Physics
Physics (Teaching degree)
From mechanics to optics, from heat to electricity – a physics degree opens up a universe full of exciting insights. But as a future teacher, you need more than just specialist knowledge. Learn in physics didactics how to communicate your knowledge to students in an understandable way. Learn how scientific thinking is awakened and discover innovative teaching methods.
- Degree
- Teaching degree
- Duration of studies in semester
- 8
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen, Nuremberg
- Number of students
- 1-50
- Subject group
- Teaching Degree, Mathematics, Natural sciences
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
What is the degree program about?
The didactics of physics combines very diverse scientific disciplines, first and foremost physics, of course, but also philosophy, education, history, and psychology. Didactics can – following the literal translation – also contain an artistic component. As in any art, the same applies to the teaching of physics: there is neither right nor wrong. There are, however, the categories professional and unprofessional.
Professional physics teaching starts from the students’ ideas and interests and takes into account findings about learning processes. Although there are different views on the details, there is broad agreement on one point: teaching that does not take the child into account is bad.
In addition to the student perspective, physics is the second mainstay of physics education. The school has to teach what physics actually is, and this includes current research. The Erlangen professorship for didactics of physics designs teaching and research according to these principles.
Physik #1
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At FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg, the modularized teaching degree program for the teaching professions at elementary, middle and secondary schools is offered in the scope of 210 ECTS (7 semesters) and at grammar schools in the scope of 270 ECTS (9 semesters). The course of studies for the teaching profession at grammar schools is structured in such a way that after 6 semesters the Bachelor of Science (BSc) can be acquired, which, if necessary, enables a postgraduate Master’s course of studies. After completion of the modularized teaching degree program, the first state examination can be taken, which qualifies the student for a traineeship in the state school service. All teaching degree programs include modules from at least two teaching subjects, subject didactics and educational science.
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You don’t need any special prior knowledge for the course itself, although attending W/P seminars in the field of physics can be helpful. The most important thing is that you are interested in the subject matter, so that you can have fun and enjoy your studies, even if it is stressful from time to time.
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Prior to the start of the first semester, a pre-course in mathematics is offered to refresh school knowledge.
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- For the gymnasium teaching degree program, the combination of subjects with mathematics is recommended, so those who have an aversion to mathematics will have a harder time than others.
- The combination with English, geography or computer science is possible in the Gymnasium teaching degree and makes sense in principle if you are interested, but you will then have to acquire the mathematics knowledge outside of the regular curriculum, which can lead to an extension of the study time.
- A broad interest in the natural sciences facilitates the study, since in some areas of physics basic knowledge from other natural sciences and mathematics must also be acquired.
- The teaching degree program requires increased self-organization. Students must partly decide for themselves when which courses and examinations fit best into their schedule and also be careful not to take on too much at once.
Under certain conditions, students in all teaching degree programs can apply for the academic degree “Bachelor” after usually 6 semesters according to the LAPO. The type of Bachelor’s degree depends on the type of school studied and, if applicable, the choice of subject. Further information can be found on the homepage of the Center for Teacher Education (ZfL).
Subject combination possibilities:
Orientation Week
During the week of October 9-13, 2023, the Departments of Mathematics, Data Science, and Physics, in conjunction with FSI, will offer an orientation week for all first-year students in the following programs:
– Bachelor Mathematics
– Bachelor of Economics and Mathematics
– Bachelor Industrial Mathematics
– Teaching degree (grammar school) Mathematics
– Bachelor Data Science
– Bachelor Physics
– Teaching degree (grammar school) Physics
The course is optional, but participation is strongly recommended.
More detailed information can be found at the following website: https://mp.fsi.fau.de/index.php/ersti-infos/orientierungswoche
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
Language skills
- German language skills for international applicants
- DSH 2 or equivalent
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.