Physics Curriculum Map
 

Shown below are the 2000, 3000- and 4000-level courses required for Physics  majors, and the emphasis – None (0), low (1), moderate (2), high (3) – each course places on each learning objective. 

Student Learning Outcomes
PHY 4930
A. Demonstrate good understanding and retention of basic principles of physics in the core areas of physics: classical mechanics, special relativity, electricity and magnetism, optics and waves, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics and atomic physics.
3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 1 1 2 3 3
B. Apply a single principle of physics to solve simple quantitative problems. 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 1 3 0 1 1 3 2
C. Perform laboratory experiments based on fundamental principles of physics that employ instrumentation commonly used by physicists and adhere to departmental standards of laboratory safety.
0 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0
Critical Thinking Skills
 
D. Combine principles of physics with appropriate mathematics to solve complex quantitative problems.
2 0 2 0 3 0 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3
E. Demonstrate the capability to infer correct conclusions and consequences from experimental data. 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 2
F. With guidance from a principle investigator, generate physically valid results that are consequences of research methods appropriate to a physics research project.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
Communication Skills
 
G. Write in a clear, well-organized, and mechanically correct style appropriate to physics
1 2 1 3 0 3 2 1 1 2 1 0 3 3 0 0 1 3
H. Give an oral report to an audience of peers of work in physics that is organized well and presented clearly 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 0
I.Demonstrate the ability to conduct a literature search and organize bibliographic sources to support conclusions from their research in a style appropriate to physics.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0

Note: Calculus Physics I & II with Laboratories are pre-requisites for the physics major.