Courses
UTeach Courses Required for All certifications in Secondary Mathematics, Science, or Computer Science:
NATS 1141 UTeach STEP 1 (1 semester credit hour) Introduction to STEM teaching as a career. Master teachers introduce students to examples of high quality inquiry-based lesson design as well as model various pedagogical concepts and behavior management strategies. Students are also introduced to the portfolio project. Fieldwork consists of two classroom observations plus planning and teaching three inquiry-based lessons to students in grades four to six in local elementary schools. One and one-half class hours a week for one semester; at least five hours of fieldwork a semester are also required.
Prerequisites: A university grade point average of at least 2.750 and admission to the UTeach Dallas program by consent of the UTeach advisor. (1-0) S
NATS 1142 UTeach STEP 1 – Core substitute (1 semester credit hour) Introduction to STEM teaching as a career. Master teachers introduce students to examples of high quality inquiry-based lesson design as well as model various pedagogical concepts and behavior management strategies. Students are also introduced to the portfolio project. Fieldwork consists of two classroom observations plus planning and teaching three inquiry-based lessons to students in grades four to six in local elementary schools . This course meets twice weekly and satisfies the freshman seminar requirement (NATS 1101) for freshmen NS&M majors. At least five hours of fieldwork a semester are also required.
Prerequisite: Admission to the UTeach Dallas program by consent of the UTeach advisor. Corequisite: UNIV 1010. (1-0) S
NATS 1143 UTeach STEP 2 (1 semester credit hour) Continued exploration into STEM teaching as a career. Topics include various teaching methods that are designed to meet instructional goals; use of various technologies; and learner outcomes. Fieldwork consists of classroom observations and teaching three inquiry-based math, science, or computer science lessons in a middle school classroom. One and one-half class hours a week for one semester; at least five hours of fieldwork a semester are also required.
Prerequisites: A university grade point average of at least 2.750 and UTeach Advisor consent required. (1-0) S
NATS 3341 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (3 semester credit hours) This course expands the prospective teacher’s understanding of current theories of learning and conceptual development. Students examine their own assumptions about learning. Topics include psychological foundations of learning; problem solving in mathematics and science education utilizing technology; principles of expertise and novice understanding of subject matter; implications of high-stakes testing; and foundations of formative and summative assessment. Content also includes dyslexia training. Three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional hours may be required. Restricted to students in the UTeach Dallas program. Prerequisites: A university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and UTeach advisor consent required.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NATS 1141 or NATS 1142. (3-0) S
NATS 3343 Classroom Interactions (3 semester credit hours) This course moves from a focus on thinking and learning to a focus on teaching and learning. Topics include principles of delivering effective instruction in various formats (lecture, lab activity, collaborative settings); examination of gender, class, race, and culture in STEM education; overview of policy related to STEM education. Students participate in an intensive, highly coached high school field experience comprised of 3 observations and 2 co-teaching events, including a multiple-period or day, connected lesson. Three lecture hours a week for one semester; at least nine hours of fieldwork a semester are also required. Students should also expect to dedicate out-of-class time to video transfer, lesson planning, and working on the portfolio project. Restricted to students in the UTeach Dallas program. Prerequisites: NATS 1143 and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and UTeach advisor consent required.
Prerequisite or Corequisite: NATS 3341. (3-0) S
HIST 3328 History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine* (3 semester credit hours) An exploration of the historical development of and philosophical ideas about science, mathematics, and medicine. May be repeated for credit as topics vary (9 semester credit hours maximum).
Prerequisite: Upper-division standing or any previous PHIL course or completion of a 060 core course or instructor consent required. (Same as PHIL 3328) (3-0) T
OR
ED 4351 ESL for K-12 Teachers* (3 semester credit hours) Analysis of social and linguistic factors associated with second language learners and the acquisition of the English language. This course deals with the techniques, methods, and strategies for the instruction and assessment of English language learners. (3-0) S
OR
SMED 5301 Science, Mathematics, and Society* (3 semester credit hours) Exploration of the state of the world as informed by STEM issues in society. Students make connections to global STEM topics as they explore the importance of universal citizen involvement in the learning, teaching, and application of science and mathematics. International topics include current research into sustainability, development, climate change, security, resources, and innovation. (3-0) Y (see Fast-Track Baccalaureate/Master’s Degrees)
*choose 1 of these three courses
NATS 4341 Project-Based Instruction (3 semester credit hours) Students explore topics including foundations of project-based, case-based, and problem-based learning environments; principles of project-based curriculum development in STEM education; and, classroom management and organization of project-based learning classrooms are covered. Fieldwork usually includes 11 hours of observation, including at least 3 teaching days. Three lecture hours a week for one semester with additional fieldwork hours to be arranged.
Prerequisites: NATS 3343 and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and UTeach advisor consent required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NATS 4390 or MATH 3303. (3-0) S
NATS 4694 UTeach Apprentice Teaching, 7-12 Science and Mathematics **
(6 semester credit hours) Closely supervised observation and teaching in a science or mathematics classroom for Grades 7-12. Experience includes carrying out the duties of a high school teacher and requires a minimum of 7 hours of fieldwork a day for 14 weeks. Students must apply for Apprentice Teaching the semester prior to enrollment. Additional fee attached to course.
Prerequisites: NATS 4341 and (NATS 4390 or MATH 3303) and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and UTeach advisor consent required. Admission to the university’s teacher certification program by the Teacher Development Center. Corequisite: NATS 4141. (6-0) S
OR
NATS 4696 UTeach Apprentice Teaching, 4-8 Science and Mathematics **
(6 semester credit hours) Closely supervised observation and teaching in a science or mathematics classroom for Grades 4-8. Experience includes carrying out the duties of a middle grades teacher and requires a minimum of 7 hours of fieldwork a day for 14 weeks. Students must apply for Apprentice Teaching the semester prior to enrollment. Additional fee attached to course.
Prerequisites: NATS 4341 and (NATS 4390 or MATH 3303) and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and UTeach advisor consent required. Admission to the university’s teacher certification program by the Teacher Development Center. Corequisite: NATS 4141. (6-0) S
NATS 4141 UTeach Apprentice Teaching Seminar (1 semester credit hour) Discussions include student teaching experiences, and contemporary critical issues in education. The portfolio project must be completed during the Apprentice Teaching semester. One class hour a week for one semester.
Prerequisites: NATS 3343 and NATS 4341 and (NATS 4390 or MATH 3303) and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and consent of the UTeach advisor.
Corequisite: NATS 4694 or NATS 4696. (1-0) S
** Choose 1 of these two courses
Mathematics and Computer Science Certification Also Requires:
MATH 3303 Introduction to Mathematical Modeling (3 semester credit hours) An introduction to construction, use, and analysis of empirical and analytical mathematical models. Emphasis on using appropriate technology with tools such as curve fitting, probability and simulation, difference and differential equations, and dimensional analysis. May not be used to satisfy mathematics requirements by students in Mathematics and may not be used to satisfy electives.
Prerequisites: MATH 2418 and a grade of at least a C- in either MATH 2415 or in MATH 2419 or equivalent. (3-0) Y
Science Certification Also Requires:
NATS 4390 Research Methods (3 semester credit hours) This UTeach science certification preparation course explores the nature of science and authentic scientific investigations through multiple, independent, student-driven research projects and scientific communication including scientific discourse in the context of advanced scientific writing.
Prerequisites: NATS 3341 and a university grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.750 and a GPA of 3.000 or better in UTeach coursework and upper-level standing and UTeach advisor consent required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: NATS 3343. (3-0) S
FOR MIDDLE GRADES CERTIFICATION Preparation (4-8)
Note: The UTeach Dallas certification pathway above is also compatible, via the Teacher Development Center, with the BS in Education with 4-8 Mathematics and the BS in Education with 4-8 Science offered by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.
- 3 credit hours of psychology and 3 credit hours of Reading in the Content Areas are also needed for MS certification.
- See the BS in Education links for the most up to date requirements
Courses subject to change. Up-to-date descriptions and requirements are found in the UTD Course Catalog.
Interested in a Minor in Secondary STEM Education?
Teaching requires deep content knowledge combined with courses grounded in the latest research on math and science education. While most graduates go on to classroom teaching, UTeach Dallas alums are also prepared to enter graduate school and to work in discipline related industry. Those that complete certification may add a Minor in Secondary STEM education to their degree showing their experience and expertise in teaching and learning.
