Master of Science Teaching Program : Courses

Teachers: Please send email to Dr. Reiff (reiff (at) rice.edu) if you are interesting in attending any of our special teacher courses, either for credit or just as an auditor. You need not be in the MST program to take our courses. However, teachers interested in applying for the MST program are encouraged to take these classes, because up to 9 hours of Rice credit can apply to your degree. A few tuition waivers are available; however, teachers in the MST program have first choice. For others, there is a special discounted teacher tuition rate - only $1200 plus fees for each 3-hour class. These classes are also generally open to Rice undergraduate non-majors. Both the Space and Earth programs follow a four-semester sequence. Other special Rice courses for teachers in other departments may also be applied to the degree, with the approvial of the student's committee. Other 400 or higher level courses in Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, etc. may count towards the degree and will vary; contact Dr. Reiff for permission to use other courses in the MST degree program. Note: for the ESCI courses have been discontinued but other NSCI and EDUC courses can count towards the MST degree.

PHYS 501

PHYS 501; Physics of Ham Radio. MONDAYS 6:00-9:00 pm, HBH 223 and 355 plus lab times TBD.
This class teaches the basics of electromagnetic waves, simple electronic circuits and antenna theory, radio propagation, the Sun, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and space weather, plus enough of the rules of amateur radio to pass the "Technician"-level examination. It included the basics of GPS. Although designed for teachers, it is also open to currently enrolled Rice or graduate students who are considering teaching professions but does not count towards a Rice Physics major degree program.

ASTR 502

ASTR 502; Teaching Earth and Space Science. MONDAYS 6-9 pm, HBH 223 plus lab times TBD.
Learn the basics of the solar system (including the Sun and Earth), plus techniques to teach, primarily at the middle school and high school level but open to all teachers (inservice plus preservice, plus Rice non-science majors). Observing at the Rice campus observatory four or five extra evenings TBD. One field trip to the George Observatory TBD. It is open to currently enrolled Rice undergraduate or graduate students who are considering teaching professions but does not count towards a Rice Physics major degree program.

ASTR 503

ASTR 503; Astronomy for Teachers MONDAYS 6 - 9 pm, HBH 223 plus observing TBD.
Learn the basics of Astronomy: Stars, galaxies and the Universe, plus techniques to teach, primarily at the middle school and highschool level but open to all teachers (inservice plus preservice, plus Rice non-science majors). Observing at the Rice campus observatory four or five extra evenings TBD. One field trip to the George Observatory TBD. It is open to currently enrolled Rice undergraduate or graduate students who are considering teaching professions but does not count towards a Rice Physics major degree program.

ASTR 530

ASTR 530; Teaching Astronomy Laboratory. MONDAYS 6-9 pm, HBH 223 plus observation times TBD.
This class teaches using astronomical and computer-based hardware and software, including telescopes , binoculars, spectroscopes, digital cameras, movie-making, skyview software, and photographic software. Although designed for teachers, it is also open to currently enrolled Rice or graduate students who are considering teaching professions but does not count towards a Rice Physics major degree program.

PHYS 800

Date/Time TBD, variable hours of credit
This class is to provide academic credit for research and/or teaching practicum. Hours and times vary.