Program Learning Objectives

Bachelors (BA and BS)

Program Learning Objective #1

Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments to address a scientific question.

Program Learning Objective #2

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relevant content in their concentration.

Program Learning Objective #3

Students will demonstrate laboratory or field skills relevant to their concentration.

Program Learning Objective #4

Students will demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing skills by effectively writing an advanced scientific paper.

Program Learning Objective #5

Students will demonstrate proficiency in oral presentation skills by effectively presenting scientific research. 

Masters (MA)

Program Learning Objective #1

Students will develop effective written communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written exam.

Program Learning Objective #2

Students will develop effective oral communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam.

Program Learning Objective #3

Students will demonstrate the ability to independently answer questions regarding their specific field of study, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam.

Program Learning Objective #4

Students will demonstrate the ability to develop, present, defend and critically analyze hypotheses and conclusions using information gained through searches of primary literature, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam. 

Masters (MS)

Program Learning Objective #1

Students will develop effective written communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written thesis or project.

Program Learning Objective #2

Students will develop effective oral communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral presentation.

Program Learning Objective #3

Students will demonstrate the ability to independently answer questions regarding their specific field of research, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral presentation.

Program Learning Objective #4

Students will demonstrate the ability to develop, present, and defend a research plan using information gained through preliminary experiments as well as critical analysis of primary literature, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written thesis or project.

Maps of Department of Biological Science PLOs to University Learning Goals (ULGs)

University Learning Goals (ULGs) Bachelors PLOs Masters PLOs

Specialized Knowledge

 PLO #2 PLO #3
Broad Integrated Knowledge PLO #1 PLO #3 and PLO #4
Intellectual Skills PLO #3, PLO #4, and PLO #5 PLO #1, PLO #2, and PLO #4
Applied Knowledge PLO #1 PLO #4
Social and Global Responsibilities   PLO #3

Course Curriculum Map and Assessment Schedule

Undergraduate

Undergraduate Map

Biology PLO Course When Assessed ULG
1 Bio 155, 156 AY 20-21 1, 2, 3, 4
2 Bio 124, 135B, 160; Micr 141 AY 15-16 1, 4
3

Bio 125, 135L; Bot 165; Micr 141L

 AY 16-17 1, 3, 4
4

Bio 100W

 AY 18-19 1, 3, 4
5

Bio 155, 156

 AY 19-20 1, 2, 3, 4

Undergraduate Schedule

PLO 2019-20 2020-21 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
PLO 1          
PLO 2 R I      
PLO 3   R I    
PLO 4     A I  
PLO 5       A I

A indicates “assessment,” I indicates “implementation,” and R indicates “reassessment.”

Graduate

Graduate Map

Biology Masters PLO Courses When Assessed ULG
1

Bio 202, 284, 299

 AY 14-15 3
2

Bio 202, 284, 299

 AY 14-15 3
3

Bio 202, 284, 299

 AY 15-16 1, 2
4

Bio 202, 284, 299

 AY 16-17 2, 3, 4

Graduate Schedule

PLO 2019-20 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19
PLO 1     R I
PLO 2 I     R
PLO 3 R I    
PLO 4   A I  

A indicates “assessment,” I indicates “implementation,” and R indicates “reassessment.”