Student Learning Outcomes for Physics major, Sep 2009

Graduates of the physics program will:	To assess student progress toward the learning outcomes, we will assess how well students perform the following:
1. Understand the concepts of classical and modern physics	Demonstrate an understanding of classical mechanics
	Demonstrate an understanding of quantum mechanics
	Demonstrate an understanding of thermodynamics and statistical physics
	Demonstrate an understanding of electromagnetism
	Demonstrate an understanding of optics
	Demonstrate an understanding of Modern physics
2. Be able to solve quantitative problems in physics	Set up a problem in the context of the physical laws governing the situation
	Use mathematical strategies to solve a problem
	Interpret a solution in the context of a problem
	Work effectively with vectors
	Work with units of measurement
3. Be able to perform experimental work	Acquire experimental data
	Use experimental equipment
	Use a variety of methods to analyze data
	Perform a computer experiment
4. Be able to communicate, in form and content, both, orally and in writing, the results of scientific work.	Write a lab report
	Give an oral presentation
	Write a paper
	Give a conference presentation
5. Be aware of the larger field of physics	Locate, organize, and evaluate information from multiple sources
	Locate information about currently active fields in physics research
	Visit locations with a strong physics relation
	Conduct a research project
	Be a teaching assistant
	Be active in physics club activities

Assessment of the outcomes for the Physics Major:

General Process:

1. Assessment meeting in Fall: Pick one individual goal from each of the four categories at the beginning of the academic year.

2. Program assessment in individual courses: Assess the individual goal during the academic year in each relevant course. This will be done by the instructor during the semester, for example during the grading process, by assigning checkmarks for the demonstration of a particular outcome.

3. Exit survey: Assess the general student perception of the program using the senior exit survey.

4. Assessment meeting in Spring: Review the outcomes and assessments during a meeting in early May. Consequences may include a refinement of outcomes, recommendations for readjustments of courses, other possible improvements to the program.

Academic year 2009-2010:

Assessment Goal 1:

Students will understand an understanding of classical electromagnetism.

Relevant courses: Phys4101 Electromagnetism

Assessment Goal 2:

Students use a mathematical strategy to solve problems.

Relevant courses: Phys1101 General Physics 1

Phys1102 General Physics 2

Phys2101 Modern Physics

Assessment Goal 3:

Students are able to acquire experimental data.

Relevant courses: Phys3401 Experimental Physics

Phys1102 General Physics 2

Assessment Goal 4:

Students give an oral presentation.

Relevant courses: Phys 4901 Senior thesis

Phys3401 Experimental Physics

Phys2301 Atmospheric Physics