ATMCC
Truckee M••d-• oomm11nltv Coll•11•
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW- ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
Program/Unit Reviewed: Physical Sciences
Self-Study Chair: Kathleen Kolbet
Division: Sciences
Dean: Lance Bowen
Year of Last PUR: 2012-2013
Year of next PUR: 2019-2020
Program/Unit Mission Statement: The mission of the Physical Sciences Department is to provide
students the basic principles of modern astronomy, physics, chemistry, environmental science,
geology, geography, and engineering in order to establish a foundation for those pursuing degrees in
the natural sciences and engineering fields, as well as the pre-requisite courses for students seeking
degrees in biology and the allied health professions. As such, the Physical Sciences Department
supports student success and academic excellence by offering college transfer courses in all areas,
providing pre-requisite classes for allied health and pre-professional programs, and supporting TMCC's
general education requirements in the natural sciences.
The Description of the Degree(s)/Emphasis(s)/Certificate(s) for your PUR area are listed below. Please review for
accuracy.
Description of Degree/Emphasis/Certificates:
AS Degree Chemistry Emphasis: This is a two-year transferable program leading to an associate of
science with an emphasis in chemistry. The curriculum includes a core of courses in the physical
sciences and mathematics which are advised by the American Chemical Society (ACS) for transfer to
any ACS accredited chemistry program. All courses recommended will partially satisfy the Bachelor of
Science in chemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno.
AAS Civil Engineering Practitioner Degree: TMCC's Civil Engineering Practitioner program is designed
to provide students with the skills necessary to enter the workforce to assist engineers in the day to day
activities of a Civil Engineering firm, a construction contractor, or a government agency that employs
civil engineers. Civil Engineering Technicians (or Practitioners) will be able to collect field and
laboratory data, conduct elementary analysis, provide construction quality control, cost estimating and
computer-aided design drafting (CAOO).
AS Degree Engineering Emphasis: This is a two-year transferable program leading to an associate of
science with an emphasis in engineering. The associate of science degree in engineering is designed for
students planning to obtain a four-year engineering degree. Engineering is the practical application of
scientific theory and principles. This program develops a strong foundation in mathematics and
physical science while providing an introduction to the fundamental aspects of engineering. Students
who complete the associate degree can transfer to other colleges or universities in many engineering
disciplines including civil, chemical, computer, electrical, geological, mechanical, metallurgical, mining,
computer science and engineering physics.
AS Environmental Science Degree: Environmental science focuses on issues that are of relevance to
all citizens of the United States and all countries. With growth and development comes the need for
people trained in environmental sciences that can deal with environmental issues. Sustainable
development is a local and regional concern, especially as Nevada's growth continues to lead the
nation. The associate of science degree in environmental science is specifically designed to transfer
seamlessly into the environmental science curriculum at the University of Nevada, Reno. It will also
prepare students for transfer into similar programs at other four-year institutions.
v
APR I REV: 5/2014
ATMCC
Truck•• Meadow• Community College
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW -ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
AS Degree Geoscience Emphasis: The geoscience emphasis in physical science is designed to provide
a solid foundation for students interested in geology, natural resources, physical geography, renewable
energy (in particular geothermal energy), environmental sciences and planning, and teaching of
science. After completing the emphasis program, students will be well prepared to either enter the
work force as a technician or transfer to four-year professional baccalaureate degree programs. The
program will maximize student transfer opportunities.
AS Degree Physics Emphasis: This is a two-year transferable program leading to an associate of
science with an emphasis in physics. Physics is the science of matter, energy, space and time, and
physicists are generally at the forefront in developing important new technologies. Physicists are
expert problem solvers and a degree in physics provides a good route into careers as diverse as
industrial research, engineering and even banking and finance. All courses recommended in this
emphasis will partially satisfy the Bachelor of Science in physics at the University of Nevada, Reno.
SECTION I
The Outcomes and Measures listed below were retrieved from Degree/Emphasis or Certificate submissions provided by
your area to CAP and approved. Please review the outcomes to ensure accuracy or submit changes to CAP via the
Degree, Emphasis, Certificate (DEC) Revisions form located on the CAP Resources web page. Ifyour area is scheduled
for a PUR in the nearfuture, please plan on reporting assessment efforts around these learning outcomes when you
participate in your PUR.
AS Degree Chemistry Emphasis Goals/Outcomes:
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of General Chemistry in topics such as stoichiometry,
nomenclature, acids and bases, gas laws, equilibrium, kinetics, thermochemlstry, and
electrochemistry.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Organic Chemistry in topics such as stoichiometry, organic
nomenclature, acids and bases, organic synthesis, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of scientific methods and the relationship of theory, experiment, and
data analysis.
AAS Civil Engineering Practitioner Degree Goals/Outcomes:
• Apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
• Collaborate with others, communicate effectively, and function productively on teams.
• Identify, analyze, and develop solutions for engineering problems.
• Perform, analyze, and interpret standardized field and laboratory tests on engineering
materials, and apply results to improve processes.
• Understand professional, ethical, and social responsibilities in engineering.
APP I REV: 5 / 2 0 11.,
ATMCC
Truck•• M••daw• Community Coll•11•
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW- ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
AS Degree Engineering Emphasis Goals/Outcomes:
• Describe and apply the engineering design process.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills via writing and presentations, work effectively in
teams, and perform basic computational skills appropriate to the engineering field.
AS Degree Environmental Science Goals/Outcomes:
• Perform both laboratory and field experiments using the scientific method, which requires
observation, hypothesis testing, data collection, and the application of basic knowledge and
chemical principles to explain results.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication, teamwork and collaboration in
scientific, mathematical and other settings.
• Utilize primary and secondary sources in the scientific literature to obtain information
pertaining to environmental science.
• Explain the impacts of different environmental pollutants and critically evaluate various
pollution mitigation efforts in the context of regional and global policies, economics, and
politics.
• Analyze the impact of human activities on biodiversity, and how patterns of biodiversity have
shaped human activities, employing the ecological, evolutionary, and geologic factors that
control patterns of biodiversity and extinction.
AS Degree Geoscience Emphasis Goals/Outcomes:
• Relate how the various earth systems, consisting of the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere,
atmosphere, and biosphere, interact with each other so as to affect surface landforms, climate
and weather, oceanic circulation patterns, and well-being of life forms including the human
condition.
• Utilize the theory of plate tectonics to explain the distribution of volcanoes, earthquakes,
energy and mineral resources, and formation of different types of rocks and minerals.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify and classify rocks and minerals and relate their origin to both
internal and external forces and processes. Much like the words in a book tell a story, students
will "read" rocks to interpret their history as written by nature.
• Recognize that changes in life over time involve feedbacks between life forms and the physical
environment - that changes in our physical environment, driven by both internal and external
forces, govern the explosions and extinctions of life forms with time and will continue to do so.
• Apply the scientific method and geologic knowledge gained in a capstone course to interpret
the geologic history of select areas of the Reno region through field studies, involving rock and
structure identification and plotting their distribution to make basic but informative geologic
maps also useful in assessments of geological hazards.
AS Degree Physics Emphasis Goals/Outcomes:
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of foundational theories and principles central to physics.
• Solve archetypal introductory physics problems through the application of relevant physical
principles and appropriate level mathematics.
• Demonstrate a beginning understanding of experimental design and analysis.
APP I RE V 5/1u14
ATMCC
Truck•• M••dow• Community Coll•g•
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW-ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
SECTION II
The foflowing recommendations and strategies were identified in your most recent Program/Unit Review.
Please respond to the strategies by including the status, actions taken to respond to the strategy, projected
timeline, and if resources are anticipated to fulfill the strategy.
Unit Strategy #1
Successfully complete faculty tenure-track searches and put in place
mentoring programs for new hires.
Status: choose
Onnnirm
Timeline:
Completed
i:Completv
Other
Action: Filled .2 tenure-track positions in Chemistry and 1 in Environment Science that had each remained
unstaffed many years after buy-outs. Replaced our only position in Geography with full time instructor position,
after the previous tenured1aculty resigned.
Anticipated Resources Needed: It is a welcome change to be able to finally re-fill some of the tenure track
positions that were vacated. Unfortunately, enrollment data clearly show that Physical Sciences continues to be
chronically understaffed and desperately in need of additional full time positions.
Unit Strategy #2
Status: choose
Timeline:
...-Ongoing_:>
Develop specific faculty advisement strategies by discipline for students C
Ongoing
in 200-level physical science courses seeking an emphasis in a
Lomp1ete
department discipline to increase transfer and graduation numbers.
Other
Action: Continuing discussion.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None at this time.
Unit Strategy #3
Status: choose
Continue to monitor low transfer data and develop solutions to increase Ongoing
rl'lmnlete
transfer rate. Implement strategies to increase graduation rates,
( Other J
including co-admission program with UNR and reverse transfers.
Action: Dean ofSciences is leading this effort.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None at this time.
Sbt11c- choose
Unit Strategy #4
Within constrained resources, design and implement programs to
C:-ongoingJ
recruit more women and minorities into the physical science disciplines. Complete
Other
Ac.tion: Will continue outreach activities.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None at this time.
Unit Strategy #s
Statue;:~ choose
Set specific goals and monitor increased external funding for innovative 4~OngoingJ
STEM programs designed to meet the needs of students and employers Complete
within Nevada.
Other
Ac.tion: Physical Sciences continue to pursue external funding opportunities.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None at this time.
Timeline:
Dat~ ranye
Timeline:
Ongoing
Timeline:
Ongoing
APR I REV: 5/2014
ATMCC
Truok•• M••dow• Community Collea•
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW -ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
Unit Strategy #6
Review and revise Student Learning Outcomes and Measures as
required by Office of Assessment.
Status: choose
Onnainn
Timeline:
Completed
I :.CompletY
Otner
Action: Student Learning Outcomes and Measures have all been revised and successfully submitted to CAP last
academic year.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None.
Unit Strategy #7
Status: choose
Timeline:
Develop an annual process within each discipline to use data to develop 4~ngoinO
Ongoing
and analyze strategies for improving student success in retention,
l..Omp1ete
transfer and graduation.
Other
Action: All courses in Physical Sciences include formalized assessment, often involving pre-test/post-test
measurement of learning gains. Course Assessment Reports (CA Rs) summarize data used in reflecting on
possible course revisions.
Anticipated Resources Needed: None at this time.
Unit Strategy #8
Within institutional space planning study, identify and implement
solutions to lab and storage space inadequacies.
<;t~h•.,·
rhoose
4:onqoinaJ
Complete
Other
Timeline:
Ongoing
Action: Storage space gained in RDMT320 as Nutrition moves to 4tnfloor of RDMT.
Anticipated Resources Needed: Unknown at this time.
I pp I REV. S/ 2 0l't
ATMCC
Truck•• M••daw• Community CDllK •
TMCC PROGRAM UNIT REVIEW -ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT 2014-15
SECTION Ill
(OPTIONAL - Fill out only if adding new Unit Strategies)
Please include any newJx identified strategies for the Program/Unit. Please respond to the strategies by
including the status, actions taken to respond to the strategy, projected timefine, and if resources are
needed to fulfill the strategy. If there are no new strategies, please (eave this blank and no signatures are
required.
Unit Strategies: New
Status: choose
Ongoing Complete
Other
Timeline: Dare range
Action: Recap of accomplishments work to do
Anticipated Resource Needed: What are they and what are the approximate costs?
Unit Strategies: New
Status: choose
Ongoing Complete
Other
Action: Recap of accomplishments work to do
Anticipated Resource Needed: What are they and what are the approximate costs?
Unit Strategies: New
Status: choose
Ongoing Complete
Other
Action: Recap of accomplishments work to do
Timeline: Date rang<'
Timeline: Dnte range
Anticipated Resource Needed: What are they and what are the approximate costs?
Approvals (Signatures and dates are required)
APh. I REV. s/ 20 14