Independent Review of Theses and Capstone Projects

Besides the review done by your advisor and the thesis or capstone coordinator for your grade, an independent reviewer may evaluate your work to see how well students are achieving the goals and standards we have for this very significant part of your undergraduate experience.  While it will not affect your grade, we want you to know what these reviewers are looking for.   Your advisor will also be using many of these criteria in determining your grade.

1. Conceptual understanding and explanations of the physics in the research topic is at the senior level of coursework .  
2. Understanding and correct use of mathematical descriptions of the physics in the research topic is at the senior level of coursework.          
3. Good design of experimental, computational and/or theoretical approach 
4. Experimental, computational and/or theoretical skills appropriate for the research are demonstrated.
5. Work was continued until a meaningful result was achieved
6. Statistical significance of results is treated correctly.
7. Significance of project is unexaggerated, and is demonstrated by its relation to previous work.
8. Writing: clear and concise
9. Writing: correct grammar, spelling 
10. Writing: appropriate style and tone
11. Writing: credit and references given for work of others
12. Graphics are clear and appropriate