Outcome 3: An ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data

Level 5 performance characterized by:

• Observes good laboratory safety procedures
• Formulates an experimental plan of data gathering to attain a stated objective (develop correlation, test a model, ascertain performance of equipment, etc.)
• Carefully documents data collected
• Develops and implements logical experimental procedures
• Can select appropriate equipment and instruments to perform the experiment
• Is able to operate instrumentation and process equipment
• Analyzes and interprets data carefully using appropriate theory; if required, translates theory into practice or applies to process model(s)
• Is aware of measurement error and is able to account for it statistically
• Seeks information for experiment(s) from multiple sources

Level 3 performance characterized by:

• Unsafe lab procedures observed infrequently
• Develops a simplistic experimental plan of data gathering, does not recognize entire scope of study (e.g. not all parameters affecting the results are investigated)
• Data collected are not all documented, units are missing, or some measurements are not recorded
  Experimental procedures most often followed, but occasional oversight leads to loss of experimental efficiency and/or loss of data
• Needs some guidance in selecting appropriate equipment and instrumentation
• Is tentative in operation of instruments and process equipment
  Applies appropriate theory to data when prompted to do so, but misinterprets physical significance of theory or variable involved; makes errors in unit conversions
• Is aware of measurement error but does not account for it statistically or does so at a minimal level
• Seeks information for experiment(s) from a few sources - mainly from the textbook or the instructor

Level 1 performance characterized by:

• Practices unsafe, risky behaviors in lab
• No systematic plan of data gathering; experimental data collection is disorganized, even random, and incomplete
• Data are poorly documented
• Does not follow experimental procedure
• Cannot select the appropriate equipment and instrumentation required to run the experiment(s)
• Does not operate instrumentation and process equipment, does so incorrectly or requires frequent supervision
• Makes no attempt to relate data to theory
• Is unaware of measurement error
• Seeks no extra information for experiments other than what is provided by instructor

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
University of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716-3120
phone: 302-831-2442 | e-mail CEE | fax: 302-831-3640