According to previous studies scientific models play a very important role in the understanding of physics. Poor understanding of the nature and functions of these models leads to a variety of conceptual problems amongst students. In an emperical study conducted at universities in South Africa and Argentina it was found that prospective science teachers in their final year of study have a poor understanding of the fundamental characteristics of models. This has implications for the students they will teach. The presentation will give specific data with regard to prospective science teachers' views on physics models.