department web page: www.uta.edu/cos/department contact: cos.uta.edu/cos/Contact/contact.html graduate web page: cos.uta.edu/MAIS/graduate contact: greg@hale.uta.edu
Greg Hale206 Life Science817.272.3807
Interdisciplinary ScienceM.A.
Non-Thesis
Greg Hale 206 Life Science 817.272.3807
Neill, White, Wickham
Epperson
Reaser
Hale, Kuban, Pfeiffer
The Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Science program is designed to strengthen and update the knowledge and skills necessary to teach science at the elementary, middle school, or secondary level. The MAIS degree is intended to help prepare teachers who desire certification in science, teachers who may wish to expand their knowledge of specific science disciplines, or those who wish to update their knowledge in rapidly changing science disciplines. Traditional masters degrees focus on classes in a single science department and encourage mastery of material in a sub specialty within the discipline. A thesis involving scientific research in the area of specialization is usually encouraged. In contrast, the MAIS program allows students to explore two areas of interest, and the courses are designed to provide an overview of current knowledge in each field. Since this is not a research-oriented degree, no thesis is required.
The content of the required courses was developed to contain material consistent with TEKS requirements and to provide as much replicable laboratory experience as possible. While these classes are drawn from the foundational classes in each discipline, they are designed to cover the areas in greater depth, deal with historical aspects of the topics not covered in undergraduate classes, and focus on teaching and laboratory methodologies.
Students applying for unconditional admission to the MAIS program must meet the general graduate school admission requirements as outlined in the graduate catalog.
Students may apply for admission to the MAIS program as a "special student." Special student admission will allow an individual to enroll for 9 credit hours of MAIS coursework. Upon completion of 9 credit hours, the student must apply for unconditional admission to the MAIS program and pay an additional $30 application fee. If the applicant has completed 9 credit hours of coursework with a 3.0 or higher, the completed coursework will substitute for the GRE examination.
The MAIS degree is a 36 credit hour, non-thesis degree. Beginning students are encouraged to enroll in Contemporary Science, SCIE 5301, and students completing the degree enroll in a Capstone Science Seminar, SCIE 5302. These two courses constitute the science core.
Students can select two or three areas of concentration from biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics, and physics. If the student chooses two concentration areas, each concentration will consist of four 3 credit hour courses for a total of 12 credit hours each. The remaining six credit hours may be taken as unrestricted electives.If the student chooses three concentration areas, each concentration will consist of three 3 credit hour courses for a total of 9 credit hours each. The remaining three credit hours may be taken as unrestricted electives.
Students must file a degree plan approved by the graduate advisor two long semesters prior to graduation.
The grade of R (research in progress) is a permanent grade; completing course requirements in a later semester cannot change it. To receive credit for an R-graded course, the student must continue to enroll in the course until a passing grade is received.
An incomplete grade (the grade of X) cannot be given in a course that is graded R, nor can the grade of R be given in a course that is graded X. To receive credit for a course in which the student earned an X, the student must complete the course requirements. Enrolling again in the course in which an X was earned cannot change a grade of X. At the discretion of the instructor, a final grade can be assigned through a change of grade form.
Three-hour thesis courses and three- and six-hour dissertation courses are graded R/F/W only (except social work thesis courses). The grade of P (required for degree completion for students enrolled in thesis or dissertation programs) can be earned only in six- or nine-hour thesis courses and nine-hour dissertation courses. In the course listings below, R-graded courses are designated either "Graded P/F/R" or "Graded R." Occasionally, the valid grades for a course change. Students should consult the appropriate Graduate Advisor or instructor for valid grade information for particular courses. (See also the sections titled "R" Grade, Credit for Research, Internship, Thesis or Dissertation Courses and Incomplete Grade in this catalog.)
SCIE 5192. SELECTED TOPICS IN SCIENCE (1-0)Topics in science not treated in the regular curriculum. Topic, format, and prerequisites to be determined by the instructor. May be repeated for credit as different topics are offered
SCIE 5292. SELECTED TOPICS IN SCIENCE (2-0)Topics in science not treated in the regular curriculum. Topic, format, and prerequisites to be determined by the instructor. May be repeated for credit as different topics are offered
SCIE 5301. CONTEMPORARY SCIENCE (3-0)This class will review modern topical areas in contemporary science from a broadly multidisciplinary view. Readings from popular and scientific journals will be combined with lectures from different disciplines, to review the newest science innovations. Materials presented will familiarize students with current research, major breakthroughs in various fields, and the foundational science behind the discoveries. Topics covered should enrich K-12 science curricula and help teachers to address student questions about breaking science news. This class is intended for M.A. in Science majors, and may not be taken for credit for the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the College of Science.
SCIE 5302. Capstone Science Seminar (3-0)The Capstone Science Seminar is an intensive research and discussion class that will focus on new studies in science education and practice. Students in the M.A. in Science program should take this class in the last semester of study. This class will include a research project relevant to science education, and formal presentation of the research. This class is intended for M.A. in Science majors, and may not be taken for credit for the M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in the College of Science
SCIE 5303. TEACHING AND LEARNING: SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY (3-0)Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work. This course explores inquiry as it refers to the activities of students in which they develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world
SCIE 5304. Special Topics in Science I (3-0)Seminar on significant research in science. Topics are selected with the assistance of the instructor and may include both pure and applied science
SCIE 5305. Special Topics in Science II (3-0)Seminar on significant research in science. Topics are selected with the assistance of the instructor may include both pure and applied science
SCIE 5306. INT PHY CHEM (3-0)
SCIE 5307. INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY: CHEMISTRY (3-0)This integrated study of physics and chemistry fundamental chemical principles including atomic structure, chemical bonding, the periodic table, nomenclature, kinetic theory, gas laws, chemical equations, and solutions.
SCIE 5308. INTEGRATED PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY: PHYSICS (3-0)This integrated study of physics and chemistry includes force and motion, waves and thermodynamics, energy transformations, quantum physics, and atomic structure.
SCIE 5392. SELECTED TOPICS IN SCIENCE (3-0)Topics in science not treated in the regular curriculum. Topic, format, and prerequisites to be determined by the instructor. May be repeated for credit as different topics are offered