Physical Science

PS 500. TOPICS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE (* ) 5 HRS. (Prerequisite, permission of instructor.) A special course for graduate students who have had a minimal background in physics, chemistry or the earth sciences but who need training in one of these fields. A student may be permitted to enroll in PS 500 more than once, but will not be allowed to accumulate more than 6 hours credit. See the chair of the division for details. *The blank will be filled in with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the subject area studied. Permission of instructor required to enroll.

PH 510. COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN PHYSICS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PH 143 or 193 and CS 130 or equivalent programming experience.) Computer solutions of physics problems using spreadsheets, computer algebra systems and programming languages. Use of the spreadsheet and other appropriate software in the physics laboratory.

PS 516. TEACHING PHYSICAL SCIENCES IN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, Preservice physical sciences teacher candidate.) A course designed for pre-service candidates and in-service teachers seeking physical sciences licensures.  Introduction to the modes used to teach contemporary content in chemistry, earth/space science, physics, physical science or general science with emphasis on laboratory instruction and laboratory safety procedures. Teaching strategies, curricula, materials/resources to include instructional technology, evaluation, characteristics of students as they relate to physical science teaching are major topic areas. Students do microteaching.

PS 517. PHYSICAL SCIENCE TECHNIQUES II 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PS 516.) For pre-service teachers of physical science.  Mutually selected topics not treated in PS 516, determined by the needs of the individual to enhance teaching effectiveness. Individualized instruction, the laboratory, and independent study are utilized.

PS 520. ENERGY IN TRANSITION 2-4 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) An examination of personal and societal energy requirements, current sources of energy, and the environmental effects of various methods of energy production and usage. Consideration of alternatives for present consumption trends, and options for sources of energy other than fossil fuels. Field trips will be utilized as appropriate.

PS 580. INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES IN SCIENCE 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, GB100, MA110 and PH 140 or equivalent.) An interdisciplinary project-based course for majors or those with teaching fields in the biological, mathematical or physical sciences. Introduction to the use of digital-imaging technology for data collection and analysis. Application of mathematics and physical sciences to investigations of biological phenomena. Course focus is on the design and implementation of a semester-long, student-directed scientific investigation.

PS 700.  ADVANCED TOPICS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE 1-5 HRS.  Study of specialized topics in physical science.  *The parentheses will be filled with an appropriate short description on the student's transcript to indicate the topic area studied.  May be repeated for credit.  Advisor approval is expected.

PS 730.  NATURE OF THE SCIENTIFIC ENTERPRISE 2 HRS.  (Prerequisite, graduate standing.)  The course content is selected to provide a contextual basis (historical, cultural, social, intellectual, anad philosophical)  for a greater understanding and appreciation for physical sciences subject matter.  The course considers the major conceptual frameworks of the physical sciences.  The characteristics and development of modern scientific inquiry and model building/theory development are central themes of the course.  The interactions of science, technology, and society are considered.  Some case histories are studied to analyze inquiry, model building, theory development, and science, technology, and society interactions.

PS 768. WORKSHOP IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEACHING 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and individual projects planned to increase the effectiveness of teaching science at the secondary level. Designed to develop the teacher's ability to better meet the needs of students in the physical sciences.

PS 801. MODERN DEVELOPMENTS IN THE PHYSICAL SCIENCES 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Recent curriculum and instructional innovations in physical science education at the secondary level, designed as a refresher course for secondary school science teachers.

PS 810. SEMINAR IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE 0-4 HRS. (Prerequisite, consent of instructor.) Reports and discussion by students, staff and visiting lecturers. May include projects and project reports.

PS 839. GRADUATE RESEARCH 1-5 HRS. Independent study and research in an approved field in the physical sciences or science education.

PS 875. THESIS, M.S. 1-5 HRS. (Prerequisite, graduate standing and consent of instructor.) Independent study and research in an approved field in the physical sciences.

Last Updated May 21, 2008