Physics, B.S.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in Physics:

Content Knowledge

  • Students will demonstrate understanding of:
    • Force, energy and momentum and apply this understanding to predict and describe motion.
    • Thermodynamics and the thermodynamic properties of materials.
    • Waves and wave propagation.
    • Electricity, magnetism, the relationship between electric and magnetic phenomena, and electromagnetic forces and waves.
    • Modern physics, including quantum theory, relativity and elementary particles.
    • Investigation and Experimentation
  • Students will learn to:
    • Ask [scientific] questions, formulate hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, and analyze data.
    • Collect, analyze and interpret data and information
    • Use modern laboratory equipment including advanced computer hardware and software.
    • Use analytical, computational, graphical and advanced mathematical methods in problem-solving.
    • Apply mathematics to scientific investigations and experimentation(s) for the purpose of quantifying results and drawing conclusions.

Communication

  • Students will learn to:
    • Communicate data, concepts, skills and processes to experts and non-experts in the field in logical and meaningful formats.
    • Communicate scientific observations, results and conclusions in clear, logical, and unbiased terms both verbally and in writing.
    • Use appropriate technology to communicate scientific results.

Nature of Science

  • Students will learn to:
    • Recognize that science is an active endeavor in which the acquisition of knowledge is based upon the collection and examination of data.
    • Recognize the synergistic nature of science and technology.
    • Experience and practice analyzing complex situations to make informed decisions and to participate in scientific problem solving.
    • Recognize their responsibility to increase scientific literacy so that the general population can understand current issues and appreciate their personal societal roles and responsibilities.