The multidisciplinary department of physical science at Southern Utah University offers undergraduate programs in chemistry, geosciences, geographic information systems, and physics. Dedicated and highly qualified faculty represent numerous disciplines, offering students expertise in the classroom and a wide variety of undergraduate research opportunities. A low student to faculty ratio guarantees a close working relationship between students and their professors, especially in upper division classes. The mission and role of the physical science teacher education degree is to provide an environment that fosters academic breadth in the disciplines of chemistry, geography, geology, physics and education in order to obtain the competencies required to teach physical science in a secondary school.

The mission and role of the Physical Science Teacher Education degree is to provide an environment that fosters academic breadth in the disciplines of chemistry, geography, geology, physics, and education in order to obtain the competencies required to teach physical science in a secondary school.

Physical Science Teacher Education Student Learning Outcomes:

Scientific Knowledge: Students should demonstrate knowledge of the major facts, theories, and models in the physical sciences.
Problem Solving Skills: Students should be able to define problems clearly, develop testable hypotheses, design and execute experiments, analyze data using appropriate statistical methods, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Field and Laboratory Skills: Students should understand responsible chemical disposal techniques, how to comply with safety regulations, be proficient in the use of safety data sheets (SDS) and methods to recognize and minimize potential chemical and physical hazards in the laboratory, and be equipped with knowledge necessary to handle laboratory emergencies effectively.
Communication Skills: Students should be able to present information in a clear and organized manner, write well-organized and concise reports in a scientifically appropriate style, and be proficient in the use of technologies and communication techniques to effectively represent and convey scientific information.

All teacher candidates are required to complete an appropriate Praxis II Subject Assessment and the Praxis II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) Assessment adopted by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). The Physical Science Praxis Subject Assessment content knowledge test measures fundamental knowledge common to physics and chemistry, and competencies necessary for a beginning teacher of one of the physical sciences in a secondary school.