Program Level Learning Outcomes for the Physics Major

Goal 1: Students will understand the discipline-specific knowledge in physics.
Objective 1: Students will know the concepts of physics.
Objective 2: Students will be able to explain concepts of physics.

Goal 2: Students will be successful in pursuing graduate studies in physics, pursuing professional studies, or obtaining employment in a scientific environment.
Objective 1: Students will be successful in pursuing graduate studies in physics if desirable.
Objective 2: Students will be successful in pursuing professional studies if desirable.
Objective 3: Obtaining employment in a scientific environment if desirable.

Goal 3: Students will be able to integrate knowledge of physics with knowledge from other disciplines.
Objective 1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of concepts in their chosen track of biophysics or material science.
Objective 2: Students will work in a cross disciplinary environment applying mathematics, biology or chemistry, and computer skills to theoretical or experimental problems.

Goal 4: Students will have strong physical reasoning and problem solving skills and apply these skills to the solution of theoretical and applied problems.
Objective 1: Students will be able to solve problems using their knowledge and skills in physics.

Goal 5: Students will have strong skills in experimental methods in physics.
Objective 1: Students will be able to collect, analyze, and explain data from physics experiments.
Objective 2: Students will be able to design and carry out simple experiments.

Goal 6: Students will be able to read and understand scientific literature
Objective 1: Students will be able to read and discuss primary literature in at least one field of physics.

Goal 7: Students will be able to communicate physics concepts effectively both orally and in writing.
Objective 1: Students will write cogent essays and technical reports on projects.
Objective 2: Students will be able to explain their research work.

Goal 8 (Biophysics Track Only): Students will understand the application of physical techniques to biological systems.
Objective 1: Students will identify the biological, chemical, and physical properties of organisms on a
molecular and cellular level.
Objective 2: Students will solve problems involving the physics of biological materials.
Objective 3: Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of connections between physics and biology.
Objective 4: Students will successfully complete a research project in the field of biophysics.

Goal 9 (Materials Science Track Only): Students will understand the properties of matter on the atomic and molecular scales and how these relate to macroscopic structures.
Objective 1: Students will solve problems related to the physics of materials on the atomic and molecular scales.
Objective 2: Students will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of materials.
Objective 3: Students will successfully complete a research project in the field of Materials Science.