Physics - Teaching Qualification Gymnasium

Degree

Teaching Qualification: Gymnasium

Program structure

Gymnasium teaching degree: Two teaching subjects are combined. In addition, the course of study is supplemented by the study of educational science. This results in the following combination of subjects:

2 teaching subjects
Educational science studies

Which subject combinations you can choose when studying to become a teacher at elementary schools can be found in the lists of possible combinations.

Special features

Special courses for student teachers in theoretical physics and modern physics; exam courses in experimental physics, in theoretical physics and in physics education.

Description

The basic studies include classical physics (mechanics, electrodynamics, waves and quanta and thermodynamics) and the physics practical courses. In the third semester, theoretical physics (theoretical mechanics, theoretical electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics) and specialized didactic training begin. Other emphases of the postgraduate studies are physics of the structure of matter (atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics and particle physics) and the advanced practical course.

The educational science studies are spread throughout the program. In addition, there are school internships and a company internship.

Professional prospects / competencies

The first state examination primarily qualifies students for entry into a trainee teacher program and later for a teaching position at a Gymnasium. However, since a physics degree is a basic education, graduates have in the past always found employment in professional fields outside of schools. Wherever complicated relationships are analyzed and a close connection between theory and practice is required, physicists and physics teachers have job opportunities. They can be found in computer centers, banks, governmental and private (research) institutes, in the mechanical, watch, high-tech, electrical and chemical industries, at testing, calibration and patent offices, and as transportation, energy and safety specialists. The students not only possess technical knowledge but also the ability to solve problems, to think analytically and to work independently. Through the intensive examination of facts, they mature personally. They acquire methodical and interdisciplinary competences and key qualifications in the specialized didactic and educational training as well as in IT courses.

Internships, lab courses, practical courses

In accordance with the examination regulations for teaching I (LPO I), §§ 34, 36 and 38, the following teaching practices are to be completed:

Occupational internship
Orientation internship
Pedagogic-didactic teaching practice
Teaching practice accompanying studies

Disciplines involved

Not specified

Program duration / standard period of study

The length of the program depends on the progress of an individual's studies. The standard period of study, the time in which the intended program can be finished ideally is 9 semesters. The actual time taken to complete the program may vary. It is limited by the examination deadlines set out in the examination regulations.

Program scope

270 ECTS credits overall;
comprising 92 ECTS credits for each teaching subject, 10 ECTS credits in each subject didactics, 35 ECTS credits in education, 10 ECTS credits in the thesis, 15 ECTS credits in the elective area, 6 ECTS credits teaching practice.

Language of instruction

German

Program can be started

In winter and summer term

What qualities do I need to have?

Anyone who wants to become a teacher should must enjoy working with young people. Teachers must pursue the goal of contributing to the personality development of students in a committed manner. To do this, you must be interested in developing your own personality profile. This includes, among other things, the willingness to constantly develop professional, communicative and social skills. Organizational skills are just as important as the ability to learn and work independently, in groups, and with reflection. Another prerequisite for working as a teacher is the ability to deal with failure. If the students do not want to or cannot work, then the teacher must not lose motivation.

A very important prerequisite for a teaching degree in physics is that you find physics exciting. Without enthusiasm and a deep interest in scientific phenomena and problems, a physics degree is difficult to sustain. Beyond this enthusiasm, you should have a good aptitude for physics and mathematics. Physical laws are often presented with the help of mathematics. In doing so, students must acquire knowledge that goes beyond what they have learned in school. In addition, you are expected to be willing to acquire skills in computing.

Restricted admittance

No, this program does not have restricted admission based on grades.

Legal requirements for admission

The prerequisite is a general university entrance qualification, a subject-linked university entrance qualification or a professional qualification.

Application deadline(s)

None (no application is required for German students).

Information for international applicants

Registration dates and deadlines

Information about the dates for enrollment and the required documents can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Language skills needed

No language certificates are required.

Information on German language proficiency for international students

Documents needed (to apply / register)

Information on the documents required for enrollment can be found on the homepage of the Registrar's Office.

Information on the application documents for international applicants

Contact within the faculty

Academic Counseling for Teaching Degrees

Christian Maurer

E-Mail: christian1.maurer@ur.de