D864 is the undergraduate version of WGU's Secondary Physics Curriculum course. WGU describes a comprehensive review for high school physics teachers preparing for the Praxis exam, covering forms of energy, thermodynamics, Coulomb's law, circuits, electromagnetism and waves, along with scientific discoveries, engineering and ethical issues in science.
The content is conceptual and algebra-based, which surprises strong physics students who expect calculus. The task is synthesis: pull together topics from earlier courses and show you can explain them clearly at the level a secondary teacher needs.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | D864 (the graduate version is D865) |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Subject area | Secondary physics content review |
| Level of mathematics | Conceptual and algebra-based, per WGU |
| Assessment | Set by WGU on your course page; check it before you plan |
What D864 Covers
| Theme | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Energy and matter | Forms of energy, conservation and the laws of thermodynamics |
| Electricity | Coulomb's law and electric circuits |
| Electromagnetism | Magnetic effects and links to electricity |
| Waves | Wave properties, sound and the electromagnetic spectrum |
| Science in society | Major discoveries, engineering innovations, ethics, communication |
Key Concepts Explained
Conservation of Energy
Energy changes form but the total stays constant in a closed system. Many problems reduce to tracking where energy starts and where it ends.
Example: A 2 kg ball is released from a height of 5 m. Starting potential energy = m g h = 2 x 9.8 x 5 = 98 J. At the bottom, ignoring air resistance, all of it is kinetic energy, so 0.5 x 2 x v squared = 98 and v is about 9.9 m/s. No calculus needed.
Coulomb's Law in Words
The force between two charges grows with the size of the charges and falls with the square of the distance. Doubling the distance cuts the force to a quarter.
Ohm's Law
Voltage equals current times resistance. For a fixed voltage, more resistance means less current.
Example: A 12 V supply across a 24 ohm resistor gives I = 12 / 24 = 0.5 A. Power = V x I = 6 W. Include the unit with each step.
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
WGU's guidebook does not list task prompts. The table describes kinds of work a review and synthesis course points to. Follow your own instructions.
| Work type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Content explanations | Conceptual command | Explain in plain language, then support with one equation |
| Algebra-based problems | Applying relationships | Stay with algebra; show each step |
| Teaching application | Presenting to students | Choose a grade level and a misconception to address |
| Science in society discussion | Context and ethics | Give a specific example and a balanced view |
A Study Approach That Works
- Audit your gaps. Rate yourself on energy, electricity, magnetism and waves.
- Review with concept maps. One page per topic.
- Practice explaining. Aim for a short explanation a student could follow.
- Stay at the course level. Practice algebra solutions, even where you know calculus.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Calculus by habit. The course expects conceptual, algebra-based reasoning.
- Recalling formulas without meaning. Explain what each symbol represents.
- Thin treatment of science in society. It is part of the description, so give it real attention.
- Ignoring the teaching angle. Show that you can communicate the idea.
Planning Table
| Stage | Goal | Evidence to keep |
|---|---|---|
| Read the task | List requirements | Rubric checklist |
| Audit | Find weak areas | Topic rating |
| Review | Concept maps and examples | One-page summaries |
| Practice | Algebra problems | Worked solutions |
| Communicate | Explain simply | Short explanations |
Self-Check Questions
Test yourself at the algebra-based level the course expects.
- How would you find the speed of an object dropped from a known height using energy?
- What happens to the force between two charges when the distance triples?
- How does current change if you double the resistance at fixed voltage?
- What do all electromagnetic waves share, and what differs?
- Which ethical issue in scientific research could you discuss with a class, and how?
Study Tips for D864
- Check any state licensing exam requirements with WGU and your state.
- Write each formula with its meaning and unit.
- Keep explanations free of jargon where you can.
- Practice unit conversions daily.
- Summarize each topic in three sentences.
How We Help with D864
Send the task instructions, the rubric and your notes. A tutor can explain topics at the right level with new examples, check your working, edit your explanations for clarity, or prepare a custom response for you to study. See our education assignment help guide too.
GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. Our work is a study and reference aid: use it to understand the method, then complete and submit your own work under WGU's academic integrity policy.
We do not offer to sit exams. Orders are written from scratch, include free revisions within the scope of your original request, and are refunded in full if late. We cannot promise that any assessment will be passed.
Make Your D864 Review Count
Share the assignment and feedback. We prepare a clear custom response at the right level for you to study.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WGU's undergraduate Secondary Physics Curriculum course, a comprehensive review for high school physics teachers preparing for the Praxis exam.
No. WGU describes the content as conceptual and algebra-based.
D864 is in the undergraduate route. D865 is the graduate version. Both share a WGU description.
No. The course supports preparation; check state requirements separately.
No. We offer tutoring, custom answers and editing only. You complete and submit your own work.
On your D864 course page and with your instructor. WGU sets the assessment.