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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