Academic Programs

Definition of outcomes:
Outcomes are determined by achievement of an understanding and skills in: Logic and fundamentals of computing, software science, software development methodology and tools. computer systems, and applications.

The student should be able to develop, modify, and maintain applications using software tools that are currently prevalent. The computer science program is designed to educate those who desire employment in business, industry, government, science or engineering labs, or secondary education, and to provide a foundation for those interested in pursuing graduate work in computer science. Communication and working in teams are emphasized.

Objectives

Logic and fundamentals of computing
Problem analysis and solving
Understanding significance of academic and professional standards of conduct
Develop ability to work constructively and productively with others in undertakings of mutual significance
Comparative, contextual understanding of field
Assess the credibility of sources
Define alternative conclusions or actions, and their implications
Historical perspective on field

Methods of Assessment

Procedures and methods in place for ascertaining the extent to which learning results are in keeping with outcomes expected:

Every year the computer science faculty will compare requirements for accreditation of computer science programs by the Computer Science Accreditation Board to assess curriculum, facilities, faculty, and student performance, and propose changes that will move the computer science program closer to accreditation. Comparison to the curriculum requirements of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for computer science will also be performed annually.
Scores from state EXCET tests for those students in the secondary education computer science program will be evaluated for competency in algorithms and data structures, operating systems, programming languages, and software methodology and engineering.
Surveying of or interviewing the recent alumni opinions every four years.

Assessment Results

(Contact IR)

Use of Results

Expected outcomes: An annual assessment of the curriculum, facilities, student performance, and faculty and an annual evaluation of EXCET test results may result in minor changes in the course syllabi and laboratory work and major changes in the curriculum being proposed to the Academic Affairs Committee with the division's support. The alumni interviews or surveys will augment the annual study.

Every year the Computer Science faculty has proposed changes in the computer science curriculum as a result of ongoing and annual evaluations and student feedback.

Mathematical Sciences

Goals

The mathematics program at UH-Victoria is designed to provide students with an understanding of the axiomatic and logical structure of mathematics and its application to business, life sciences, computer science, and scientific computation.
The students should be able to prove simple mathematical theorems in linear and boolean algebra, higher geometry, discrete structure, statistics, numerical analysis and real analysis. They should be able to model and solve problems in these and in applied areas. This would include programming algorithms to obtain numerical solutions on a computer.
The program is designed to lead to employment in business, science, engineering or secondary education or to lead to graduate work in the mathematical sciences.

Objectives

Lower Division

The educational goals of a bachelor degree in Mathematics require that students have lower division competencies in mathematics and computer science before beginning at UH-Victoria:

The students are expected to have competency in algebra, trigonometry, analytical geometry, and differential and integral calculus.
The students are expected to have programming proficiency in a structured language, e.g. C programming.

Upper Division

The students are expected to have competency in the following areas:

operations research
higher geometry
linear algebra
discrete structures/abstract algebra
probability and statistics
numerical analysis
elective upper division computer science
introductory real analysis (except two-field secondary teaching certifiers)
additional advanced math electives

Methods of Assessment

The procedures and methods for ascertaining the extent to which learning results are in keeping with the outcomes expected. Evaluation of the mathematics program will be determined from three procedures:

1. Mathematics instructors will develop learning goals for each course. Every year the math faculty will meet and evaluate the following for each course:

student performance on each learning goal
student preparation from prerequisite class
improvement in student performance on learning goals
specific documented plans of action to improve students performance

2. Scores from the ExCET tests for secondary teaching certifiers will be compiled to show relative standing in the state of Texas.

3. Alumni will be surveyed to obtain their assessment of their education.

Assessment Results

(Contact IR)

Use of Results

Assessment information used to try to improve student's learning in the program. The mathematics faculty will meet every two years to examine these reports and to determine any problem area(s) and discuss potential curriculum adjustments.