1. science
2. physics

Physics Education (MSIS)
The Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Physics Education
offers the student an opportunity to acquire a general knowledge of Physics
to understand the teaching methods to develop skills in critical analysis and
to conduct interdisciplinary scientific research.
The Department of Physics and Geology offers a 36-hour program leading to
a master of science in interdisciplinary studies (MSIS) in physics education
with thesis and non-thesis options. These options are designed to prepare
students in their pursuit of further professional development and for
interdisciplinary graduate studies in their area of concentration in physics..
Apply to the UTRGV Graduate College:
Step #1: Submit a UTRGV Graduate Application at www.applytexas.org.
The university application fee of $50 ($100 for International Applicants)
can be paid online by credit card or electronic check (in the online
application). All application fees are nonrefundable.
Step #2: Register on the UTRGV Recommenders and Document Upload
Webpage (www.utrgv.edu/gradupload). This is where you will request
recommenders and upload program requirement documents, and where
the graduate office will upload your transcripts. If you do not complete this
step, we will not be able to process your application.
Step #3: Request your transcripts and other supporting documentation to
be mailed to:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Graduate College
Marialice Shary Shivers Bldg. 1.158
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
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Personal statement detailing professional goals and reasons for
pursuing the graduate degree.
Two letters of recommendation from referees conversant with
the candidate’s academic background.
Resume.
Additional requirements for domestic applicants who attended foreign
universities:

TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on
paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the
TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
For additional information, click here.
English translation of educational records.
Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America
(FCSA). For additional information, click here.
Additional requirements for international applicants:
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TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on
paper-based, 213 on computer based, or 79 on internet-based for the
TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
For additional information, click here.
English translation of educational records.
Transcript Evaluation by the Foreign Credentials Service of America
(FCSA). For additional information, click here.
Financial Documentation showing sufficient funds (minimum of
$25,000) to cover all expenses (living and academic) for the first year
of study. For additional information, click here.
Immigration documents, including a current copy of your valid
passport. For additional information, click here.
Program Contact
Review and submit all Program Requirements:
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Admission Requirement s
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Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United
States or a recognized international equivalent in a similar or related
field.
Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted
directly to UTRGV).
Program Director: Dr. Richard Kline
E-Mail: Richard.Kline@utb.edu
Phone: (956) 882-5789
Deadlines
Domestic
International
Last Revised May 2015
www.utrgv.edu/grad
Fall
July 1
June 1
Spring
November 15
October 1
Summer I
May 1
TBD
Summer II
June 1
April 1
Program Requirements
Thesis Option:
Required Courses
PHYS 5404: Physics by Inquiry I
PHYS 5405: Physics by Inquiry II
PHYS 6400: Astronomy by Sight
12
4
4
4
Education Courses
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
EDCI 6304: Assessment of Learning
3
EDCI 6306: Special Topics in Education 3
EDCI 6307: Research Issues and Trends 3
EDCI 6308: Advanced Educational
Research
3
EDCI 6344: Assessment, Current Issues
and Research in Science Education 3
EDCI 7334: Curriculum Problems and
Processes
3
EDFR 6300: Research Methods in
Education
3
Interdisciplinary Area
Choose one area from the following:
Chemistry
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
CHEM 6302: Teaching Environmental
Sciences
3
CHEM 6330: Special Topics in Organic
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6340: Special Topics in Inorganic
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6350: Special Topics in Analytical
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6360: Special Topics in Physical
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6370: Special Topics in Chemical
Education
3
CHEM 6380: Special Topics in
Biochemistry
3
Educational Technology
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
EDTC 6320: Instructional Technology
3
EDTC 6321: Instructional Design
3
EDTC 6323: Multimedia/Hypermedia 3
EDTC 6329: Selected Topics in
Educational Technology
3
EDTC 6341: Student‐Centered Learning
Using Technology
3
Mathematics
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
MATH 6307: Collegiate Mathematics
Teaching
3
MATH 6309: Integrating Technology
into Mathematics
3
MATH 6310: Mathematics Teaching
and Learning
3
MATH 6325: Contemporary Geometry 3
MATH 6328: Special Topics in
Mathematics Teaching
3
Capstone Requirement
Thesis
PHYS 7300: Thesis I
PHYS 7301: Thesis II
6
3
3
Total hours required for degree:
36
N on‐T hes is Option:
Required Courses
PHYS 5404: Physics by Inquiry I
PHYS 5405: Physics by Inquiry II
PHYS 6400: Astronomy by Sight
12
4
4
4
Physical Science Electives
Choose from the following:
GEOL 5301: Geology and Geography
GEOL 5302: Meteorology and
Oceanography
GEOL 6410: Geoscience for Teachers
PHYS 6301: Topics in Physics for
Teachers
6
3
3
4
3
PHYS 6302: Environmental Physics for
Teachers
PHYS 6303: Quantum Information
3
3
Education Courses
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
EDCI 6304: Assessment of Learning
3
EDCI 6306: Special Topics in Education 3
EDCI 6307: Research Issues and Trends 3
EDCI 6308: Advanced Educational
Research
3
EDCI 6344: Assessment, Current Issues
and Research in Science Education 3
EDCI 7334: Curriculum Problems and
Processes
3
EDFR 6300: Research Methods in
Education
3
Interdisciplinary Area
EDTC 6329: Selected Topics in Educational
Technology
3
EDTC 6341: Student‐Centered Learning
Using Technology
3
Mathematics
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
MATH 6307: Collegiate Mathematics
Teaching
3
MATH 6309: Integrating Technology into
Mathematics
3
MATH 6310: Mathematics Teaching and
Learning
3
MATH 6325: Contemporary Geometry 3
MATH 6328: Special Topics in
Mathematics Teaching
3
Capstone Requirement
Written Comprehensive Exam
Choose one area from the following:
Total hours required for degree:
Chemistry
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
CHEM 6302: Teaching Environmental
Sciences
3
CHEM 6330: Special Topics in Organic
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6340: Special Topics in Inorganic
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6350: Special Topics in Analytical
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6360: Special Topics in Physical
Chemistry
3
CHEM 6370: Special Topics in Chemical
Education
3
CHEM 6380: Special Topics in
Biochemistry
3
Educational Technology
9
Choose from the following recommended
courses:
EDTC 6320: Instructional Technology
3
EDTC 6321: Instructional Design
3
EDTC 6323: Multimedia/Hypermedia 3
36
Course Descriptions
CHEM 6302: Teaching Environmental
Sciences
[3‐0]
May include environmental sciences,
environmental education, and hands‐on
environmental experience. May be repeated for
a maximum of 6 hours credit. Prerequisite:
Acceptance into Chemistry Graduate Program
and/or instructor’s permission.
CHEM 6330: Special Topics in Organic
Chemistry
[3‐0]
May include advanced organic preparative
laboratory, advanced organic synthesis,
polymer synthesis, polymer physics and
engineering and organic nanomaterials.
Prerequisite: CHEM 2303.
CHEM 6340: Special Topics in Inorganic
Chemistry
[3‐0]
May include advance biochemical techniques,
protein biochemistry, biotechnology, critical
developments in biochemistry, advanced
training and conduct in biochemistry, enzymes
biochemistry and clinical biochemistry.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate Biochemistry,
CHEM 3303.
CHEM 6350: Special Topics in Analytical
Chemistry
[3‐0]
May include clinical instrumentation, quality
control/quality assurance, chemical
separations, laser analytical chemistry, advance
instrumental laboratory investigations,
environmental chemistry, geochemistry, marine
chemistry and forensic sciences. Prerequisites:
Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry, CHEM
2301.
CHEM 6360: Special Topics in Physical
Chemistry
[3‐0]
May include quantum chemistry,
thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics,
group theory and nuclear chemistry.
Prerequisites: Undergraduate Physical Chemistry
I & II, CHEM 3304 and CHEM 3305.
CHEM 6370: Special Topics in Chemical
Education
[3‐0]
Special topics for the enhancement of chemical
education including chemistry, technology,
environmental science and other related topics.
Prerequisite: Assigned teaching duties or
graduate student status. May be repeated for
credit up to 9 hours.
CHEM 6380: Special Topics in
Biochemistry
[3‐0]
May include advance biochemical techniques,
protein biochemistry, biotechnology, critical
developments in biochemistry, advanced
training and conduct in biochemistry, enzymes
biochemistry and clinical biochemistry.
Prerequisite: Undergraduate Biochemistry,
CHEM 3303.
EDCI 6304: Assessment of Learning
[3‐0]
An introduction to basic concepts, techniques
and issues in assessment of student learning
and learning environments. [Prescribed elective
for all students who do not have a required
assessment course in their specialization]
EDCI 6306: Special Topics in Education [3‐0]
Students will engage in projects focused on
causing change to occur in public schools.
Topics must be approved by the instructor. The
primary student work product from the course
will be either a project proposal or a final
project report. Course may be repeated for
credit when topics changes.
EDCI 6307: Research Issues and Trends [3‐0]
Research as well as current issues and trends
within the field of education. A course designed
to broaden the professional’s understanding of
the impact and implications of research,
controversial issues and trends both within the
society and within the field of education. May
be repeated for credit for maximum of nine
hours when topics vary.
EDCI 6308: Advanced Educational
Research
[3‐0]
An examination of the role in education of the
discipline or field of study selected by the
student. Includes an intensive study of research
findings, scholarly publications and advanced
experimentation with a focus on the
improvement of instruction.
EDCI 6344: Assessment, Current Issues and
Research in Science Education [3‐0]
This course includes selected studies of current
issues and problems related to science
assessment, instruction and curriculum
development within a research framework that
leads to science education reform. A mentoring
assignment, technology and field work is
required.
EDCI 7334: Curriculum Problems and
Processes
[3‐0]
This course examines approaches in developing,
implementing and evaluating
curricula. Principles and practices in the
production and use of curriculum frameworks,
guides, textbooks, technologies and other
curriculum materials will be included.
EDFR 6300: Research Methods in
Education
[3‐0]
A survey of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed
methods research designed to introduce
students to educational research. This course
will include research design, literature review,
critiquing research, and action research.
EDTC 6320: Instructional Technology
[3‐0]
This course provides a history and overview of
the field of instructional technology.
Demonstrations of technologies in different
educational settings are explored. Practical and
theoretical means for ascertaining the needs of
learners, implementations of specific
technologies to meet those needs, and
assessment of effectiveness of those
technologies in meeting learner's needs are
presented.
EDTC 6321: Instructional Design
[3‐0]
This course uses an instructional systems design
model to guide the student in systematically
developing effective Instruction. Theoretical
and practical issues in instructional systems
design are examined. Other instructional design
models are introduced.
EDTC 6323: Multimedia/Hypermedia [3‐0]
This course concentrates on the development
and utilization of hypermedia and multimedia in
education. Students are expected to
demonstrate the ability to develop an
interactive instruction by utilizing audiovisual
technologies and computer‐based/Web‐based
technologies in a meaningful, educational
context. Prerequisite: EDTC 6321.
EDTC 6329: Selected Topics in Educational
Technology
[3‐0]
This course addresses the study of significant
topics related to utilization of technology in
educational settings. With approval by advisor,
course may be repeated when topic varies.
EDTC 6341: Student‐Centered Learning Using
Technology
[3‐0]
This course provides the teacher/trainer with the
skills and conceptual knowledge for instructional
design and development of student‐centered
learning activities in learning environments. The
course also addresses critical issues in the
instructional design and development process,
including effective modifications of instruction
that uses advanced technologies for special
needs students, and mentoring other faculty
members.
GEOL 5301: Geology and Geography
[3‐0]
Geology and Geography is an integrated course
focusing on physical geology and physical
geography. It explores the diverse processes
that continuously shape our planet. Develops
an understanding of earth materials, how the
earthworks, the causes of natural disasters, the
importance of geologic time, and the
fundamentals of geography. Topics include
minerals, rocks, volcanoes, radioactive dating,
earthquakes, plate tectonics, rivers and floods,
groundwater resources, deserts, glaciers, the
nature of maps, map projections, global
positioning system, geographic information
systems and fundamental aspects of remote
sensing. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
GEOL 5302: Meteorology and
Oceanography
[3‐0]
This is a course in the behavior of the
atmosphere and ocean, and the linkages
between them. The first part of the course will
discuss the physics behind the behavior of the
atmosphere and how the resulting differences
in temperature and pressure give rise to the
global wind and weather patterns observed.
The second part will cover how wind drives
ocean current circulation and waves, the origin
of astronomical tides and how the physical and
geological conditions in the ocean influence life.
Special attention will be paid to the role of the
ocean and atmosphere in global change.
Prerequisite: GEOL 5301.
GEOL 6410: Geoscience for Teachers
[3‐3]
This course is specifically designed to provide a
broad intensive overview of the GMO (geology,
meteorology and oceanography) subject areas
for practicing teachers. It consists of a series of
class and laboratory‐based modules that will
enable teachers to effectively implement GMO
sections into their existing curriculum. This
course follows an inquiry‐based approach based
on understanding and using the scientific
method, data collection and analysis as
appropriate for each of the three modules.
Meteorology introduces the teachers to
atmosphere, weather and climate systems;
oceanography covers global oceans, coastal
systems and the effects of human impact; while
the geology module provides overviews of the
history of geology, basic rocks and minerals,
fossils, geomorphology, plate tectonics and
geologic hazards such as earthquakes and
volcanoes. Prerequisite: GEOL 5301.
MATH 6307: Collegiate Mathematics
Teaching
[3‐0]
This course provides opportunities for students
to have a practical experience in teaching
college‐level mathematics courses supervised
by faculty. Prerequisite: Departmental
approval.
MATH 6309: Integrating Technology into
Mathematics
[3‐0]
This is an introductory course related to the
latest technological computer programs,
especially in mathematics. It covers some of the
following educational computer softwares:
graphing calculator, dynamic geometry,
computer algebra systems, publishing softwares
and some multimedia and internet related
softwares. Prerequisite: Departmental
approval.
MATH 6310: Mathematics Teaching and
Learning
[3‐0]
This course examines issues, trends and
research related to the teaching/learning of
secondary school mathematics. Specific topics
will vary, but could include: technology in the
classroom, mathematical problem solving and
the use of applications in the teaching of
mathematics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
in mathematics.
MATH 6325: Contemporary Geometry [3‐0]
This course contains selected topics in
computational, combinatorial and differential
geometry as well as combinatorial topology.
Topics include the point location problem,
triangulations, Voronoi diagrams and Delaunay
triangulations, plane curves and curvature,
surfaces and polyhedrons and Euler
characteristic. Prerequisite: Departmental
approval.
MATH 6328: Special Topics in Mathematics
Teaching
[3‐0]
A critical analysis of issues, trends and historical
developments in elementary and/or secondary
mathematics teaching with emphasis on the
areas of curriculum and methodology. This
course may be repeated for credit when topic
changes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in
mathematics.
PHYS 5404: Physics by Inquiry I
[3‐3]
Physics by Inquiry I introduces students to guided
inquiry‐based modules that are specifically
designed to prepare prospective and practicing
teachers (K‐12) to teach science as a process of
"learning by discovery". This course deals with the
study of mechanics, thermodynamics, and wave
motion. Prerequisites: PHYS 1402 or consent of
instructor.
PHYS 5405: Physics by Inquiry II
[3‐3]
Physics by Inquiry II introduces students to
guided inquiry‐based modules that are
specifically designed to prepare prospective and
practicing teachers (K‐12) to teach science as a
process of "learning by discovery". This course
deals with the study of electricity, magnetism,
and modern physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 5404 or consent of
instructor.
PHYS 6301: Topics in Physics for
Teachers
[3‐0]
A course that incorporates many different
topics in physics. Guest lectures, student
participation and basic concept presentation
will be utilized to teach each topic.
Prerequisite: PHYS 5405 or consent of
instructor.
PHYS 6302: Environmental Physics for
Teachers
[3‐0] An
enhanced understanding of environmental
concepts and principles regarding pollution, air,
water and waste management. The course will
also address local issues and resources to help
teachers provide students with opportunity for
real world critical thinking and problem‐solving.
The course will include in‐depth industry site
visits and guided field trips to environmentally
sensitive areas. Both renewable and non‐
renewable energy resources with the concept
of energy conservation, waste management and
disposal methods will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: PHYS 5405 or consent of
instructor.
PHYS 6303: Quantum Information
[3‐0]
The Heisenberg uncertainty principles and
implications. Observation and measurement.
Introduction to quantum mechanics, four
quantum numbers and hands‐on experiment
will be provided. The Schrodinger Equation and
its application to bound and free particles, the
hydrogen atom. Prerequisite: PHYS 3402 or
PHYS 5405 or consent of instructor.
PHYS 6400: Astronomy by Sight
[3‐3]
Astronomy by Sight is a set of laboratory‐based
modules that are specifically designed to
prepare prospective and practicing teachers (K‐
12) to teach science as a process of learning by
discovery. The modules are also suitable for
liberal arts students and for under‐prepared
students who aspire to science‐related careers.
Astronomy by Sight emphasizes the process of
science rather than the presentation and
explanation of facts. This course will deal with
the sun, moon and stars, which will help predict
and explain daily/monthly changes in the
appearance of the sky. It will also deal with the
earth, solar system and possibility of
extraterrestrial life. Prerequisite: PHYS 5405 or
consent of instructor.
PHYS 7300: Thesis I
[3‐0]
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of
thesis advisor.
PHYS 7301: Thesis II
[3‐0]
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of
thesis advisor