2006-2007 FAMOUS ASSESSMENT PLANNING FORM
Instructional Programs (IP)
SECTION I _ GENERAL INFORMATION
Degree Program
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Physics
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
Contact Person
Dr. Charles A. Weatherford
Date Submitted, Steps 1-3
October 27, 2006
Date Submitted, Steps 4-5
Date Submitted, Step 6
SECTION II_ INSTITUTIONAL MISSION/GOALS CONNECTION
Excerpt(s) Citing Linkage to
University Mission
Statement
The mission of FAMU is to provide an enlightened and enriched
academic, intellectual, moral, cultural, ethical, technology and studentcentered environment, conducive to the development of highly-qualified
individuals who are prepared and capable of serving as leaders and
contributors in our ever-evolving society.
Excerpt(s) Citing Linkage to
University Goal (s)
Statements
Goal #3: Academic Improvement: To provide a distinctive quality
undergraduate and graduate educational experience based on
challenging academic standards and exposure to new technologies.
Program Mission/Goals
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
1
Program Expected
Outcomes
1. Communication Skills:
 Use computer-based strategies to illustrate and solve physics
problems
PHY4802L, PHY4936
 Present findings of physics applications orally and in writing
PHY4936
2. Critical Thinking Skills:
• Extract information from physics text through analytic reading
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Calculate and interpret the results of various, physics problems
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Solve real world engineering problems using physics principles
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Develop models of physical systems
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHY4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
3. Project Management:
• Collaborate effectively with team members
PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHY3424C, PHY4802L, PHY4931
• Solve problems through skilled time management
PHY2048, PHY2049, PF1Y3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHY4303, PHY4936, PHY3113, PHZ3114
4. Specific Content Knowledge:
•Recognize and apply basic principles in the main areas of physics,
including Newtonian methods, quantum mechanics, and relativity
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114,
MAP3202, MAS3105, MAC3311, MAC3312
•Use the terminology of physics accurately
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Describe possible career options related to physics
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Recognize and apply mathematical tools useful to the practice of
physics, including calculus, differential equations, vector algebra and
calculus, variables and functions, and partial-differential equations
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703,
PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
2
5. Integrity/Values:
•Demonstrate self-direction in learning
PHY4802L, PHY4936
•Recognize ethical problems that may occur in the context of solving
physics problems
PHY4802L, PHY4936
•Adhere to the values of science, objectivity, precision, persistence
PHY4802L, PHY4936
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
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SECTION III_ FAMOUS SIX STEPS
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME #1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Formulate Outcome
Ascertain Criteria for
Success
Measure Performance
Using Direct and Indirect
Methods of Assessment
1. Communication Skills:
 Use computer-based strategies to illustrate and solve
physics problems
PHY4802L, PHY4936
 Present findings of physics applications orally and in
writing
PHY4936
Direct Measure
 Students will be required to complete written lab reports
and critique published research papers (PHY4802L, PHY4936)
 Graduating seniors present their research results to their
peers, The Society of Physics Students. The presentation is
expected to be in Powerpoint involving graphs, tables, digital
photographs of equipment, and careful analysis of data. A
question and answer period follows the presentation.
 Students will write a scientific paper that includes an
abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results and
discussion (PHY4936).
Indirect Measure
After the students are placed in graduate school or positions of
employment, the department chairpersons or employers will be
asked to answer the question: “How well do FAMU Physics
graduates communicate in written and oral form compared to
their peers from other undergraduate degree programs?”
Direct Measure
 Every graduating senior will receive a mean score of 80%
in the oral presentation exit exam, graded by a team of
faculty members using the presentation rubric (PHY4936).
 Students will write a scientific paper that includes an
abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results and
discussion (PHY4936).
Indirect Measure
An evaluation of at least 80% of supervisors saying that FAMU
graduates are equal to or surpass students from other
undergraduate degree programs will be judged a success.
Direct Measure(s)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Observe and Summarize
Results
Indirect Measure(s)
Use of Results for
Improvement
(Implemented)
Strengthen Program
(Action Plan)
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
4
SECTION III_ FAMOUS SIX STEPS
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME #2
Step 1
Step 2
Formulate Outcome
Ascertain Criteria for
Success
2. Critical Thinking Skills:
• Extract information from physics text through analytic
reading
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Calculate and interpret the results of various, physics
problems
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Solve real world engineering problems using physics
principles
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY48O2L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
•Develop models of physical systems
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHY4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
Direct Measure
 A graduating physics major should have solved many and
different kinds of problems in various physics and other
science and math courses. The measure of one’s critical
ability of solving problems is demonstrated by the grades
student receives in various course work (PHY2048,
PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L, PHY4323,
PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936, PHY3424C,
PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303, PHY4936,
PHZ3113, PHZ3114)

A graduating senior takes a special problems course to
apply his knowledge of physics under a stewardship of a
mentor. (PHY4936)
Indirect Measure
Students during their sophomore and junior year summers, will
participate in at least one summer research experience at FAMU
or at a national lab or another university. The employers will be
asked to evaluate FAMU Physics student’s critical thinking skills.
Step 3
Measure Performance
Using Direct and Indirect
Methods of Assessment
Direct Measure
 A graduating physics major will have passing grade of
“C” or higher in PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221,
PHY4802L, PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604,
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
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PHY4936, PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404,
PHZ4303, PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114

80% of graduating seniors will have a passing grade of
“C” or higher in a special problems course (PHY4936)
Indirect Measure
If 80% of employers think FAMU Phyics majors compare
favorably with students from
Other schools this will be judged a success.
Direct Measure(s)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Observe and Summarize
Results
Indirect Measure(s)
Use of Results for
Improvement
(Implemented)
Strengthen Program
(Action Plan)
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
6
SECTION III_ FAMOUS SIX STEPS
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME #3
3. Project Management:
• Collaborate effectively with team members
PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHY3424C, PHY4802L, PHY4931
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Formulate Outcome
Ascertain Criteria for
Success
Measure Performance
Using Direct and Indirect
Methods of Assessment
• Solve problems through skilled time management
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404,
PHY4303, PHY4936, PHY3113, PHZ3114
Direct Measure
 Students are given take-home exams to work out
solutions collaboratively.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3 101, PHY4221, PHY48O2L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
 Students engage in general physics and advanced
physics labs as a group and write reports.
PHY2O4S, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
 Students have opportunity to work in research projects
with experimentalists in laboratories where graduate and
undergraduate students are involved.
Indirect Measure
After placement in graduate programs or positions of
employment, the respective department chairpersons or
employers will be asked to compare FAMU Physics graduates
with Physics graduates from other undergraduate Physics
programs as to their ability to manage projects.
Direct Measure
 80% of the students are expected to get a B or better.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY48O2L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
 80% of students participating in research experiences
with experimentalists in laboratories are expected to get a
favorable evaluation.
Indirect Measure
If 80% say FAMU Physics graduates compare favorably with
other Physics graduates, this will be judged a success.
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
7
Direct Measure(s)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Observe and Summarize
Results
Indirect Measure(s)
Use of Results for
Improvement
(Implemented)
Strengthen Program
(Action Plan)
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
8
SECTION III_ FAMOUS SIX STEPS
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME #4
Step 1
Formulate Outcome
Step 2
Ascertain Criteria for
Success
4. Specific Content Knowledge:
 Recognize and apply basic principles in the main areas of
physics, including Newtonian methods, quantum mechanics,
and relativity.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4502L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114,
MAP3202, MAS3105, MAC3311, MAC3312
 Use the terminology of physics accurately.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
 Describe possible career options related to physics.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
 Recognize and apply mathematical tools useful to the
practice of physics, including calculus, differential equations,
vector algebra and calculus, variables and functions, and
partial-differential equations.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHZ3302, PHZ4404, PHZ4303,
PHY4936, PHZ3113, PHZ3114
Direct Measure
 All Physics students are required to take the core courses
in Physics.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY48O2L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHY4936
 Students must take math courses as required by the
major.
MAP3202, MAS3105, MAC3311, MAC3312
 Students take the GRE subject exam to measure their
knowledge of physics with respect to the rest of ph1sies
majors.
Indirect Measure
After having been placed in a graduate program or a position
of employment, the respective chairpersons or employers will
be asked to rate our Physics graduates compared with
graduates from other undergraduate Physics programs. They
will be asked for a percentile. A rating of 80% will be judged
a success.
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
9
Step 3
Measure Performance
Using Direct and Indirect
Methods of Assessment
Direct Measure
 All Physics students must pass in all core and math
courses with a “C” or better.
PHY2048, PHY2049, PHY3101, PHY4221, PHY4802L,
PHY4323, PHY4324, PHY3503, PHY4604, PHY4936,
PHY3424C, PHY4703, PHY4936
MAP3202, MAS3105, MAC3311, MAC3312
 If 80% of our students pass at the 50th percentile in the
GRE test our program will be judged a success.
Indirect Measure
When rating our Physics graduates by other chairpersons
and employers a rating of 80% will be judged a success.
Direct Measure(s)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Observe and Summarize
Results
Indirect Measure(s)
Use of Results for
Improvement
(Implemented)
Strengthen Program
(Action Plan)
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
10
SECTION III_ FAMOUS SIX STEPS
EXPECTED EDUCATIONAL OUTCOME #5
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Formulate Outcome
Ascertain Criteria for
Success
Measure Performance
Using Direct and Indirect
Methods of Assessment
5. Integrity/Values:
 Demonstrate self-direction in learning.
PHY4802L, PHY4936
 Recognize ethical problems that may occur in the context
of solving physics problems.
PHY4802L, PHY4936
 Adhere to the values of science, objectivity, precision,
persistence.
PHY4802L, PHY4936
Direct Measure
 Students enroll in special problems courses to conduct
research on their own under a guidance of a faculty member.
PHY4936
 Students take advanced physics lab course to perform
difficult experiments.
PHY4802L
 Students are taught to present results that are not
tampered to fit theory.
PHY4802L, PHY4936
Indirect Measure
A student committee will do semi-annual surveys to assess
the level of integrity and values of the student body. They
will be asked how much cheating and plagiarism occurs.
Direct Measure
80% of the students are expected to pass the special
problems courses and the advanced lab courses with a “C” or
better.
PHY4936, PHY4802L
Indirect Measure
A high level of integrity will be judged to exist if 75% of the
students say little or no cheating or plagiarism occurs.
Direct Measure(s)
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Observe and Summarize
Results
Indirect Measure(s)
Use of Results for
Improvement
(Implemented)
Strengthen Program
(Action Plan)
Assessment Planning Form for Instructional Programs_Revised Spring 2006
11