BSCS Program Outcomes and Assessment

Upon graduation, successful graduates of the BSCS program will have:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics to solve problems

(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal

(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

(f) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

(g) An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society

(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development

(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

(j) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

(k) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

I. Enabling Objectives Matrix

The relationship "outcome X enables objective Y" is given by the following matrix:

II. Course/Outcomes Matrix

 

An entry in a cell indicates that the Course enables the Outcome. The number (1, 2 or 3) indicates the level of achievement expected in the Course, 1 indicating Beginner, 2 Intermediate, and 3 Advanced. Note: CS Electives have 'E' in their entries, means that the Course enables the Outcome, but the level of achievement is not specified. This is because the level of achievement differs among different Elective Courses.

The cell is colored as follows if the Course is expected to assess the Outcome.

Uncolored cells indicate that the Outcome is not assessed in the course.

 

 

III. Assessment Process and Schedule

 

Every semester, every course responsible for assessment will assess the students in its respective Program Outcome(s) according to the Table in Section II.

At the end of every semester, every instructor of every course responsible for a Program Outcome will submit a report form. The relevant report forms are listed in Section IV. The report forms are submitted to the relevant Course Coordinator. The current Course Coordinators are:

• Caires: CS 100W
• Taylor: CS 146
• Kim: CS 151
• Pollett: CS 157B
• Tseng: CS 160
• Stamp: CS 166
• Teoh: Phil 134

We have a 2-year cycle for analyzing the data collected for all the Program Outcomes:

Spring 2012: Program Outcomes a, j

Fall 2012: Program Outcome b, c, d

Spring 2013: Program Outcomes e, f, g

Fall 2013: Program Outcomes h, i, k

The cycle then repeats.

When a Program Outcome is analyzed, the relevant Course Coordinator takes the data collected over the past two years and produces a report for each Program Outcome his/her course is responsible for. The report includes (1) a table summarizing the data collected, (2) analysis and problems observed, and (3) recommendations.

If any recommendations are made, future instructors are requested to implement these changes and re-assess the students to see if any improvements in student performance have been made as a result.

At the end of the semester when the Outcome(s) of a Course is assessed, the relevant Course Coordinator submits a "Course Assessment Report" to the Assessment Coordinator. The Course Assessment Report templates are listed here:

• CS100W Course Assessment Report template
• CS146 Course Assessment Report template
• CS151 Course Assessment Report template
• CS157B Course Assessment Report template
• CS160 Course Assessment Report template
• CS166 Course Assessment Report template
• Philosophy 134 Course Assessment Report template

 

IV. Performance Indicators and Rubrics

 

Performance indicators and rubrics used to assess each outcome for each course are listed below. Click on the links to download the Excel (.xlsx) files.

 

Program Outcome A:

CS 146 Outcome A Rubrics Report Form

CS 166 Outcome A Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome B:

CS 151 Outcome B Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome C:

CS 151 Outcome C Rubrics Report Form

CS 157B Outcome C Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome D:

CS 151 Outcome D Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome E:

Philosophy 134 Outcome E Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome F:

CS 100W Outcome F Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome G:

Philosophy 134 Outcome G Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome H:

CS 160 Outcome H Rubrics Report Form

Program Outcome I:

CS 157B Outcome I Rubrics Report Form

CS 160 Outcome I Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome J:

CS 146 Outcome J Rubrics Report Form

 

Program Outcome K:

CS 160 Outcome K Rubrics Report Form

 

V. General Education Requirements

 

The GE requirements are described in detail here:

http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/ge.html

 

They break down into nine areas:

A: Basic Skills (oral and written communication, critical reasoning, basic math)

B: Physical & Life Sciences

C: Arts & Letters

D: Social Sciences

E: Human Understanding and Development

R: Earth & Environment

S: Self, Society, and Equality in the US

V: Culture, Understanding, and Global Society

Z: Written Communication

In addition, students must take two PE courses.

BSCS students automatically satisfy areas B and Z by virtue of their required support courses.