New electron-impact differential cross-section (DCS) and DCS ratio measurements for the excitation of the four levels making up the 3p 5 4s configuration of argon are reported at incident electron energies of 14, 15, 17.5, 20, 30, 50 and 100 eV. These cross-sections were obtained using a conventional high resolution electron spectrometer. Elastic electron scattering from argon was used as a calibration standard. Electron-helium DCSs were used to determine the instrumental transmission of the spectrometer. Further checks of the relative shape of these DCS measurements were made using the method of gas mixtures (Ne mixed with Ar). We also present results from new calculations of these DCSs using the R-matrix method, the unitarized first-order manybody theory, the semi-relativistic distorted-wave Born approximation, and the relativistic distorted-wave method. Comparison with available experimental DCSs and DCS ratios is also presented.

We present the design and application of a movable collimated gas source of atomic and molecular species that allows the accurate determination of background-scattered electrons in beam-beam, low-energy electron scattering experiments. Our method provides a very simple solution for accurate background determination without using conventional 'choppers' or background gas-shunt lines. Further, it is more robust than existing conventional methods and extremely practical.

Normalized doubly differential cross sections for the electron-impact ionization of helium at low energies are presented. The data are taken at the incident electron energies of 26.3, 28.3, 30.3, 32.5, 34.3, 36.5, and 40.7 eV and for scattering angles of 10°-130°. The measurements involve the use of the moveable target method developed at California State University Fullerton to accurately determine the continuum background in the energy-loss spectra. Normalization of experimental data is made on a relative scale to well-established experimental differential cross sections for excitation of the n = 2 manifold of helium and then on an absolute scale to the well-established total ionization cross sections of Shah et al. ͓J. Phys. B 21, 2751 ͑1988͔͒. Comparisons are made with available experimental data and the results of the convergent close-coupling theory.

Absolute doubly differential cross sections for the ionization of atomic hydrogen by electron impact have been measured at energies ranging from near threshold to intermediate values. The measurements are normalized to the accurate differential cross section for the electron-impact excitation of the H 1 2 S→2 2 Sϩ2 2 P transition. These measurements were made possible through the use of a moveable target source which enables the collection of hydrogen energy loss spectra free of all backgrounds. The measurements cover the incident electron energy range of 14.6 -40 eV and scattering angles from 12°to 127°, and are in very good agreement with the results of the latest theoretical models-the convergent close-coupling model and the exterior complex scaling model.

Assessment of student learning outcomes (SLOs) has become increasingly important in higher education. Meaningful assessment (i.e., assessment that leads to the improvement of student learning) is impossible without faculty engagement. We argue that one way to elicit genuine faculty engagement is to embrace the disciplinary differences when implementing a universitywide SLO assessment process so that the process reflects discipline-specific cultures and practices. Framed with Biglan’s discipline classification framework, we adopt a case-study approach to examine the SLO assessment practices in four undergraduate academic programs: physics, history, civil engineering, and child and adolescent studies. We demonstrate that one key factor for these programs’ success in developing and implementing SLO assessment under a uniform framework of university assessment is their adaptation of the university process to embrace the unique disciplinary differences.