SCIENCE SUBJECT
MATTER PROGRAM FOR
TEACHER CREDENTIALING
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
CHEMISTRY
GEOSCIENCES
PHYSICS
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
FACULTY
CONTACT

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Science Subject Matter Program, with concentrations in either Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences or Physics, leads to a BA degree in the area of concentration and meets the latest subject matter requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) for subject-matter preparation of teachers of Natural Science at the general science level and in the student's area of concentration at the advanced high school level. In order to obtain a California Teaching Credential a program of professional Education preparation is required in addition to the Subject Matter Program. A typical credential might read, for example, SCIENCE: Concentration Chemistry.

A grade of at least a "C-" and an overall GPA of 2.7 in all courses in the Science Subject Matter Program are required for admission to the Teacher Education Program. It is recommended that all course work for the Subject Matter Program be completed before starting the Teacher Education Program. At least 15 units of the course work or equivalent work experience must be current, i.e. completed within the past six years.

It is also possible to obtain admission to the Professional Education Program by passing a series of subject-matter examinations specified by the CTC in lieu of this Science Subject Matter Program. For information about this option contact the Teacher Preparation Program Office (Eureka Hall 216, (916) 278-6403).

Note: Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind mandate, the Science Subject Matter program was under review at the time of this 2008-2010 catalog printing and is subject to revision. As a result it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.

Concentrations

• BA: Biological Sciences / Chemistry / Geosciences / Physics

Special Features

• At Sacramento State all four science departments have strong BA and BS programs supported by an active faculty and with modern laboratory facilities. The departments are committed to the education and development of new science teachers and have a solid record of providing professional activities and support for local experienced teachers through the work of the Center for Mathematics and Science Education.
• This subject matter program is based on the concept that, if well educated science majors pursue teaching careers in K-12 education, science instruction will improve. To this end the Sacramento State Science Subject Matter Program embodies the following features. The program:
  
  • emphasizes breadth in all four of the sciences. All credential candidates will complete a full year or more of laboratory-based science in each of the natural sciences.
  • requires depth of study in one of the natural sciences. All credential candidates must complete the BA requirements in one of the natural sciences. Through deeper study of science, credential candidates become learners in the discipline and develop the ability to be creative teachers and models for their students.
  • emphasizes laboratory and field work so that credential candidates learn to use the many tools of science including computers. This will enable them to develop laboratory programs and structure field experiences for students in their schools.
  • emphasizes science for all students. The departments recognize the need to have programs which address the needs of underrepresented groups in science; women, African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. The SEE (Science Education Equity) Office and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education encourage and enable these student groups to be successful in science and to consider careers in education.

Notes:

• Credential candidates who complete this subject matter program in the sciences will have gained the confidence and ability to do science. They will understand that science is not just a collection of facts to be memorized but a creative and dynamic process which when applied can lead to understanding and appreciation of the natural world. This attitude will be reflected in their classrooms and will make them good models for pre-college students.
• Science majors who intend to pursue a teaching credential should see a faculty advisor or the department chair in the department of their academic major. It is recommended that they do so early as it is critical that their science course work be carefully planned and coordinated with the professional teacher preparation program. In addition, students are encouraged to become involved with education related activities like grading, assisting in labs, tutoring K-12 students, visiting schools, and actually teaching; all experiences that can be arranged through your advisor and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education.
  

Units required for Subject Matter Program: 72-73
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

This subject matter program provides the minimum preparation for biology students interested in the single subject teaching credential in the sciences with a concentration in biology. This program meets the standards for academic preparation set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and qualifies students to teach general science covering all four natural sciences and biology at the high school level.

A. Required Lower Division Core Courses (45-46 units)

B. Required Upper Division Core Courses (16 units)

Notes:

• CHEM 161 is not counted toward the 24 upper division unit requirement in the major.
• CHEM 160A and CHEM 160B may be taken in lieu of CHEM 161. Three units may be counted toward the 24 upper division unit requirements for the major.
• BIO 106 and BIO 108 are not acceptable toward a BA in biological sciences.

C. Upper Division Electives (11 units)

Select eleven (11) upper division biology units in consultation with an advisor. Upper division electives in biological sciences must include one course in plant biology and one course in animal biology.

Units required for the Subject Matter Program: 85
A minimum grade "C-" is required in all courses required for the Chemistry major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite requirement.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

This subject matter program provides the minimum preparation for chemistry majors interested in pursuing the single subject teaching credential in the sciences with a concentration in chemistry. This program meets the standards for academic preparation set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and qualifies students to teach general science in all the four natural sciences and chemistry at the high school level.

A. Required Lower Division Core Courses (61 units)

(3)	ASTR 4	Introduction to Astronomy (One year of high school geometry or instructor permission)
(3)	BIO 10	Basic Biological Concepts
(4)	BIO 11	Animal Biology (BIO 10)
(4)	BIO 12	Plant Biology (BIO 10)
(5)	CHEM 1A	General Chemistry I (High school algebra [two years] and high school chemistry; or equivalent)
(5)	CHEM 1B	General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A)
(3)	CHEM 24	Organic Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B)
(3)	CHEM 25	Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 24, CHEM 124; CHEM 124 may be taken concurrently)
(4)	CHEM 31	Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B)
(3)	GEOL 10	Physical Geology
(1)	GEOL 10L	Physical Geology Lab (GEOL 10; may be taken concurrently)
(3)	GEOL 12	Historical Geology (GEOL 10, GEOL 10L)
(4)	MATH 30	Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus Diagnostic Test)
(4)	MATH 31	Calculus II (MATH 30 or appropriate high school based AP credit)
(4)	MATH 32	Calculus III (MATH 31)
(4)	PHYS 5A	General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry for those having an inadequate mathematics background)
(4)	PHYS 5B	General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission)

B. Required Upper Division Courses (24 units)

(3)	CHEM 124	Organic Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 24, or instructor permission; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 25 recommended)
(3)	CHEM 140A	Physical Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, CHEM 31, MATH 32; PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C; PHYS 11C may be taken concurrently)
(3)	CHEM 140B	Physical Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 140A)
(3)	CHEM 141	Physical Chemistry Laboratory (ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140A, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, instructor permission; CHEM 140B either may be taken concurrently)
(12)	Additional courses to a minimum of 24 upper division units in Chemistry including two lecture courses and two laboratory courses. Elective courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.

 

Units required for the Subject Matter Program: 78

The subject matter program provides the minimum preparation for geology majors interested in pursuing the single subject teaching credential in the sciences with a concentration in the geosciences. This program meets the standards for academic preparation set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and qualifies students to teach all four of the natural sciences and the geosciences at the high school level.

Note: Attendance at 16 colloquia, verified by faculty signature, is required.

Units required for the Subject Matter Program: 88

The subject matter program provides the minimum preparation for physics majors interested in pursuing the single subject teaching credential in the sciences with a concentration in physics. This program meets the standards for academic preparation set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and qualifies students to teach all four of the natural sciences and physics at the high school level.

B. Upper Division Courses (29 units)

(3)	PHYS 105	Mathematical Methods in Physics (MATH 32; PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C or PHYS 005A, PHYS 5B)
(3)	PHYS 106	Introduction to Modern Physics (MATH 31; PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C or PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B)
(3)	PHYS 110	Classical Mechanics (MATH 45, PHYS 11C, PHYS 105)
(4)	PHYS 115	Electronics and Instrumentation (PHYS 11C or PHYS 5B with instructor permission.)
(3)	PHYS 124	Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (MATH 45, PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C)
(3)	PHYS 135	Electricity and Magnetism (MATH 45, PHYS 11C, PHYS 105)
(2)	PHYS 175	Advanced Physics Laboratory (12 units of upper division physics)
(2)	PHYS 191	Senior Project
(6)	Electives

Note: Elective courses must be selected in consultation with the credential advisor.

Middle School Science Teacher · High School Teacher of General Science and Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, or Physics depending on choice of major

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