Physics offers several GER courses which fall into one of the following categories, given together with the course goals as stated in the Morris Catalogue 2009-11. The bold-printed courses indicate courses which are typically taken by students for the only purpose of fulfilling a GER requirement; other courses are part of major programs.
1. Physical and Biological Sciences: To increase studentŐs understanding of the structure and dynamics of the physical and biological worlds, and of the scientific method.
Courses Sci: Phys1053
Stars, Galaxies, Cosmology
Phys1062 Physics of L:ight and Color
Phys3001 Astrophysics
Phys3002 Biological and Medical Physics
Phys3101 Classical Mechanics
Phys3201 Mathematical Methods in Physics
Phys3501 Statistical Physics
Phys4101 Electromagnetism
Phys4201 Quantum Mechanics
Courses Sci-L: Phys1052 Solar System
Phys1091 Principles 1
Phys1092 Principles 2
Phys1101 General Physics 1
Phys1102 General Physics 2
Phys2101 Modern Physics
Phys2201 Circuits and Electronic devices
Phys2401 Optics
Phys3401 Experimental Physics
2. People and the Environment: To increase studentŐs understanding of the interrelatedness of human society and the natural world
Courses Envt: Phys1063 Physics of Weather
Phys2301 Atmospheric Physics
For both types of GER courses offered in the physics discipline, the course goals as stated in the syllabi make explicit reference to the stated goals of the GER category.
Sci/Sci-L:
The content of the Sci/Sci-L courses is explicitly geared to increase the understanding of the structure and dynamics of the physical world, and of the scientific method. Content learning is assessed in grades in those in those courses.
An increase in understanding can be measured by pre- and post-testing. The discipline is exploring this option.
Envt:
The Syllabi of these courses state the goal explicitly to increase studentŐs understanding of the interrelatedness of human society and the natural world. Course content is geared toward this goal. Tests and class materials contain questions to gauge in particular studentŐs understanding of the connection between society and natural environment.
An increase in understanding can be measured by pre- and post-testing. The discipline is exploring this option.
The discipline will have a meeting in November 2009 to fine-tune GER goals, and assess those for two categories, or two courses in the spring semester.
An assessment meeting will be held in early May to review the outcomes and make recommendations for improvements.