Science Education Courses

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Science Education Course Requirements

For the most accurate course requirements, please consult the college's course catalog. 

These course requirements listed below are just the science content area classes. They are the same if you are pursuing the undergraduate double major or the accelerated MAT. Those considering the accelerated MAT may also complete a traditional BS in their content area but must also complete all the supporting science classes listed for each major below.

All secondary education majors must also complete the required education classes. Please consult the appropriate Major Academic Plan for your content area. All MAPs for secondary education can be found here.

Core Classes (30 hrs)

Course #NameHours
BIOL 241       College Biology I/Organization of Life                  4
BIOL 242 College Biology II/ Diversity of Life 4
BIOL 243 College Biology III/ Processes of Life 4
BIOL 252 Modeling the Systems of Life 4
BIOL 356 Genetics 4
Choose 1 BIOL 364: Microbiology and Immunology
or
BIOL 362: Cell and Developmental
4

4
BIOL 3XX Any 300 level Biology lab course 4
BIOL 494 The Integrated Biologist

Required Supporting Courses (20 hrs)

CHEM 231 &
232
General Chemistry I & II 8
CHEM 241 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
Choose 1 GEOL 221, ASTR 305, PHYS 221, or ENVR 221 4
SCI 325 Methods of Middle School Teaching (SPRING ONLY) 2
SCI 321 Methods of High School Teaching  (SPRING ONLY) 2
50 Credit Hours

 For a complete list of Biology Ed Courses, download the Biology Education Course Requirements

Core Classes (28)

CourseDescriptionHours
CHEM 231 General Chemistry I Fall 4
CHEM 232 General Chemistry II Spring 4
CHEM 236 Inorganic Chemistry Spring 4
CHEM 341 Organic Chemistry I Fall 4
CHEM 342 Organic Chemistry II Spring 4
CHEM 355 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry Fall 2
CHEM 371 Physical Chemistry I Fall 4
CHEM 494 Chemistry in Context Fall 2
Math (4)
MATH 231 Calculus 1 4

Required Supporting Courses (20)

PHYS 221 OR  231 Introductory Physics I Fall 4
PHYS 222 OR 232 Introductory Physics II Spring 4
BIOL 461 General Biochemistry* 2
CHOOSE 1 ENVR 221, ASTR 305, OR GEOL 221 4
SCI 325 Middle School Science Methods Spring 2
SCI 321 High School Science Methods Spring 2
52 Credit Hours

CHEM 294 Chemistry Colloquium (2 hrs) is highly recommended during your Sophomore year- 1 credit per semester.

* BIO 461 Biochemistry is the same course as CHEM 461 but you must register for the BIOLOGY course number for licensing purposes.

Download a copy of the Chemistry Education Course Requirements

Physics Courses (30) 

Course #NameHours
PHYS 231 Introductory Physics I Fall 4
PHYS 232 Introductory Physics II Spring 4
PHYS 294 Physics Seminar Spring 2
PHYS 334  Computer Modeling of Physical Systems Fall 2
PHYS 331 Spacetime and Quanta Spring 4
PHYS 351 Analog Electronics Fall 2
PHYS 341 Analytical Mechanics Fall 4
CHOOSE 1 PHYS 342, 344, or 359 4
PHYS 494 Physics Senior Seminar 2

Math Courses (18)

MATH 231   Calculus 1 4
MATH 232 Calculus 2 4
MATH 245 Linear Algebra 4
MATH 331 Vector Calculus 2
MATH 333 Differential Equations 4

Supporting Courses (16)

CHEM 231 General Chemistry I Fall 4
ASTR 305 Astronomy 2
OR    
PHYS 305 Dakota Skies Summer at Black Hills  
CHOOSE 1 BIOL 201 OR BIO 241 OR ENVR 212 4
SCI 325 Middle School Science Methods Spring 2
SCI 321  High School Science Methods Spring
64 Credit Hours

Download a copy of the Physics Education Course Requirements

Additional Endorsements

Science majors may add an additional science endorsement by taking 12 hours in that content OR passing the IL content area test for that subject. Wheaton offers additional science endorsements in

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Environmental Science
  • Geology (Earth Science)

Licensure requirements change frequently. For the most up to date information on adding an additional endorsement to a initial license, please visit www.ISBE.net