Physical Science / Physics 488

PHSC/PHYS 488
FINAL HONORS THESIS

Catalog Entry

PHSC 488H: Final Honors Thesis
Credit Hours (3).

Prerequisites: Completion of physical science general education requirements, enrollment in the Honors Program, completion of all other Honors Program requirements, a minimum 3.5 GPA in all courses and in Physical Science, and senior standing.

To earn a bachelor's degree with honors in physical science a student may conduct research and write a thesis. In order to receive honors credit, a student must earn a grade of "A" or "B" for the final thesis. This course may not be repeated.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

The topic and research methodology will vary with the individual student.

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

In consultation with the student's supervising professor, the student will select for intensive study a topic that relates science to technology and society. Study of such a topic broadens the student's outlook and focuses attention on the societal context in which science is practiced.

The type of project selected will be determined by the needs and interests of the student, and the pedagogy employed will be appropriate to the chosen project. The subject matter of the project will be chosen from the area of the student's concentration within the departmental major (Earth Science, General Science or Physics). Final results of the project will be presented in a written report and in a formal talk presented by the student to the faculty of the Physical Science Department. The supervising faculty member will assign the final grade to the project, based on criteria appropriate to the particular study. (See "Assessment Measures" below.)

 

Goals and Objectives of Course

1. The student will broaden and/or deepen his/her understanding of one or more areas of the physical sciences and their relationship to society and technology.
2. The student will improve his/her ability to work independently.
3. The student will strengthen his/her written and communications skills.

 

Assessment Measures

Student outcomes will be assessed by the supervising professor using means and criteria appropriate to the type of project undertaken. Such methods may include, but are not limited to, oral and written examinations to determine the quality of the student's achievements, and assessment of the quality of presentation and content of oral and written reports.

 

Other Course Information

None

 

APPROVAL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIEWS

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
September 24, 2001 - Reviewed by Walter S. Jaronski, Chair