Physics & Astronomy

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Student Learning Outcomes for Physics and Astronomy

B.S./B.A. Learning Outcomes

· Outcome 1: Conceptual and analytical understanding of the four major areas of physics:

   Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics

· Outcome 2: Understanding of scientific reasoning, i.e., the roles of theory, hypothesis, and

   experiment in the scientific method.

· Outcome 3: Demonstration of a working knowledge of laboratory & programming skills as they

   relate to gathering data and comparing data to the predictions of theoretical models.

· Outcome 4: Ability to clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral

   form.

Ph.D. Learning Outcomes

· Outcome 1: Mastery of the four major areas of physics (Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism,

   Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics) at the undergraduate level, and understanding of

   their chosen specialty (astronomy/condensed matter physics) at the graduate level.

· Outcome 2: Capable of using advanced scientific experimental/observational/computational/

   theoretical methods appropriate to their subdiscipline to conduct independent research.

· Outcome 3: Clearly communicate the results of scientific analysis in written and oral form at a

   professional level.

· Outcome 4: Knowledge of the current areas of research, key open questions, and seminal

   literature within their subdiscipline.

· Outcome 5: Competency in teaching at the college level using the best pedagogical methods 

   as determined by current physics education research.