Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose:
Mission Statement:
The physical sciences comprise the central sciences vital to human existence and essential to the understanding of social, industrial, economic, environmental, and health issues.
The Southern Utah University (SUU) Physical Science Department is a large and very diverse group of highly educated professionals committed to fostering an understanding of the physical sciences and their relevance through quality teaching, scholarly activities and service. Their efforts provide students a learning environment in which they may come to an understanding of the nature of an increasingly technical and complex world.
Goal Statement:
As faculty of the SUU Physical Science Department, we strive to provide students with quality, current, and comprehensive courses of study, which will serve the following goals:
1. Preparation of students who choose to pursue graduate degrees in the physical sciences
2. Preparation of students who choose to pursue degrees in the health sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy. etc.)
3. Preparation of students who choose to gain employment in a science related field with an undergraduate degree.
4. Preparation of students who choose to become science educators.
5. Educate students to think critically and independently.
6. Help students improve communicative, creative, analytic and information gathering skills
7. Preparation of students who choose to pursue further degrees in engineering, or employment in industry
Intended Outcomes/Objectives
· Students will have the opportunity to prepare for post baccalaureate experiences.
· Students will have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the physical sciences.
· Students will have the opportunity to practice the principles of the physical sciences through laboratory experiments, undergraduate research, and outside of class discussions
· Students will have the opportunity to communicate the principles of the physical sciences they have learned and practiced through oral and written means.
· Students, who so choose, will have the opportunity to learn engineering principles and skills
Assessment Criteria and Activities:
Assessment of the quality and effectiveness of departmental programs is an integral part of our mission.
Assessment activities include: · Physical science students will pass their courses with a minimum grade of "C" or better earned in each course used to complete the major.
· Assessment of student's ability to communicate in their field by taking a capstone class in which each student gives both a written and an oral report.
· Course embedded activities requiring critical, logical, and analytical thinking.
· A satisfactory score on a comprehensive exit examination during the students' senior year, where applicable.
· Faculty development activities that enhance faculty knowledge of the subject and methods of presentation.
Implementation:
To accomplish our assessment goals, the physical science department implements the following:
1. Provide physical science instruction with depth, breadth, and rigor.
2. The minimum requirement for a "C" grade is placed in the university catalog, advisement worksheets, and graduation worksheets.
3. Honest evaluations of student abilities and potential for grading and advisement purposes.
4. Comprehensive exit exams are required before graduation worksheets can be signed, where applicable.
5. Climates of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, and students.
6. The application and involvement of basic scientific principles and methodologies.
7. Competitive opportunities for mentorship through undergraduate research, employment, and other hands?on educational means.
8. Surveys of Alumni to determine success of department.
9. Faculty tenure and post-tenure review.
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Last Update: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 |  |