Student Learning Outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are statements that specify what students will know, be able to do, or be able to demonstrate when they have completed the physics program.
The following table lists the UNO Physics Department's programmatic SLOs.
| After completing a UNO physics degree, students will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Analyze phenomena and construct explanations using fundamental laws and principles in classical and modern physics. |
| 2 | Solve problems by identifying and using appropriate analytical, computational, and data analysis tools. |
| 3 | Identify, develop, and apply experimental and/or computational approaches to answer research questions using the investigative practices of physicists. |
| 4 | Communicate physics knowledge through interactions with the physics community and the public both orally and in writing. |
Outcomes Assessment
Three research-validated physics-specific assessment instruments are administered throughout the program. Written and oral report rubrics and a survey on research/internships is administered at the end of the program. One assessment (FCI) is repeated both at the beginning and the end of the program.
SLO1: The Force Concept Inventory (FCI) is used to assess students’ understanding of the most basic concepts in Newtonian physics. We also use the graduation survey to assess students' perceptions of instructional and program quality.
SLO 2: The Colorado Upper Division Electrostatics Diagnostic - Coupled Multiple Response (CUE-CMR) is used to assess problem-solving abilities, such as the ability to visualize a problem, correctly apply problem-solving methods, connect math to physics, and describe limiting behavior. We also use the graduation survey to assess students' perceptions of how the program prepared them to think critically, analyze numerical information, and solve complex real-world problems.
SLO 3: The Concise Data Processing Assessment (CDPA) is used to assess student abilities related to the nature of measurement and uncertainty and to handling data. We also use the research/internship participation rate from the graduation survey to assess the program's success in developing students capable of executing authentic novel research projects and/or participating in industry internships.
SLO 4: Written and Oral Communication Rubrics are used to assess student abilities to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing. Assessment is done at the time of defending a capstone project, with rubrics utilized throughout the curriculum. We also use the number of student research/internship products and the graduation survey to assess students' perceptions of how the program prepared them to write and speak clearly and effectively.
Alignment with Curriculum
Although SLOs are assessed in specific courses, they are introduced and reinforced throughout the curriculum. The following table describes how the programmatic SLOs are aligned with the curriculum.
| SLO | Introduced | Reinforced | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHYS 2110, PHYS 2120 | PHYS 3450, PHYS 3600, PHYS 3750, PHYS 3800, PHYS 4200 | PHYS 2110, PHYS 4950, grad. survey |
| 2 | PHYS 2110, PHYS 2120, PHYS 3250 | PHYS 3450, PHYS 3600, PHYS 3750, PHYS 3800, PHYS 4200 | PHYS 4950, grad. survey |
| 3 | 1950, PHYS 1154 | PHYS 1164, PHYS 3504, PHYS 3524 | PHYS 3504, grad. survey |
| 4 | PHYS 1950, PHYS 1154 | PHYS 1164, PHYS 3504, PHYS 3524 | PHYS 4950, grad. survey |
Assessment Reports
The following are yearly assessment reports providing the most up-to-date data on how the program is doing with respect to producing the specified student learning outcomes.
Coming soon ...