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Natural Science

In the College of Sciences

Office: Physics 131
Telephone: (619) 594-6240

Faculty

Emeritus: Dessel, Merzbacher, Shull, Thompson

Program Coordinator: Roeder, P.

Faculty: Dowler (Biology), Fisher (Biology), Frost (Geological Sciences), Goldberg (Physics), May (Astronomy), Robinson (Geological Sciences)

Offered by Natural Science

Teaching major in the physical sciences for the single subject teaching credential.

Minor in history of science and technology.

The Major

The physical science major is offered as an interdisciplinary approach to the study of science. It stresses the interrelationship of chemistry and physics, as well as geology, astronomy, and mathematics. The major is designed primarily for students who intend to become high school teachers of both physics and chemistry. The State of California does not offer separate credentials in either chemistry or physics.

Physical Science Major

For the Single Subject Teaching Credential
With the B.S. Degree in Applied Arts and Sciences

(Major Code: 19011)

All candidates for a teaching credential must complete all requirements outlined in this section of the catalog under Policy Studies or Teacher Education.

This major may be used by students in policy studies or teacher education as an undergraduate major for the B.S. degree in applied arts and sciences; it prepares students for certification to teach chemistry and physics in secondary schools.

Preparation for the Major. Astronomy 101; Chemistry 200, 201, 231; Computer Science 107; Geological Sciences 100; Mathematics 150,151, and 252; Physics 195, 195L, 196, 196L, 197, 197L. (48 units)

Upper Division Writing Requirement. Passing the University Writing Examination or completing one of the approved writing courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Major. A minimum of 34 upper division units to include Chemistry 361A, 410A; Physics 311; Natural Science 315, 316, 500; Oceanography 541; and 12 units of upper division electives in mathematics or the sciences.

Minor in History of Science and
Technology

The minor in the history of science and technology consists of a minimum of 18 units to include Natural Science 315 and 316, and 12 units selected from Natural Science 317; History 484, 485; Mathematics 303; Philosophy 537.

Courses in the minor may not be counted toward the major, but may be used to satisfy requirements for preparation for the major and general education requirements, if applicable. A minimum of six upper division units must be completed in residence at San Diego State University.

Courses

LOWER DIVISION COURSE

100. Physical Science (3) I, II

Introduction to concepts and processes in science intended to show why science is essential to a liberal education by recognizing relationship with other areas of knowledge such as philosophy, literature, fine arts, economics. Emphasis varies with instructor.

UPPER DIVISION COURSES
(Intended for Undergraduates)

315. History of Science I (3) I

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning, and one of the following courses: Humanities 101, History 100, 101, 105, 106. Recommended: Astronomy 101. General Education prerequisite not required for Physical Science majors.

The growth and development of science from antiquity to the fifteenth century. Emphasis on man's cognitive reactions to his environment through the coalescence of the occult arts, empirical practices and rational thought associated with early scientific theory.

316. History of Science II (3) II

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning, and one of the following courses: Humanities 101, History 100, 101, 105, 106. Recommended: Astronomy 101 and a course in chemistry. General Education prerequisite not required for Physical Science majors.

The major developments during the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries of the scientific revolution, the rise of empiricism, the emerging role of scientific societies. Histories of particular theories in both the life sciences and physical sciences.

317. Development of Scientific Thought (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: Mathematics 121.

Basic scientific concepts and their historical development with emphasis on the problem of theory construction. The relationship between disciplined imagination and observational fact, as illustrated by selected case histories. Limitations of scientific inquiry.

333. Technology and Human Values (3) I, II

Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning. Recommended: Natural Science 100.

Technologies such as solar and fusion power, lasers, computer services, transport, synthetic food and their impact on values and lifestyles of developed countries. Characteristics of post-industrial society, future shock and biological revolution. Curve extrapolation and simulation by games and computer.

412A-412B-412C. Processes and Inquiry in the Natural Sciences (4-4-4) I, II

Three lectures and two hours of activity.

Prerequisite: Completion of the General Education requirement in Foundations II.A., Natural Sciences and Quantitative Reasoning.

Investigation of processes of inquiry and rational thinking skills characteristic of the sciences.