Educational Alternatives, Volume 13, 2015

Abstract: The paper analyzes performance of the Riga Technical University (RTU) the Faculty of Civil Engineering 1st year student group (specialty). Results of a screening test, which is carried out by almost all 1st year students (except for the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning (FAUP) and some of the Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management (FEEM) students who do not study Physics), are demonstrated. The results of this test as well as grades obtained by current students at secondary school are the basis of their tests’ and examination papers’ results analysis. Results of virtually every section of the Physics course are analyzed separately. One of the main objectives of the study is to find out which minimum initial level of knowledge (in Physics) should a 1st year student have by the beginning of RTU Physics course in order to successfully complete it a year later.