PHYC 4BL: Physics Laboratory for Scientists and Engineers
Stage 5
Alfred Cauthen

Basic Information

Number of Outcomes7
Number of Outcomes Assessed7
Assessment FrequencyEvery semester
Analysis FrequencyEvery year
Detail LinkLink

Course Information

Number of Course Sections6
Number of Instructors4

Assessment Methods

MethodsInstructors this semester assessed 5 SLOs: A, D, E, F, and G with questions on the last test of the semester.

SLO A) reads: Build a simple circuit from a circuit diagram. We tested individual students by asking them to build a simple DC powered RC series circuit with three wires, a power supply, a capacitor, and a resistor.

SLO D) reads: Analyze the behavior of basic circuit elements, such as DC power supplies, function generators, batteries, resistors,

light bulbs, diodes and inductors. We tested this by showing the student a circuit diagram that includes a diode in the reverse bias, an ammeter and a voltmeter. We ask the students to describe why the circuit was built in the particular way that puts the voltmeter across both the diode AND the ammeter.

SLO E) reads: Measure and interpret resistance characteristic curves. We ask the the students to describe how their resistance characteristic curve for a diode exhibits the properties of a diode.

SLO F) reads: Analyze real-world experimental data, including appropriate use of error propagation, units and significant figures. We ask the students to use an oscilloscope to measure the characteristic decay time in RC and LRC circuits with uncertainty and calculate from this data an uncertain value for the circuit's capacitance or inductance.

SLO G) reads: Relate the results of experimental data to physical concepts discussed in the lecture portion of the class. We ask the students to show from two formulas from the lecture - one describing uniform circular motion, the other the magnetic force law- why increasing the strength of a uniform magnetic field causes the radius of curvature of moving electrons to shrink.

Future Plans

TermFall 2014
ActivitiesRevision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements), Assessment (measurement) of outcomes, Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps, Implementation of planned changes and reassessment
DetailsInstructors will meet an discuss the measurements of outcomes assessments over the past two semesters. We will determine which assessments revealed areas for improvement and which assessments we should alter because they could be changed for the better.

We will discuss how our results indicate how we can instruct better. We may discuss whether we should rewrite muc of our lab manual and buy new equipment for the lab room.
HighlightsNo answer

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