Physics B.Sc., Gymnasium und Gesamtschule Teacher

 

The Bachelor teacher training course of study in physics at RWTH Aachen aims at a grounded, physical education for students. Lectures and tutorials in experimental and theoretical physics are supplemented through physical internships, in which students conduct independent experiments.

A high number of physics courses are specifically offered to teacher training students.The later requirements of a teaching career are given particular consideration in these courses. The technical education is rounded out by introductory courses into physics pedagogy, which deal with the basics of teaching and learning physics.

Physics as a university subject particularly differs from physics as a school subject, in that technical systematics are very important. The theoretical concepts of physics are more important compared to physics in school. As a result, mathematics is an important tool in physics.

 

Degree Content

The basics to acquire a solid knowledge in physics are taught in "Experimental Physics" in semesters one through three and in the fifth semester. The topic areas encompass mechanics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, special relativity theory, optics, and quantum physics. Basic mathematical methods are presented in the first semester with mathematics tutorials and, in the second semester, in the lecture "Introduction to Theoretical Physics".

In the fourth and fifth semesters, the course "Theoretical Physics for Teacher Training Students" provides an overview of the theoretical concepts and structures of physics, so that a number of physics problems can be explained using a few basic principles and solved with the help of mathematic formulas.

In the first, third, and sixth semesters, experimental skills are taught in practical physicals experiences, which are equally important for physics and teaching physics.

Building on constructivist learning theories, important concepts and aspects of teaching and learning physics for budding physics teachers are addressed in three introductory courses on teaching methodology.

Study Abroad

The Faculty has several international partner universities with which it has well-established teaching and research collaborations via exchange programs such as ERASMUS+. An overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs can be found at MoveON: Overview of Exchange Options. Information on the feasibility of stays abroad provides the Study Abroad Advising of the Faculty or the Departmental Advisors.

 

Combination Possibilities

Two of the following instructional subjects are combined in studies for teachers at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen: biology, chemistry, German, English, history, computer science, Catholic religious education, math, physics, technology education. Every subject can be equally combined with another. However, computer science and technology education cannot be combined with each other. Course of Study Model Lehramt at Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen

 

Decision Aids

Should I become a teacher? Do I want to work as a teacher? If you are asking yourself these questions, there are a few services to help you get to know yourself:

RWTH Aachen Self Assessment
All About Teacher Training
Career Counseling for Teachers
Fit für den Lehrerberuf

 

Prerequisites

Personal Prerequisites

Mathematics is a tool for physics. Therefore, we recommend the subject combination physics and mathematics. Die Mathematik ist das Werkzeug der Physik. It is imperative to acquire mathematic skills, if you choose another subject combination. Please talk this over with academic advising! RWTH Aachen offers a mathematics bridge course and "Mathematic Methods in Physics" as part of its bridge course program in order to intensify and complete your knowledge. The Department of Physics' Information Days provide you with a glance at the demands of studying physics.

Enrollment Prerequisite

The RWTH Aachen "Lehramt" Self Assessment is an enrollment prerequisite for this course of study. You will need to submit your participation certificate when you enroll, but not in order to apply.

 

Career Prospects

You can find information from the NRW Ministry of Schools about the career prospects for various fields of teaching through 2039/2040 in the brochure Prognoses on the Job Market for Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia (de).

 

Master's Degree Prospects

After successfully completing the Bachelor degree, you can continue with the Master of Education (4 semesters). With this degree, you can start your teaching practice (This phase used to be called "Refendariat" instead of "Vorbereitungsdienst".)

Since your Bachelor degree opens up various futher education possibilities, you can - depending on your subject combination - persue other Master's programs. The respective exam board will decide whether or not you are qualified for a Master's that is not in the field of education.

 

Media Library

Do you want more information and impressions? Use our diverse information available! You can find our recommendations in the media library.

 

Examination Regulations

Exam regulations regulate academic goals and prerequisites, the course of study layout, and exam procedures. The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

General Regulations: Comprehensive Exam Regulations of RWTH Aachen Bachelor Teaching Training for Gymnasien, Gesamtschulen, and Berufskollegs

Special Regulations: Subject Specific Exam Regulations (de) (The current version applies to all first year students.)

 

Faculty

Studies in Physics are offered by the Department of Physcis in the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Natural Sciences.