Student Learning Outcomes

B.S. Degree in Physics, Radiological Health Physics Option

General Student Outcomes

The general student outcomes for the B.S. degree in Physics, Radiological Health Physics option, are listed below and indicate the expected level of preparation for graduates, with an appropriate level of sophistication and complexity for a B.S. degree in Physics, such that the program educational objectives are satisfied. 

  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline
  2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs
  3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions
  4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty

Specific Student Outcomes

The specific student outcomes for the B.S. degree in Physics, Radiological Health Physics option, are defined in terms of competency attained in specified areas of study. The specified areas of study for the specific student outcomes are listed below for Health Physics programs, and with the attainment of competency in these areas at an appropriate level of sophistication and complexity for a B.S. degree in Physics the program educational objectives will be satisfied. 

  • Radiation physics
  • Radiation biology
  • Radiation detection and measurements with laboratory experience
  • Internal and external radiation dosimetry
  • Principles of radiation safety and health physics
  • Contemporary issues in health physics

M.S. Degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection

General Student Outcomes

The general student outcomes for the M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection are listed below and indicate the expected level of preparation for graduates, with an appropriate level of sophistication and complexity for an M.S. degree, such that the program educational objectives are satisfied. 
  1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve broadly-defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline
  2. An ability to formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program to meet desired needs
  3. An ability to develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions
  4. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  5. An ability to understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  6. An ability to function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty
In addition to the general student outcomes (1 – 6) provided above, it is further required that the general criteria for an M.S. degree program include:
  1. one year of additional study beyond the bachelor level; and
  2. a project or research activity resulting in a report that demonstrates both mastery of the subject matter and a high level of communication skills. 
The additional one year of study beyond the bachelor level is satisfied for all pathways to attain the M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection. Likewise, the project or research activity requirement is satisfied for the Project or Thesis options by their intrinsic research requirement, and for the Professional Science Master option through the Professional Health Physics Internship and report requirements. 

Specific Student Outcomes

Specific student outcomes for the M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection are defined in terms of competency attained in specified areas of study. The specified areas of study for the specific student outcomes are listed below for Health Physics programs, and with their attainment at an appropriate level of sophistication and complexity for an M.S. degree the program educational objectives will be satisfied. 

  • Radiation physics
  • Radiation biology
  • Radiation detection and measurements with laboratory experience
  • Internal and external radiation dosimetry
  • Principles of radiation safety and health physics
  • Contemporary issues in health physics
  • A high level of professional and public communication skills
  • An adequate foundation in statistics, applied sciences, and professional health physics practice
  • Advanced qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills
In addition to the specific student outcomes (a – i) provided above, it is further required that the program criteria for an M.S. degree program include:
  1. a minimum of one year of study beyond the basic level, consisting of courses with increased depth and rigor; and
  2. an applied science project or research activity resulting in a report that demonstrates both mastery of the subject matter and a high level of professional and public communication skills.
These further requirements are satisfied for all pathways to attain the M.S. degree in Radiological Sciences and Protection as stated above.