Chemistry, 6-12 Teacher Licensure (CHEMS.BST)

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Natural Sciences

The chemistry curriculum emphasizes development of analytical thinking skills, cooperative problem solving, and independent investigation of chemical principles and prepares students for initial employment as middle and high school chemistry teachers.

Degree Checklist

For a check list of all the courses required for this degree program and a suggested four-year sequence of study, please click on the link below.

General Education Requirements - Total Hours: 40-46

Click here for the General Education Core requirements

Seven hours are fulfilled through the program's major requirements.

Religion Requirements - Total Hours: 12

Specialty Area Requirements*

CHYS 161 - General Chemistry I Credit Hours: 4

Matter and measurement, early atomic theory, nomenclature, stoichiometry, aqueous reactions, thermochemistry, electronic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding theories, molecular geometry, gases, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids are studied. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-161L.

Prerequisites

ACT Math score of 24 or above (or SAT equivalent), or completion of MTHS-161 or higher.

CHYS 162 - General Chemistry II Credit Hours: 4

Properties of solutions, reaction rates, chemical kinetics, equilibria, acid/base equilibria, solubility, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, radioactivity and nuclear chemistry, transition metal chemistry are studied. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-162L.

Prerequisites

CHYS-161 with a grade of C- or better.

CHYS 261 - Organic Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to the classification, structure, reactions, reaction mechanisms, synthesis, and stereochemistry of carbon compounds. 

Prerequisites

CHYS-162 with a grade of C- or better.

CHYS 262 - Organic Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3

A continuation of CHYS-261. Introduces spectroscopy and explores the reactions, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis of the remaining classes of organic compounds. 

Prerequisites

CHYS-261 with a grade of C- or better.

CHYS 262L - Organic Chemistry Lab I and II Credit Hours: 2

The reinforcement of selected material from CHYS-261 and 262 will be accomplished in the laboratory by the isolation of naturally occurring organic compounds and the synthesis of other organic compounds. 240 minutes of lab per week.

Prerequisites

CHYS-261 with a grade of C- or better.

CHYS 371 - Quantitative Analysis Credit Hours: 4

Statistical analysis and data handling, acid-base equilibria in water, stoichiometry, oxidation-reduction system, applications of volumetric titrations, elementary spectrophotometry and potentiometric methods, and principles of gravimetry and separation techniques. Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-371L.

Prerequisites

CHYS-261 and MTHS-135

OR

CHYS 372 - Instrumental Analysis: Spec ID Credit Hours: 4

This course will introduce the student to common laboratory instrumentation and will include theory as well as hands on use, when possible.  Signal noise theory, electromagnetic radiation, basic use of mass spectroscopy (MS), and elemental analysis (EA) are covered. Infra-red spectroscopy (IR), 1H and 13C NMR, and two-dimensional NMR are covered in depth. Students demonstrate proficiency in these instrumentations by identifying a series of organic unknown compounds in the laboratory setting.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in CHYS-372L.

Prerequisites

CHYS-262L

CHEM 431 - Physical Chemistry I Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the topics of quantum mechanics, atomic structure, nature of chemical bonding, molecular structure, molecular spectroscopy, nuclear chemistry, photochemistry, catalysts and colloids.

Prerequisites

PHYS-282 and MATH-271 (MATH-272 strongly recommended).

CHEM 432 - Physical Chemistry II Credit Hours: 3

This course includes gases and liquids, solid state, first, second, and third Laws of thermodynamics, thermochemistry, free energy and equilibrium, chemical equilibrium, solutions, colligative properties of solutions, and phase rule.

Prerequisites

CHEM-431 (MATH-273 strongly recommended).

CHYS 471 - Survey of Physical Chemistry Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy. Application of physics, calculus, and chemistry to physical chemistry problems.

Prerequisites

PHYS-261 and MTHS-261.

CHYS 491 - Research Design Credit Hours: 1

The reinforcement of experimental and/or theoretical methods related to physical chemistry through the development of an independent research proposal and generation of preliminary data to test the hypotheses / predictions described in the proposal.

Prerequisites

CHYS-262L.

CHYS 493 - Chemistry Research and Defense Credit Hours: 2

The reinforcement of material from previous chemistry courses will be accomplished in the laboratory as students execute research proposed in CHYS-491. Students will apply theories studied in chemistry to solve real-world problems.

Prerequisites

CHYS-491

Chemistry Electives: 3*

Select course offerings in chemistry at the 300 level or above

Subtotal Specialty Area Requirements: 29

Collateral Requirements*

MTHS 135 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to techniques for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.  The primary emphasis is on the analysis of data sets to facilitate informed decision-making processes.  Topics include sampling methods, summaries of data, descriptive statistics, probability, distributions, correlation, and regression.

Prerequisites

ACT mathematics score of 19 or SAT equivalent, or completion of MTHS-099 with a grade of C or better, or placement by the math placement exam.

MTHS 261 - Calculus I Credit Hours: 4

Definition and formulas, rate of change, derivatives, and application of functions. The study and application of indefinite and definite integrals.

Prerequisites

MTHS-161 with a minimum grade of C-, or equivalent course work.

GSCI 122 - Earth and Space Science Credit Hours: 4

An introduction to astronomy, geology, meteorology and physical geography. Emphasis on the structure of the universe, theories of cosmology, the Milky Way, and the solar system; the shape, structure and composition of the earth; earthquakes, vulcanism, theories of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, and continental drift; the earth in space and time; composition and structure of the earth's atmosphere; weathering erosion, sculpturing the land, topographic maps, oceanography, and glaciation; fossil fuels and alternate sources of energy, environmental pollution and conservation of natural resources. Requires co-requisite enrollment in GSCI-122L. Open to non-science majors only.

PHYS 261 - General Physics I Credit Hours: 4

A study of the fundamentals of the classical and relativistic motion of electrically-neutral, macroscopic objects, primarily entailing the concepts of energy, momentum, and force.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in PHYS-261L.

Prerequisites

MTHS-261.

PHYS 262 - General Physics II Credit Hours: 4

A study of the fundamentals of the classical motion of electrically-charged, macroscopic objects and the quantized motion of electrically-uncharged, microscopic particles - both entailing the concepts of energy, momentum, and force.  Requires co-requisite enrollment in PHYS-262L and PHYS-262S (Service Learning).

Prerequisites

PHYS-261 with grade of C- or better.

BIOS 495 - Science and Scripture Credit Hours: 3

Comparative study of related scientific and theological ideology with emphasis on areas of apparent discrepancy. Through lecture, research papers and guided class discussion, an attempt is made to demonstrate the necessity and possibility of harmonizing scientific and Biblical truth. Not to be counted toward an endorsement for teacher certification in biology. Serves as the biology capstone and does not count as a biology elective.

Prerequisites

THEO-231 and 90 hours minimum.

Subtotal Collateral Requirements: 22

Secondary Professional Education Requirements*

EDUC 199 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession Seminar Credit Hours: 1

A course consisting of 20 clock hours of laboratory assignments in the public schools and a 50-minute seminar each week for the entire semester. The course is designed to provide a general survey of the education profession. Required for teacher education majors except music.

EDUC 299 - Teaching Diverse Learners Credit Hours: 2

This course is designed to introduce students to the wide range of diversity that exists in today's general school population. Candidates will explore physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development, individual learning styles, and prior learning as well as language, culture, family and community values and how they influence student learning. Differentiated instructional approaches to learning and performance will be studied while focusing on planning for instruction that addresses the strengths and needs of diverse learners. A Service Learning Component is required.

Prerequisites

EDUC-199

EDUC 315 - Historical, Philosophical, and Sociological Foundations of American Education Credit Hours: 3

A course designed to provide an understanding of the significance of the influence of historical, philosophical and sociological factors and trends in school administration, materials and methods of instruction and the needs of the pupil and society.  

Prerequisites

EDUC-199 or MUED-225

OR

EDMG 315 - Foundations of Middle Grades Education Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to give the prospective teacher an overview of the theoretical models of middle level education and to provide a broad overview of the historical, sociological and philosophical foundations of the American education system. Students will explore preadolescent and young adolescent characteristics, middle grades teaching, student learning, and organizational characteristics of a middle level school. Twenty hours of tutoring or observations must be completed.

Prerequisites

EDUC-199 and EDUC-299.

PSYC 312 - Educational Psychology Credit Hours: 3

A study of the psychological foundations for learning and the procedures by which learning is accomplished. Also covered is an evaluation of teaching methods and learning tools.

SPED 316 - Exceptional Child Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to special education including historical foundations, special education law and current practice. The course will introduce all current information pertinent to those who will work with students with disabilities especially those students included in the general education classroom. Issues and trends that address techniques, strategies and procedures for working with students with disabilities will be emphasized. A summary of each category of disability will be offered as well as suggestions for accessing school and community resources.

Prerequisites

None

SCED 340 - Principles of Classroom Instruction - Secondary Credit Hours: 2

A course designed to introduce candidates to the knowledge of methods, skills and strategies they will need as they become effective teachers in secondary level classrooms. The course unites theory and practices by using the instructional methods of classroom discussion, presentations, and analysis of case studies.

Prerequisites

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

SCED 415 & 415L - The Teaching of Mathematics, Grades 6-12, with Methods Lab Credit Hours: 2

A preliminary survey of major theories and practices of instruction in American middle and high schools; aims, materials, teaching methods, learner activities and evaluation procedures in mathematics; and how these relate to the program of the school.

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: Admission to Teacher Education Program, and SCED-340.

EDUC 496 - Student Teaching I Credit Hours: 5

Upon completion of all education courses, students will complete student teaching practicums for a total of 15 weeks in the public schools under the guidance of public school teachers and a university supervisor(s). The student will be assigned to at least two different classrooms, which may be at different schools. Students must enroll in EDUC-496, EDUC-497, and EDUC-498 for a total of 12 hours. This will constitute the maximum load for the student teaching semester. No other classes may be taken during the student teaching semester.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of required methods courses

EDUC 497 - Student Teaching II Credit Hours: 5

Upon completion of all education courses, students will complete student teaching practicums for a total of 15 weeks in the public schools under the guidance of public school teachers and a university supervisor(s). The student will be assigned to at least two different classrooms, which may be at different schools. Students must enroll in EDUC-496, EDUC-498, and EDUC-498 for a total of 12 hours. This will constitute the maximum load for the student teaching semester. No other classes may be taken during the student teaching semester.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of required methods courses.

EDUC 498 - Student Teaching Seminar Credit Hours: 2

A seminar designed to be taken by all student teachers during their enhanced student teaching semester. The purpose is to help bridge the gap between coursework and enhanced student teaching. Discussion of a variety of topics related to instructional management and interaction is the focus of the seminar.

Prerequisites

Admission to Teacher Education Program, admission to Student Teaching, pass all required Praxis II exams, and completion of all methods courses

Subtotal Secondary Professional Education: 28

Electives - Total Hours: 0

Total Hours in Program: 122

* Must earn a grade of C or better in each course.