CUA

The Catholic University of America

Department of Physics

200 Hannan Hall

Washington, DC  20064

(202) 319-5347

The Undergraduate Program in Physics - Goals and Outcomes Assessment

In the University Announcements, the study of physics program is described by the following few sentences

The study of physics is an attempt to understand the physical universe in as fundamental a way as possible.  It examines the mathematical relationships that exist among the physical entities in the world, and, in particular, tries to discover the general principles that govern the behavior of the microscopic and macroscopic universe.

The undergraduate concentration in physics aims to provide our students with the firm grasp of basic physics that is needed to begin a program of graduate study in pursuit of this goal.  The basic general areas of physics: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics and Quantum Theory are introduced during the first two years of study, and are then re-examined in more depth and with increased mathematical sophistication during the junior and senior years.  Specialized courses involving the application of these basic disciplines to forefront research areas such as astrophysics, nuclear physics and optics are offered to enrich the program.  Growth in mathematical sophistication is expected as students progress through the program.

Majors are accepted into the program after completing a basic core on introductory courses in physics and mathematics (Physics 215, 216, 506 and Mathematics 121, 122, 221, 222).  An average of B or better in these courses is expected.  In their junior and senior years, students take a sequence of seven additional physics courses in the core areas of mathematical physics, dynamics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics and quantum mechanics.  The program elective sequence that students follow depend upon whether they have opted for the Bachelor of Science (most common) or Bachelor of Arts program.   These courses, drawn mainly from Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering and Computer Science, enable our students to individualize their programs in accordance with their own interests and post baccalaureate plans.

The Senior Assessment requirement is fulfilled by physics majors by

(1)   participating in a Senior Seminar, where they are expected to take the lead in presenting and facilitating discussions on a variety of topics developed by the administering faculty member;

 and

(2)    passing the Physics comprehensive examination, generally during the Spring term of the senior year.

The Physics comprehensive examination is a two-hour oral examination administered by a board of three or four physics faculty members.  Using only chalk and a blackboard (and, one hopes, the knowledge, skills, and understanding that they have developed during their undergraduate years),  students address a series of  questions that are posed by the examining board.  These questions are generally aimed at probing the students’ ability to develop sensible approaches to tackling physical problems by synthesizing fundamental concepts and principles from several of the core subfields.  If a particular student has developed a strong concentration in a specialized area of physics (astrophysics, for example), a few questions in that area may also be included.

Charles J. Montrose, Chairman

October 2004