Physics and AstronomyIntroductory StatementThe Universe we live in is not made up of a
collection of random events. Humanity has learned that there is order in the
Universe, and that this order can be expressed through physical laws. As
physicists, we strive to understand our surroundings - to understand the forces
of nature that control systems as diverse as atomic nuclei and distant galaxies.
Physics enriches our understanding of chemical reactions, transport in cells,
the structure of the Earth's interior, the convective power of hurricanes, and
the life-cycle of stars. Physics is at the core of all science.
Mission Statement
Our mission is teaching and research. We will:
- Advance the frontiers of knowledge in physics and astronomy
with top quality research by our faculty in collaboration with
graduate and undergraduate students,
- Help students to become proficient in physics, especially in
optical science, condensed matter, computational physics, and
astrophysics,
- Offer undergraduate and graduate education in physics that will
prepare our students for doctoral studies, professional positions
in applied physics and research, or high school science
education,
- Teach courses in basic and advanced physics and astronomy for
science and engineering students, and teach general education
courses to students from other fields to enrich their understanding
of the physical universe,
- Offer laboratory classes taught by highly qualified faculty in
an environment conducive to learning.
Learning Outcomes
1. Students know basic physics principles [BS, BA, MS]
1.1 Students can demonstrate an understanding of Newton’s
laws
1.2 Students can demonstrate an understanding of Maxwell’s
equations
1.3 Students can demonstrate an understanding of the Schrödinger
equation
1.4 Students can answer qualitative and quantitative problems in
classical mechanics
1.5 Students can answer qualitative and quantitative problems in
electricity and magnetism
1.6 Students can answer qualitative and quantitative problems in
quantum mechanics
1.7 Students can demonstrate an understanding of the
thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
2. Students can apply their knowledge to practical, theoretical and
experimental problems [BS, BA only]
2.1 Students can analyze experimental results and draw
reasonable conclusions from them
2.2 Students can interpret experimental data to draw meaningful
conclusions from properly conducted experiments
3. Students can effectively communicate with the physics community through
scientific journals, poster presentations and scientific talks. [MS only]
3.1 Students can locate research results by searching electronic
and traditional databases
3.2 Students can present research in a form consistent with the
AIP style manual
4. Students are prepared for careers in science, industry and education.
[BS, BA, MS]
4.1 Students can identify and use standard laboratory equipment
and instrumentation
4.2 Students have developed critical thinking skills (and can
apply these skills to solving problems in physics)
4.3 Students are proficient using standard software tools (such
as Mathematica, Excel and Word) for modeling, data analysis and
report writing
Assessment of Student Learning
Undergraduate Assessment Schedule (doc)
Graduate Assessment scheudle (doc)
Undergraduate Assessment reports spring 2007 (doc) fall 2007 (doc)
Undergraduate Assessment reports spring 2007 (doc) fall 2007 (doc)
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