Chemistry 7-12 Chemistry Certification

Teacher Preparation Program Admission Requirements

Traditional Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program 

Applications for admission to the Teacher Preparation Program are accepted in September for the following spring semester and in February for the following fall semester.

  1. Application to program submitted through TK20, to include the following:
    • Disposition Survey
    • Code of Ethics Reflection Statement
    • Completed FERPA form
    • Payment of $35.00 application fee.
  2. Overall GPA of 2.80 or higher. The Overall GPA requirement changes to 2.70 or higher beginning with the Spring 2024 semester.
  3. Complete a writing sample and interview as a requirement for the application to the Teacher Preparation program.
  4. Completed hours in content area: chemistry 7 - 12  certification candidates must have completed 15 semester hours in content area with no grade below "C".
  5. Advising from assigned faculty advisors in the Teacher Education program.

For Admission to Field-Based Co-Teaching Semester

  1. A Notice of Intent for Field-Based Co-Teaching semester submitted in TK20 in September for the following spring semester and in February for the following fall semester.
  2. Completion of  appropriate coursework.
  3. Minimum of 2.80 GPA overall; no grade below "C" in upper-division courses.  The Overall GPA requirement changes to 2.70 or higher beginning with the Spring 2024 semester.

For Admission to the Clinical Co-Teaching Semester

  1. Successfully complete all program requirements.
  2. Successful completion of Field-Based Co-Teaching semester as determined by Chair of Teacher Education.
  3. Continuance of placement in K-12 clinical placement.
  4. Maintain 2.80 cumulative GPA ; no grade below "C" in upper-division courses.  The Overall GPA requirement changes to 2.70 or higher beginning with the Spring 2024 semester.

Chemistry w/7-12 Chemistry Teacher Certification Degree Requirements

Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements. 

Major Requirements
General Education Requirements42
CHEM 1311General Chemistry I3
CHEM 1111General Chemistry I (Lab)1
CHEM 1312General Chemistry II3
CHEM 1112General Chemistry II (Lab)1
CHEM 2423Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 2425Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 321Inorganic Chemistry4
CHEM 340Quantitative Chemical and Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 351Physical Chemistry I4
CHEM 405Environmental Chemistry3
CHEM 410Biochemistry I4
CHEM 440Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 479Capstone in Chemistry3
CHEM 497Special Topics in Chemistry1-4
MATH 2413Calculus I 14
PHYS 2325University Physics I3
PHYS 2125University Physics I Lab1
PHYS 2326University Physics II3
PHYS 2126University Physics II Lab1
Other Requirements
BIOL 1306Biology for Science Majors I 13
BIOL 1106Biology for Science Majors I Lab 11
BIOL 1307Biology for Science Majors II 13
BIOL 1107Biology for Science Majors II Lab 11
RDG 343Content Area Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students3
Professional Development
ED 311Teaching and Learning for Social Change (EL)3
ED 321Secondary School Methods3
Block 1:
ED 331Classroom and Behavior Management 2,33
ED 495Field-Based Co-Teaching Semester 33
Block 2:
ED 496Clinical Co-Teaching Semester (EL) 43
SPED 418Inclusion of Students with High Support Needs in the Content Areas 43
Electives (As needed to satisfy minimum degree requirements and 54 semester credit hours of Upper Division Coursework)
Minimum Grade of "C" in all Major, Ed, Sped and Professional Development Courses
Minimum Hours for Degree120
1

Satisfies Core Curriculum

2

Requires Admission to Teacher Prep Program

3

Requires successful placement interview with a partnership public school district

4

Requires passing all TExES exams

Note: A minimum of 46 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas for graduation:  Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA. 

NOTE: All courses in Major, ED, RDG, and SPED must be completed with a grade of 'C' or higher.

Chemistry 7-12 Chemistry Certification 4 Year Plan

Students should refer to their DegreeWorks degree audit in their Web for Students account for more information regarding their degree requirements.

First Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
ENGL 1301Composition I requires minimum grade of 'C', Satisfies Core Curriculum3
BIOL 1306Biology for Science Majors I Satisfies Core Curriculum3
BIOL 1106Biology for Science Majors I Lab Satisfies Core Curriculum1
MCOM 1307Introduction to Mass Communication Satisfies Core Curriculum3
or SPCH 1315 Public Speaking
IS 1100University Foundations mandatory for FTIC students only1
MATH 2412Pre-Calculus satisfies core curriculum; Only if needed as prereq for MATH 24134
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours15
SpringSemester Credit Hours
ENGL 1302Composition II Satisfies Core Curriculum3
MATH 2413Calculus I4
BIOL 1307Biology for Science Majors II Satisfies Core Curriculum3
BIOL 1107Biology for Science Majors II Lab Satisfies Core Curriculum1
Language, Philosophy and Culture Core Curriculum Requirement3
Creative Arts Core Curriculum Requirement3
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours17
Total First Year Semester Credit Hours32

Second Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
PSCI 2301American Government I: Federal & Texas Constitutions Satisfies Core Curriculum3
HIST 1301United States History I Satisfies Core Curriculum3
CHEM 1311General Chemistry I Satisfies Core Curriculum3
CHEM 1111General Chemistry I (Lab)1
PHYS 2325University Physics I3
PHYS 2125University Physics I Lab1
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours14
SpringSemester Credit Hours
PSCI 2302American Government II: Federal & Texas Political Behavior Satisfies Core Curriculum3
HIST 1302United States History II Satisfies Core Curriculum3
CHEM 1312General Chemistry II3
CHEM 1112General Chemistry II (Lab)1
PHYS 2326University Physics II3
PHYS 2126University Physics II Lab1
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours14
Total Second Year Semester Credit Hours28

Third Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
ED 311Teaching and Learning for Social Change (EL)3
CHEM 2423Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 340Quantitative Chemical and Instrumental Analysis4
CHEM 351Physical Chemistry I4
Social and Behavioral Science Core Curriculum Requirement3
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours18
SpringSemester Credit Hours
ED 321Secondary School Methods3
CHEM 2425Organic Chemistry II4
CHEM 405Environmental Chemistry3
CHEM 440Instrumental Analysis4
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours14
SummerSemester Credit Hours
RDG 343Content Area Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students3
Summer Total Semester Credit Hours3
Total Third Year Semester Credit Hours35

 Fourth Year

FallSemester Credit Hours
ED 495Field-Based Co-Teaching Semester3
ED 331Classroom and Behavior Management3
CHEM 321Inorganic Chemistry4
CHEM 410Biochemistry I4
Fall Total Semester Credit Hours14
SpringSemester Credit Hours
ED 496Clinical Co-Teaching Semester (EL)3
SPED 418Inclusion of Students with High Support Needs in the Content Areas3
CHEM 479Capstone in Chemistry3
CHEM 497Special Topics in Chemistry1-4
Spring Total Semester Credit Hours12
Total Fourth Year Semester Credit Hours26
Total Semester Credit Hours Required for Degree120

NOTE: All courses in Major, ED, RDG, and SPED must be completed with a grade of 'C' or higher.

 Note: A minimum of 46 upper division hours (300 and 400 level courses) are required for this degree. Resident credit totaling 25% of the hours is required for the degree.  A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required in three areas for graduation:  Overall GPA, Institutional GPA, and Major GPA. 

Courses in Chemistry  w/7-12 Teacher Certification

CHEM 1311. General Chemistry I. 3 Hours.

This course covers the fundamental principles of chemistry. This course is the first of two general chemistry courses offered sequentially for majors in biological, health, and physical sciences. Topics include measurements, fundamental properties of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, chemical stoichiometry, periodocity of elemental properties, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, properties of gases, and an introduction to thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 or MATH 2412. Corequisite: CHEM 1111.

CHEM 1111. General Chemistry I (Lab). 1 Hour.

This course introduces students to basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in CHEM 1311. The course introduces the scientific method, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports. Corequisite: CHEM 1311.

CHEM 1312. General Chemistry II. 3 Hours.

This course is the second course of the general chemistry sequence. Topics include chemical equilibrium, phase diagrams and specrometry, acid-base concepts, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry and descriptive organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 1111 and CHEM 1311. Corequisite: CHEM 1112.

CHEM 1112. General Chemistry II (Lab). 1 Hour.

This course introduces students to basic laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in CHEM 1312. Students will be introduced to the use of the scientific method in experimental design, chemical instrumentation, data collection and analysis, and preparation of laboratory reports. Prerequisite: CHEM 1111. Corequisite: CHEM 1312.

CHEM 2423. Organic Chemistry I. 4 Hours.

This course is the first of a comprehensive and somewhat rigorous survey of organic chemistry emphasizing nomenclature, structure, properties, synthesis, and reaction mechanisms of carbon compounds. Prerequisite: CHEM 1312 with a grade of C or better.

CHEM 2425. Organic Chemistry II. 4 Hours.

This course is the second semester of Organic Chemistry sequence emphasizing the classes of aliphatic and aromatic compounds that contain oxygen and nitrogen. Prerequisite: CHEM 2423.

CHEM 340. Quantitative Chemical and Instrumental Analysis. 4 Hours.

This course covers fundamental theory and techniques in traditional chemical analysis. Topics include sampling and separation methods, measurements, statistics, equilibrium and pH studies, gravimetric and combustion analysis, electrochemical techniques, and introduction to instrumentation. Biology minors in Environmental Science require this course. Prerequisite: CHEM 1312 with a grade of C or better.

CHEM 410. Biochemistry I. 4 Hours.

Biochemistry I is the first semester of a one-year course. The first semester covers the structures and functions of amino acids, proteins, and simple and complex carbohydrates. This course also covers carbohydrate metabolism, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and signal cascades in carbohydrate metabolism. The course emphasizes understanding biochemistry from a biological point of view and on providing information on how biochemical events are regulated in living tissues. Prerequisite: CHEM 2423 and CHEM 2425 with a C or better in both courses.

CHEM 351. Physical Chemistry I. 4 Hours.

This course is an introduction to quantum mechanics, solvable model problems, chemical kinetics, rigorous treatments of the first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics, as well as applications to gases (both ideal and real), liquids, solutions, and phase equilibria. Prerequisite: MATH 2413, PHYS 2325, and PHYS 2326.

CHEM 321. Inorganic Chemistry. 4 Hours.

This course focuses on descriptive inorganic chemistry. It covers bonding theories, redox chemistry, properties of main group and transition metals, ligand field theory, molecular magnetism, and electronic spectra in transition metal complexes. Prerequisites: CHEM 1111, CHEM 1112, CHEM 1311, and CHEM 1312.

CHEM 497. Special Topics in Chemistry. 1-4 Hours.

This course provides instruction on special topics in an identified area of chemistry. Students may repeat the course for credit when topics vary. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

BIOL 1306. Biology for Science Majors I. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the student to the nature of science and the application of science to contemporary issues. Content includes the chemistry of life, the cell, genetics, and mechanisms of evolution. Corequisite: BIOL 1106.

BIOL 1106. Biology for Science Majors I Lab. 1 Hour.

This course provides students with hands-on exploration in the biological sciences. Content includes the process of scientific inquiry, important concepts in biochemistry and genetics, and introduction to laboratory techniques. Corequisite: BIOL 1306.

BIOL 1307. Biology for Science Majors II. 3 Hours.

This course introduces the student to the nature of science and the application of science to contemporary issues. Content includes plant form and function, animal form and function, and ecology. Prerequisite: BIOL 1306. Corequisite: BIOL 1107.

BIOL 1107. Biology for Science Majors II Lab. 1 Hour.

This course provides students with hands-on exploration in the biological sciences. Content includes a survey of plants, animals, and microorganisms as well as studies of basic biological processes such as digestion, circulation, and nervous system function. Corequisite: BIOL 1307.

PHYS 2325. University Physics I. 3 Hours.

This course is a calculus based physics sequence for students in pre-professional programs, biology, geology, or architecture wo do not expect to do additional work in engineering or physics. Topics include elementary vector algebra, mechanics, heat, thermodynamics and sound. Prerequisite: MATH 2413. Corequisite: PHYS 2125.

PHYS 2125. University Physics I Lab. 1 Hour.

Physics lab covers elementary vector algebra, mechanics, heat, thermodynamics and sound. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 2413. Corequisite: PHYS 2325.

PHYS 2326. University Physics II. 3 Hours.

This course is a calculus-based physics sequence for students in computer science and engineering programs. This course covers electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Prerequisite: PHYS 2325 or PHYS 2425. Corequisite: PHYS 2126.

PHYS 2126. University Physics II Lab. 1 Hour.

This lab covers electricity and magnetism, light, and modern physics. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 2413. Corequisite: PHYS 2326.

ED 311. Teaching and Learning for Social Change (EL). 3 Hours.

This foundational education course explores the breadth of educational settings for students and the role the teacher plays in disrupting structural inequities and advancing justice in the classroom. Cultural, emotional, physical, intellectual, and learning differences are studied for their impact on learning abilities and educational opportunity. The course draws upon a framework of understanding that includes the 1) introduce and prepare sections of the teacher education learning cycle and 2) the four dimensions of equity. Students will apply educational theory to practical implementation of high leverage practices and consider how such practices enhance learning for all students. Students must be considered in their junior year and will be required to participate in 10 hours of field experiences and participate in practice-based learning opportunities to complete course requirements. This course integrates the principles of experiential learning and meets the criteria for field work.

ED 321. Secondary School Methods. 3 Hours.

This course provides students seeking certification in grades 4-8 and 7-12 skills for reading, critiquing, and adapting curriculum, planning effective instruction, creating assessments that provide a feedback loop, implementing differentiated methods for diverse populations, and delivering content effectively. Students will apply skills and knowledge in lesson plans, unit plans, and teaching simulations. This course integrates the principles of Experiential Learning and meets the criteria for fieldwork.

ED 331. Classroom and Behavior Management. 3 Hours.

This course presents current strategies for classroom and behavior management including classroom procedures and expectations, organization of materials, and classroom space for optimum learner benefit. An emphasis will be placed on the high-leverage instructional practice, developing meaningful relationships. University students will engage in strategies that support equity for diverse and marginalized students and large diverse classrooms. Basic federal and state laws for all teachers, including teachers of students with disabilities (dyslexia, emotional/behavior disorders, autism), English as a Second Language (ESL) and other at-risk students will also be presented. This course will require university students to learn and practice strategies and techniques through authentic and interactive field experiences. Prerequisite: Admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program.

ED 435. Secondary Content Pedagogy. 3 Hours.

This course provides students seeking certification in grades 4-8 and 7-12 with pedagogical best-practices. Students will learn lesson planning, assessment, and available resources for their specific content area. Methods for accessing and processing information through traditional as well as new technologies will be addressed. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.

ED 495. Field-Based Co-Teaching Semester. 3 Hours.

This course provided clinical experience in the public school setting as part of the field experience requirements for the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program. The Teacher Candidate is required to spend six hours per week for 12 weeks in an assigned classroom. A university field supervisor in conjunction with the cooperating teacher supervises the Clincial Teacher. Block 1 is the first semester of the co-teaching assignment (2 semesters) in which the Teacher Candidate and Cooperating Teacher are considered co-teachers for the class. Course is graded on a Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis for 3 SCH. This course integrates the principles of experiential learning and meets the criterion for internship. Prerequisite: Met admission requirements to undergraduate field based placement guidelines.

ED 496. Clinical Co-Teaching Semester (EL). 3 Hours.

This course provided clinical experience in a public school setting as part of field experience requirements for the undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program. The Teacher Candidate is required to spend 72 complete instructional days in an assigned classroom. A university field supervisor in conjunction with the cooperating teacher supervises the Clinical Teacher. Block 2 is the second semester of the co-teaching assignment (2 semesters) in which Teacher Candidate and Cooperating Teacher are co-teachers for the public school class. Course graded on Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U) basis for 3 SCH. This course integrates the principals of experiential learning and meets the criterion for internship. Prerequisite: successful completion of ED 495, continued acceptance in the public school classroom, and completion of program requirements.

ITED 350. Technology and Digital Literacy. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to assist students with developing skills for using web applications and mobile computing. The activities in the course assist students with promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging them with digital tools being used in daily life. Topics covered include: technology in society, computers and digital components, the internet- how it works and making the most of web resources , applications for work and play, and systems software- operating systems, utilities and file management, information technology ethics, understanding and assessing hardware, digital devices and media and protection, information technology careers, software programming, databases and information systems, networking and security. There is an emphasis on using the Microsoft Office Suite of Products in this course including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

MATH 2413. Calculus I. 4 Hours.

This course provides a rigorous study of the concepts and applications of limits and continuity; the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus; definition of the derivative of a function and techniques of differentiation; applications of the derivative to maximizing or minimizing a function; the chain rule, mean value theorem, and rate of change problems; curve sketching; definite and indefinite integration of algebraic, trigonometric, and transcendental function, with an application to calculation of areas. Appropriate computer software and hand held technologies will be utilized. Prerequisite: MATH 1314 and MATH 1316 with a C or better, or MATH 2412 with a C or better. Placement will also be determined by the Math Placement Exam score.

RDG 343. Content Area Literacy Instruction for Secondary Students. 3 Hours.

This course equips content area teachers with research-based strategies and skill to incorporate reading into science, mathematics, and/or social studies. Students will utilize strategies for morphemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression to develop a unit of study based on the TEKS for a subject area of choice. Additionally, students will assess curriculum materials and learn about additional tools and accommodations that teachers use to bridge student reading deficits to allow learning in the content area how to help their students learn the material presented.

SPED 410. Introduction to Individual with Exceptionalities. 3 Hours.

This course develops students’ foundational knowledge of historical perspectives, educational principles, laws, and professional ethics and roles in the fields of special education and English Language Learners (ELL). It focuses on the learning and behavioral characteristics of diverse learners, including students with exceptionalities (which includes disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, Dyslexia, and Gifted/Talented) students who are ELL and students who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional (CLDE) learners. Additionally, this course introduces instructional strategies, appropriate curriculum, accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to ensure the success of all learners.

SPED 418. Inclusion of Students with High Support Needs in the Content Areas. 3 Hours.

This course presents research, issues, and trends related to the inclusion of secondary students with high-level support needs into content area classes in a manner that is equity-minded and socially just. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Preparation Program.