Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison

Tools used to Assess Program Objectives

It is helpful to identify in more detail how specific outcomes are produced and often assessed by particular courses, course activities, or department assessment tools, as delineated below:  The surveys described above (course evaluation survey, instructor course survey, EBI exit survey, and co-op/employer survey) all systematically collect evaluations of all outcomes from the range of constituencies sampled.

[Here, it would be best to have at least one specific, direct measure of each outcome, as well as the indirect or survey tools.]

Outcome (a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering

      required in most engineering courses

      assessed by completion of all required courses, and by surveys

Outcome (b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

      required in CBE 324 and 424

      assessed by completion of CBE 324 and 424, and by surveys

Outcome (c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs

      required in CBE 250, 426, and 450 design projects

      assessed by completion of CBE 250, 426, and 450, and by surveys

Outcome (d) an ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams

      required in lab groups (ECE 376, CBE 324 and 424) and CBE 250, 426 and 450 projects

      assessed by completion of required lab courses, explicitly evaluated in CBE 424,
and assessed by surveys

Outcome (e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

      required in most engineering courses

      assessed by completion of all required courses, and by surveys

Outcome (f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

      required in most engineering courses

      AIChE Code of Ethics discussions in classes

      assessed by completion of all required courses, and by surveys

Outcome (g) an ability to communicate effectively

      required in laboratory and project course activities

      basic writing presented and assessed in University Comm. A courses

      written communication assessed in CBE 424, also certified as a University Communication Requirement, Level B course

      oral communication assessed in CBE 424

      also assessed by surveys

Outcome (h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context

      present in some level in all courses

      broadened by Liberal Studies requirement (16 credits)

      assessed by surveys

Outcome (i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

      required by all open-ended project course activities

      implemented by library searching training in EPD 155, CBE 250 and 424

               EPD 155 Computerized Library Use Education (CLUE) training

      assessed by completion of those course activities, and by surveys

Outcome (j) a knowledge of contemporary issues

      present in some level in all courses

      embodied by the Liberal Studies requirement (16 credits)

      satisfied by completion of Liberal Studies courses

      assessed by surveys

Outcome (k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

      required in most engineering courses

      assessed by completion of all required courses, and by surveys

Outcome (l) ability to solve a wide variety of problems in subject areas within which chemical engineers frequently practice, requiring both a fundamental knowledge of the principles underlying a broad range of subject areas and depth in one or more specific areas [Program Outcome].

      required in most engineering courses

      assessed by completion of all required courses, and by surveys

            Program outcome assessment is provided by a synthesis of many inputs, including information from instructors (graded activities and surveys), students (surveys), graduates (exit survey and alumni survey), employers (co-op and interviewer feedback), and professional peers (Visiting Committee, professional societies).

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Date Created: November 11, 2004
Last Modified: November 15, 2004
Content By: Thatcher Root
Markup By: Thatcher Root
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