credits must be taken at UVU and a minimum of 20 Biology credits must be upper-division.
Discipline Core Requirements
Complete each of the following courses:
Pref/# / Course Title / Cr / Prerequisites / Corequisites / SemBIOL 1610# / College Biology I# / 4 / ACT 21+ or ENGL 1010 w/C- or better / BIOL 1615 / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 1615# / College Biology I lab# / 1 / BIOL 1610 / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 1620 / College Biology II / 3 / BIOL 1610 / BIOL 1625 / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 1625 / College Biology II lab / 1 / BIOL 1620 / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 3500 / Genetics / 3 / BIOL 1610 / F, Sp
BIOL 3505 / Genetics Tutorial / 0.5 / BIOL 3500 / F, Sp
BIOL 3700 / General Ecology / 3 / BIOL 1620 / F, Sp,
BIOL 4500 / Principles of Evolution / 3 / BIOL 3500 & 6 upper div. BIOL credits / F, Sp
BIOL 494R / Seminar / 1 / BIOL 3500 & BIOL 3700 & instructors permission / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 4200* / Teaching Methods in Science* / 3 / Admission to Secondary Education Program
MICR 2060 & 2065
or MICR 3450 & 3455 / Microbiology for Health Professionals
or General Microbiology / 3/1 / BIOL 1010 or 1610 and CHEM 1110
BIOL 3400 (BIOL 3600 recommended) / F, Sp, Su
F
ZOOL 2320 / Human Anatomy / 3 / BIOL 1010 or 1610 and ENGL 1010 / ZOOL 2325 / F, Sp, Su
ZOOL 2325 / Human Anatomy lab / 1 / BIOL 1010 or 1610 and ENGL 1010 / ZOOL 2320 / F, Sp, Su
ZOOL 2420 / Human Physiology / 3 / BIOL 1010 or 1610 and CHEM 1110 / ZOOL 2425 / F, Sp, Su
ZOOL 2425 / Human Physiology lab / 1 / BIOL 1010 or 1610 and CHEM 1110 / ZOOL2420 / F, Sp, Su
ZOOL 3100 / Vertebrate Zoology / 4 / BIOL 1620 or BIOL 1010 w/ permission / F, Sp
ZOOL 3200 / Invertebrate Zoology / 4 / BIOL 1620 or BIOL 1010 w/ permission / F, Sp, Su
BOT 2100
or BOT 2050 / Flora of Utah
or Field Botany / 3 / BIOL 1010
BIOL 1010 recommended / F
Su
BOT 3340 / Plant Biology / 4 / BIOL 1010 (CHEM 1110 recommended) / F
Science Foundation Classes
CHEM 1110# / Elementary Chemistry for Health Sciences# / 4 / MATH 1000 or 1010 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1115# / Elementary Chemistry lab# / 1 / CHEM 1110 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1120# / Elementary Organic Bio Chemistry# / 4 / CHEM 1110 / F, Sp
CHEM 1125# / Elementary Bio & Organic Chemistry lab# / 1 / CHEM 1115 / CHEM 1120 / F, Sp
PHYS 1010 / Elementary Physics / 3 / MATH 1000 or 1010
GEO 1010 / Intro to Geology / 3 / F, Sp, Su
GEO 1015 / Intro to Geology lab / 1 / F, Sp, Su
*This course is designed to be taken the semester before Student Teaching (EDSC 4850) and requires admission into the education program for registration
# Each of these classes are also listed as fulfilling a general education requirement.
Required Secondary Education Courses
(See Secondary Education page)
B.S. in Chemistry Education
- Application to the Secondary Education Department is required – contact Rich Dumont, Secondary Education Advisor, for further information. He can be reached at (801) 863-8217, or
- A minimum grade of “C-“ or better is required in all chemistry and physics courses
Discipline Core Requirements
Complete each of the following courses:
Prefix/# / Course Title / Cr / Prerequisites / Corequisites / SemCHEM 1210 / Principles of Chemistry I / 4 / MATH 1050 / CHEM 1215 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1215 / Principles of Chemistry I Lab / 1 / CHEM 1210 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1220 / Principles of Chemistry II / 4 / CHEM 1210 / CHEM 1225 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1225 / Principles of Chemistry II Lab / 1 / CHEM 1220 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 2310 / Organic Chemistry I / 4 / CHEM 1220 / CHEM 2315 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 2315 / Organic Chemistry I Lab / 1 / CHEM 1215, 1225 / CHEM 2310 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 2320 / Organic Chemistry II / 4 / CHEM 2310 / CHEM 2320 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 2325 / Organic Chemistry II Lab / 1 / CHEM 2315 / CHEM 2325 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 3000 / Analytical Chemistry / 2 / CHEM 2320 / CHEM 3005 / F
CHEM 3005 / Analytical Chemistry Lab / 2 / CHEM 2325 / CHEM 3000 / F
CHEM 3060 / Physical Chemistry I / 4 / PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 / F
CHEM 3100 / Advanced Inorganic Chemistry / 4 / CHEM 3000 rec. / Sp
CHEM 3600 / Biological Chemistry / 3 / CHEM 2320 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 4000 / Instrumental Analysis / 2 / CHEM 3000/05, 2320/25 / CHEM 4005 / Sp
CHEM 4005 / Instrumental Analysis lab / 2 / CHEM 3000/05, 2320/25 / CHEM 4000 / Sp
CHEM 490R / Chemistry Seminar / 0.5 x 2 / F, Sp
CHEM 4200* / Teaching Methods in Science* / 3 / In Sec Ed prog, senior-level standing / F, Sp
HIST 4320 / History of Scientific Thought / 3 / Sp
MATH 1210 / Calculus I / 5 / MATH 1050 and MATH 1060 / F, Sp, Su
MATH 1220 / Calculus II / 5 / MATH 1210 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2210 / Physics for Scientists and Engineers I / 4 / MATH 1210 / PHYS 2215 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2215 / Physics for Scientists and Engineers I Lab / 1 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2220 / Physical for Scientists and Engineers II / 4 / PHYS 2210; MATH 1220 / PHYS 2225 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2225 / Physical for Scientists and Engineers II Lab / 1 / F, Sp, Su
*This course is designed to be taken the semester before Student Teaching (EDSC 4850) and requires an add card for registration
Required Secondary Education Courses
(See Secondary Education page)
B.S. in Earth Science Education
Application to the Secondary Education Department is required – contact Rick Dumont, Secondary Education Advisor, for further information. He can be reached at (801) 863-8478, or
Minimum of 121 credits required
An overall GPA of 2.0 or above is required to graduate, with a grade of “C-“ or better in all GEO, BIOL, and METO courses
Discipline Core Requirements
Complete each of the following courses:
Pref/# / Course Title / Cr / Prerequisites / Corequisites / SemPHYS 1040 / Astronomy / 3 / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 1010 / General Biology / 3 / ACT 21+ or ENGL 1010 w/C- or better / F, Sp, Su
BIOL 2500 / Environmental Biology / 3 / BIOL 1010 recommended / F, Sp
CHEM 1210§ / Principles of Chemistry I / 4 / MATH 1050 / CHEM 1215 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1215§ / Principles of Chemistry I Lab / 1 / CHEM 1210 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1220§ / Principles of Chemistry II / 4 / CHEM 1210 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1225§ / Principles of Chemistry II Lab / 1 / CHEM 1210 and 1115 / CHEM 1220 / F, Sp, Su
GEO 1010* / Intro to Geology / 3 / F, Sp, Su
GEO 1015* / Intro to Geology Lab / 1 / GEO 1010 rec. / F, Sp, Su
GEO 1220 / Historical Geology / 3 / F, Sp
GEO 1225 / Historical Geology Lab / 1 / F, Sp
GEO 3080 / Earth Materials / 4 / GEO 1010, 1015; CHEM 1110 / F
GEO 3700 / Structure and Tectonics / 4 / GEO 1010, 1015; MATH 1060 / Sp
GEO 4500 / Sedimentary Geology / 4 / GEO 3080 and GEO 1220/25 / Sp
GEO 4200** / Teaching Methods in Science / 3 / In Second Ed program; senior-level standing / F, Sp
MATH 1060 / Trigonometry / 3 / MATH 1050 w/C or better / F, Sp, Su
METO 3100 / Climate and the Earth Systems / 3 / CHEM 1110, MATH 1050, GEO 1010 / Sp
PHYS 2010 / College Physics I / 4 / MAT 1010 / PHYS 2015 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2015 / College Physics I Lab / 1 / PHYS 2010 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2020 / College Physics II / 4 / PHYS 2010 / PHYS 2025 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2025 / College Physics II Lab / 1 / PHYS 2015 / PHYS 2020 / F, Sp, Su
§ CHEM 1110 and 1115 and CHEM 1120 and 1125 may be substituted
*It is highly recommended to take GEO 1010 and 1015 early, as they are important prerequisites for future degree requirements
**This course is designed to be taken the semester before Student Teaching (EDSC 4850) and requires admission into the education program for registration
Elective Requirements (6 credits)
GEO 1080 / Intro to Oceanography / 3 / F, SpGEO 1085 / Intro to Oceanography lab / 1
GEO 202R / Science Excursion / 1-3
METO 1010 / Intro to Meteorology / 3 / Su, F, Sp
METO 1020 / Intro to Meteorology lab / 1
GEO 3200 / Geologic Hazards / 4 / GEO 1010/15 / F
GEO 4510 / Paleontology / 4 / GEO 1220/25, GEO 3080, BIOL 1010; GEO 4500 rec. / F
* It is highly recommended that Historical Geology be included in your elected courses. It is intended to be the second
Geology class that you take after GEO 1010/15 and will prepare you for other upper-level Geology courses.
Required Secondary Education Courses
(See Secondary Education page)
B.S. in Physics Education
Application to the Secondary Education Department is required – contact Rich Dumont, Secondary Education Advisor, for further information. He can be reached at (801) 863-8217, or
A minimum grade of “C-“ or better is required in all chemistry and physics courses
Discipline Core Requirements
Complete each of the following courses:
Prefix/# / Course Title / Cr / Prerequisites / Corequisites / SemCHEM 1210 / Principles of Chemistry I / 4 / MATH 1050 / CHEM 1215 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1215 / Principles of Chemistry I Lab / 1 / CHEM 1210 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1220 / Principles of Chemistry II / 4 / CHEM 1210 / CHEM 1225 / F, Sp, Su
CHEM 1225 / Principles of Chemistry II Lab / 1 / CHEM 1220 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2210 / Physics for Scientists and Engineers I / 4 / MATH 1210 / PHYS 2215 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2215 / Physics for Scientists and Engineers I lab / 1 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2220 / Physical for Scientists and Engineers II / 4 / PHYS 2210, 2215; MATH 1220 / PHYS 2210 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 2225 / Physical for Scientists and Engineers II lab / 1 / PHYS 2210, 2215; MATH 1220 / F, Sp, Su
PHYS 3010 / Physics Experiments for Secondary Ed / 1 / PHYS 2220 / Sp
PHYS 3210 / Intro to Experimental Physics I / 2 / PHYS 2210 / F
PHYS 3740 / Modern Physics / 3 / PHYS 2220; MATH 2210 / F, Sp
PHYS 490R / Seminar / 0.5 x 2 / Junior or senior level / F, Sp
PHYS 4200* / Teaching Methods in Science / 3 / In Sec Ed prog, senior-level standing / F, Sp
HIST 4320 / History of Scientific Thought / 3 / Sp
MATH 1210 / Calculus I / 5 / MATH 1050 and 1060 / F, Sp, Su
MATH 1220 / Calculus II / 5 / MATH 1210 / F, Sp, Su
MATH 2210 / Calculus III / 3 / MATH 1220 / F, Sp, Su
*This course is designed to be taken the semester before Student Teaching (EDSC 4850) and requires an add card for registration
Complete 9 credits from the following (as part of Physics set):
ASTR 3050 / Astrophysics I / 3 / PHYS 2220, MATH 1220 / FASTR 3060 / Astrophysics II / 3 / PHYS 2220, MATH 1220 / Sp
PHYS 3220 / Intro to Experimental Physics II / 2 / PHYS 3210 or instructor permission / Sp
PHYS 3230 / Principles of Electronics for the Phys Sci / 3 / PHYS 2220, MATH 1210 / F
PHYS 3300 / Mathematical Physics / 3 / MATH 2210, MATH 2280 co-req / F, Sp
PHYS 3400 / Classical Mechanics / 3 / PHYS 2220 / Sp
PHYS 3500 / Thermodynamics / 3 / PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 / Sp
PHYS 3800 / Energy use on Earth / 3 / PHYS or CHEM or GEO 1010, MATH 1050 / F
PHYS 4700 / Acoustics / 3 / PHYS 2220, MATH 2210 / F
Complete 8 Upper Division elective credits: Completed: ______Remaining: ______
Required Secondary Education Courses
(See Secondary Education page)
Secondary Education Teacher Training Program
Admission to the Secondary Education Program
Admission to the teacher education licensure program is a separate process from and in addition to admission to Utah Valley University. Meeting the minimum requirements qualifies the student to be considered for admission. Admission criteria include:
- GPA of3.0 or higher
- Interview directed by the Teacher Education Selection Committee
- General Education requirements met and most of the content area requirements met
- An ACT exam composite score of 20 or higher; no individual score lower than 19
Applicants are accepted into the Teacher Education Program for Fall and Spring semesters after meeting entrance requirements. Please contact Rick Dumont, the Secondary Education Advisor, for current admission requirements.
Licensing Information
Upon successful completion of a science education major, including student teaching or an internship, the graduate will receive a Level I teaching license in the area of the major.Additional endorsements can be added to a license to allow the teaching of other subjects in Utah secondary schools.
Information on different education endorsements and required courseworkis available on the Utah State Office of Education websites at Course requirements for the educational endorsements are set by the Utah State Office of Education, so it is important to ensure that the courses you take will fill their specific requirements. Some educational endorsements may not require any, or just a few additional classes beyond what is already required for your major. For specific questions about licensing or science endorsement requirements, you may contact Dr. Richard Tolman (; 863-6229; PS 242f.
Required Secondary Education Courses
EDSP 3400* / Exceptional Students / 2 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permissionEDSC 3000 / Educational Psychology / 3 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 3050 / Foundations of American Education / 2 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 3250 / Instructional Media / 2 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 4440 / Content Area Reading and Writing / 3 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 445G / Multicultural Instruction/ESL / 3 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 4550 / Secondary Curriculum Instr and Assess / 3 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 4200 / Classroom Management I / 2 / Adm to Sec Ed program or instructor permission
EDSC 4250 / Classroom Management II / 2 / EDSC 4200; Adm to Sec Ed program or permission
EDSC 4850 / Student Teaching – Secondary / 10 / Successful completion of all education and content courses
UVU Resources
Departmental Advisors and Academic Counselors
- Terrell Wyche—Biology Education Advisor(; 863-6308; PS 202f): You may contact them If you have questions regarding registration for any Biology courses or if you are interested in getting a minor in Biology (a popular minor for Chemistry majors).
- Tom Liljegren—Chemistry, Earth Science, and Physics Department Advisor (; 863-8616; PS 202b): As the physical sciences advisor, he can help you create schedule plans, answer questions about degree requirements, and inform you of opportunities in the Earth Science Department. As a Chemistry, Earth Science, or Physics Education student, he is your primary advisor for any academic difficulties or questions you may encounter. He is available for drop-in appointments, but it is recommended to schedule an appointment.
- Dr. Richard Tolman and Dr. Michael Stevens—Biology Faculty and Science Education specialists. Dr. Tolman (; 863-6229; SB 242f) and Dr. Stevens (; 863-5196; SB242z) teach science education courses and are experts in answering licensing and endorsement questions.
- Rick Dumont—Secondary Education Advisor (863-8478). Rick can answer questions that you have as you prepare to apply to the Secondary Education program and help you create the best plan for your education classes and preparing for student teaching.
- Math Department Advisors– Colin Brinkerhoff (; 863-7419; LA 022) or Monica Fereyra (; 863-5396; LA 220): You can ask them any questions about Math pre-requisites or getting into Math classes MATH 1050 and above.
- Academic Counseling Center (; 863-8425; LC 402): If you are looking into exploring other majors their academic counselors can help you identify other areas of study that might interest you. This is also where the Pre-Law and Pre-Health advisors are located, as well as the Academic Standards counselors.
- Career Development Center (; 863-6364; LC 409): They can help you find internships and train you in skills to help find jobs and get hired such as networking, resume writing, and interviewing. Also, you can take practice tests for the GRE and do practice graduate interviews. They have many resources in the career library about jobs available in Earth Science and related areas. Sue Stephenson () is the Career Development Center representative for the College of Science and Health.
University Resources
- OneStop (; 863-INFO; BA 106; One-stop is the place for any admissions, transcripts, or registration questions. Also, you can purchase parking passes and pay tuition there.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships (863-8442; BA 105; This is the place to go for any questions about or problems with financial aid and for information about scholarships and grants that you may be eligible for.
- Math Lab/Academic Tutoring(863-8356; LA 201; Free tutoring is available for all Math classes and for many science classes as well. There is also a Calculus Lab and multiple tutoring locations.
- Student Health Services (863-8876; SC 221; Offers immunizations, medical treatment, and mental health services for students. Also offer free wellness sessions about a variety of topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get declared as a science education major?
Once you have decided on a science education major, talk to Terrell Wyche or Tom Liljegren, the Biology and Physical Science advisors, to get officially declared in your particular science major.
How can I tell how close am I to graduating?
At any time you can pull up your Wolverine Track degree audit report, which you can access via UVLink. This report will show exactly what requirements you have completed and what you have remaining. You can also make semester scheduling plans and apply for graduation on Wolverine Track. For more information on Wolverine Track, see
What can I do if the class I need is full?
If a course you are registering for is full, you may register for the wait list. This will place you on a list of students seeking to register in the course. Each time a student drops from the course, the person at the top of the wait list will have a chance to enroll in the course. Go to your detail schedule on UVLink to view what position you are on the wait list. An e-mail is sent to your UVU e-mail if you are at the top of the waitlist and you’ll be able to register for the course in the next 24-hours. Make sure to check your University e-mail daily to ensure you don’t miss your registration window.
Do I have to usemy UVU E-mail?
Your University e-mail will contain important University announcements and may also be used by professors, instructors, and advisors to contact you. If you don’t plan on checking this e-mail regularly, you can have it forwarded to any other e-mail through the “Options” menu.
Information for Transfer Students
UVU accepts credits from regionally accredited Colleges/Universities as long as the courses taken were college level and completed with C- grades or better. After you have been admitted to UVU, have official transcripts (in a sealed envelope from the transfer institution and less than 6 months old) from all prior institutions mailed to: