Unit: Physics & Astronomy
Program: Astronomy (MS, PhD)
Degree: Master's & Doctorate
Date: Fri Nov 13, 2009 - 1:57:27 pm

1) List your program's student learning outcomes (SLOs).

The objective of our PhD program is to prepare students for careers in astronomical research and university-level education. To accomplish this, we emphasize:

  • Acquisition of a broad knowledge of astronomy and familiarity with both observational and theoretical techniques;
  • Exposure to a variety of advanced and specialized topics in modern astronomy;
  • Extensive "hands-on" research, including supervised research projects undertaken in the first years of graduate school;
  • Experience presenting talks reviewing the literature and describing new research.
  • Formulation of an original dissertation research project;
  • Experience writing research papers and observing proposals;
  • Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals; and
  • Public defense of the research before IfA astronomers and other scientists.

2) Where are your program's SLOs published?

Department Website URL: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/gradprog/introduction.htm
Student Handbook. URL, if available online:
Information Sheet, Flyer, or Brochure URL, if available online:
UHM Catalog. Page Number: 99
Course Syllabi. URL, if available online:
Other:
Other:

3) Upload your program's current curriculum map(s) as a PDF.

No map submitted.

4) What percentage of courses have the course SLOs explicitly stated on the course syllabus, department website, or other publicly available document? (Check one)

0%
1-50%
51-80%
81-99%
100%

5) State the SLO(s) that was Assessed, Targeted, or Studied

6) State the Assessment Question(s) and/or Goal(s) of Assessment Activity

7) State the Type(s) of Evidence Gathered

8) State How the Evidence was Interpreted, Evaluated, or Analyzed

9) State How Many Pieces of Evidence Were Collected

10) Summarize the Actual Results

11) Briefly Describe the Distribution and Discussion of Results

12) Describe Conclusions and Discoveries

13) Use of Results/Program Modifications: State How the Program Used the Results --or-- Explain Planned Use of Results

14) Reflect on the Assessment Process

15) Other Important Information

16) FOR DISTANCE PROGRAMS ONLY: Explain how your program/department has adapted its assessment of student learning in the on-campus program to assess student learning in the distance education program.

17) FOR DISTANCE PROGRAMS ONLY: Summarize the actual student learning assessment results that compare the achievement of students in the on-campus program to students in the distance education program.