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Physics, BS

Student Outcomes

Assessment of Student Outcomes

Outcome A Apply scientific method to physics

Physics majors will learn to use the scientific method and apply one or several key principles of physics to analyze and learn about a novel physical or theoretical system.
Objective 1 Physics majors will learn to apply one or several key principles of physics to analyze and learn about a physical or theoretical system using experimentation, theory, computation, or physics education research methods.

Measure 1

2020 Status
Achieved
We are making excellent progress on this goal. 89% or our majors achieved a C or higher (N = 18) for 2019 - 2020.

2019 Status
Not Yet Achieved
We are making excellent progress on this goal. 94% of our majors achieved a C or higher in PHY 302 for 2018 - 19 (N = 17).

2018 Status
Not Yet Achieved
This activity is in 2020.

Measure 2

2020 Status
Not Yet Achieved
100% of students received a B- or greater in PHY 486 in W2020.

2019 Status
Not Yet Achieved
100% of students achieved a B- or greater in PHY 486 in W 2019.

2018 Status
Achieved
100% of students had a B- or greater in PHY 486.

Outcome B Foundational understanding of physical principles

Physics majors will demonstrate a foundational understanding of physical principles.
Objective 2 Physics majors will demonstrate their cumulative knowledge of physical principles.

Measure 1

2020 Status
Not Yet Achieved
No progress.

2019 Status
Not Yet Achieved
None.

2018 Status
Not Yet Achieved
We are still working on designing an assessment and details on how we will administer it.

Outcome C Make measurements and analyze errors

Physics majors will learn standard measurement and error-analysis techniques.
Objective 3 Physics majors will learn experimental techniques to make measurements and analyze errors.

Measure 2

2018 Status
Not Yet Achieved
This is a 2019 task - not started.

Outcome D Use computational techniques

Physics majors will learn to use standard computing technology and key methods of numerical analysis to analyze scientific data and solve problems.
Objective 4 Physics majors will learn to use standard computational methods to collect, analyze, and visualize data, model physical systems, and/or solve complex problems.

Outcome E Write scientific reports

Physics majors will learn writing skills appropriate or communication in the sciences.
Objective 5 Physics majors will learn writing skills appropriate for communication in the sciences.

Outcome F Deliver scientific presentations

Physics majors will learn to organize and present a scientific presentation.
Objective 6 Physics majors will learn to organize and present a scientific presentation.