Assessment Report
July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
PROGRAM(S) ASSESSED BS (Physics)
ASSESSMENT COORDINATOR Jerry Clark
YEAR _3_________ of a _4_________ YEAR CYCLE
1. ASSESSMENT MEASURES EMPLOYED
Briefly describe the assessment measures employed during the year.

What was done?
Surveys were given to faculty who attended a senior thesis presentation to assess level of knowledge, research, and communication displayed.
In particular, these faculty were asked how well the student met each of the three outcomes described in part 2 below, with possible answers very well, fairly well, not well, and cannot judge, with comments to accompany each response.
Surveys given to faculty of selected upper level physics courses to assess level of knowledge and research displayed by individual students in program.

Who participated in the process?
Faculty who teach the upper level physics courses and research experiences.

What challenges (if any) were encountered?
Only 2 students graduated during this reporting period so the amount of possible data is small. In addition, only limited feedback was received from faculty.
2. ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
List the objectives and outcomes assessed during the year, and briefly describe the findings for each.
The learning outcomes of the program were identified as: a.
Sound knowledge of several core areas of physics, such as mechanics, modern physics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, optics and instrumentation. b.
Ability to understand and conduct research in physics at a level appropriate to an undergraduate major.

c.
Ability to communicate research results effectively.
SUMMARY MATRIX (Check outcomes applied to each measure.)
Senior Project Presentation
(avg. rating across students)*
Upper Level Coursework
(avg. rating across students)
Knowledge
Research
3
2.5
B average
B average
Communication 2
*The presentation rating was based on the following:
1….severely lacking
2….average
3….above average
4….exceptional
B average
Benchmarks of successes are determined by:

A program goal is that the coursework be acceptable with at least 75% of the students getting a B average.
This benchmark was met.

A program goal is that 100% of the student projects should pass and of the reports being rated acceptable.
This benchmark was met.

The program will be considered successful if 75% of the graduates become employed in an environment using physics or enter a graduate program in physics or a related field within two years of graduation.
This benchmark was met.
3. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENTS
List planned or actual changes (if any) to curriculum, teaching methods, facilities, or services that are in response to the assessment findings.
In response to past assessments and semester conversion discussions we have made a few substantive curriculum changes. The quantum mechanics course will be increased from 1 quarter to 2 semesters next year to significantly increase student exposure on this fundamental topic. Second, new advanced laboratory courses have been created to give the students more focused and in-depth laboratory experiences. Finally the current thermodynamics course will be converted to a statistical mechanics course next year.
Curriculum conversion document for this program is attached.
4. ASSESSMENT PLAN COMPLIANCE
Explain deviations from the plan (if any).
None

5. NEW ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENTS
Describe developments (if any) regarding assessment measures, communication, faculty or staff involvement, benchmarking, or other assessment variables.
Dr.Jerry Clark has replaced Dr Koenig as Assessment Coordinatoor. Current assessment measures will be reevaluated in the coming year due to new semester curriculum.

College
Department
Academic Program Quarter to Semester Conversion and New Semester Program
College of Science and Math
Physics
Degree (A.A. B.S., B.F.A., etc.) & Title
Concentration, Track, Option, Specialization
B.S. Physics
Minor Program Title
Certificate Program Title
Quarters
I. General Education
Required Substitutions:
MTH 229 and 230
PHY 240/200, 242/202, 244/204
Area VI:
Choose one
AFS 200, ATH 241, ATH 242, HST 220,
HST 221, PHL 200, FIN 205, EH 205,
PSY 110, SM 205
II. Departmental Core Requirements
PHY 240/200, 242/202, 244/204
PHY 260, 315, 316, 322
PHY 371, 372, 420, 450, 451, 452
III. Departmental Requirements and
Electives
PHY 460, 461, 462
PHY 494 or 499
Hours
Semesters
48
16
14
18
40 I. Wright State Core
Element 1: Communication
Element 2: Mathematics
MTH 2300 required
Element 3: Global Traditions
Element 4: Arts and Humanities
Element 5: Social Sciences
Element 6: Natural Sciences
PHY 2400/2400L and 2410/2410L required
Additional Core Courses
MTH 2310 required
II
. Departmental Core Requirements
PHY 1000, PHY 1010
PHY 2420, PHY 3710, PHY 4500, PHY
4510
PHY 3150, PHY 3220, PHY 3500, PHY
3510
III.
Departmental Requirements and 18
12
6
Electives
PHY 4600, PHY 4610, PHY 4830
PHY 4940
15
9
6
24
2
12
10
Hours
42
6
4
6
3
6
10
7
IV. Related Course Requirements
MTH 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 253 or 255
MTH 332, 333
CHM 121/125, 122/126, 123/127
EGR 153 or equivalent
V. General Electives
53
28
6
15
4
IV. Related Course Requirements
MTH 2320, MTH 2330 or 2350, MTH
2530
MTH 3320, MTH 3330
CHM 1210/1210L, CHM 1220/1220L
31 V. General Electives
26
10
6
10
15
190 Total 122 Total