Graduate Catalog 2010-12
Natural Sciences
Faculty
Faculty of the Department of Physics
and Earth Sciences, including Science Education (Dept. phone:
860-832-2930). See departmental listings for details.
Overview
Track I provides for advanced study in
physics or earth sciences. Track II is for certified teachers in
elementary and secondary schools. This program is developed on an
individual basis according to goals identified by the student and the
advisor.
Program
Master of Science in Natural
Sciences
Program Rationale:
The MS in Natural Sciences for Track I
expands the knowledge of the physical or earth science content areas.
Track II, for certified teachers from grades K-12, expands upon
inquiry and curriculum development and assessment in the science
content areas, with a focus on the CT Science Standards. Both tracks
provide opportunities for students to tailor their selections of
study in their areas of interest and career goals.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Graduate students are expected to
demonstrate:
a deep understanding of scientific
inquiry methods;
acquisition of scientific content
knowledge;
an understanding of the history
and nature of science; and
skills necessary to advance in
educational scholarship.
Course and Capstone Requirements (30 credits):
Core Requirements:
SCI 500 Science, Technology and Society
Either Track I or Track II
Track I-Physics or Earth Science
Specialization (12-24 credits):
Courses in either Physics or Earth
Science as approved by advisor
Cognate (0-12 credits):
Courses in a related field or fields as
approved by advisor
Research/Capstone (3-9 credits):
Research (PHYS 598 or ESCI 598) and/or
Thesis (PHYS 599 or ESCI 599)
Plan A or Plan B can be chosen.
Track II-Science Education
Specialization (for Certified Elementary and Secondary School
Teachers)
Professional Education (6-9 credits):
One of the following:
EDF 500 Contemporary Educational
Issues 3
EDF 516 School and Society 3
EDF 524 Foundations of Contemporary
Theories of Curriculum 3
EDF 525 History of American Education 3
EDF 538 The Politics of Education 3
EDF 583 Sociological Foundations of
Education 3
and
Additional courses as approved by
advisor
Science (15-18 credits):
Science courses as approved by advisor
Research (6 credits):
SCI 595 Special Projects in Science
Education 3
SCI 598 Research in Science Education 3
Note:
Plan A: 30 credits, including three
credits of Thesis (SCI 599)
Plan C: 33 credits
Note: No more than six credits at the
400 level, as approved by the graduate advisor, may be counted toward
the graduate planned program of study. Only students admitted before
Fall 2002 are allowed nine credits at the 400 level, as approved by
the graduate advisor.
Post-Master's Study
Thirty-credit planned programs of
post-master's study are available for elementary teachers and
secondary school science teachers.
