Have formal Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) or Student Learning Outcomes (SLOS) been developed?
Yes.
Published where? (website)
See Physics and Astronomy’s SLOs, Curriculum Matrix, and Rubrics. SLOs are also published in the UH Hilo Student Catalog for Physics and Astronomy.
Do PLOs include or imply link to Core Competency? (AY 2022-2023: Written Communication)?
Yes, for both degree programs
Process of Core Competency Assessment:
Course (400- level)
ASTR 350 Stellar Astrophysics
Type of Student Artifact
Literature review
Assignment
Student will submit a literature review and report on a topic of choice. The final paper must include the following sections:
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- Abstract
- Title
- Introduction (What is the significance of the ideas you researched within the field of stellar astrophysics? Make sure that the reader can answer this question after reading this section)
- Description of the Problem (Describe in detail the problem you have identified. Here is where you would write the equations, derivations, present data, plots, i.e. any motivated evidence would come here. Describe the best model backed up by data that addresses the problem.
- Discussion: Describe the best explanation of the problem you are addressing. You may also present other models or data that expand or contradict the explanation you presented. Any final remarks are placed here.
Rubric or other instrument
GE Rubric for Written Communication
Data (measurement of the competency)
Two readers external to the department served as evaluators and read seven (n = 7) papers using the Written Communication Rubric. Both reviewers felt this batch of papers were largely well done, although there were some that seemed to have incomplete abstracts. One reader also offered feedback for each paper (see Evaluator Tabular Data below).
Action Taken in Response to the Data (What will you do in response to the Findings?)
As part of the WI GE requirements, the Department faculty advisors have encouraged the majors in B.S. in Astronomy and B.A. in Physics to take the course ENG 225: Writing for Sci & Technology. This class has had a very positive impact and the Department will move ahead to discuss if this course should be a requirement for the major. The discussion will be informed with data gathered from other activities, such as reports students have submitted in other courses and whether those who have taken ENG 225 perform better.
Date of Last Program Review
2016-2017