Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan
Date:
May 2000Certificate or Degree Program: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
Mission: As major centers of scholarship and research the Department of Biology and Wildlife (DBW) and the Institute of Arctic Biology (IAB) are committed to the mutual enhancement of teaching, research, and public service. The teaching mission of DBW and the research activity at IAB combine to provide new knowledge, stimulate inquiry, and instill learning skills at undergraduate and graduate levels. DBW and IAB use our northern location and pristine environment as a natural laboratory while emphasizing teaching and research training in high-latitude biology, environmental studies, wildlife ecology and management, and conservation biology.
Goal: To aid our graduates in becoming adequately prepared to succeed in the job market in their chosen field of biological sciences, or to matriculate to institution of higher learning to pursue advanced degrees. This degree differs from the B. A. in Biological Sciences by stressing exposure to courses in natural sciences and a relatively deeper coverage of undergraduate mathematics.
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INTENDED OUTCOMES/ |
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES |
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1. Students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences will be fluent regarding scientific terminology. They will also be familiar with basic life histories of animals and understanding of calculus. |
Biology degrees require successful completion of 5 "core" courses, one offered at the senior level as a capstone course. It is the intent of these courses to build a strong foundation in the biological sciences. |
The Teaching Advisory Committee will evaluate "core" courses at least every three years. Changes will be recommended and implemented. |
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2. Students will be familiar with the scientific method, hypothesis testing and deductive reasoning. |
Same criteria as #1. In addition student surveys of graduating seniors (yearly) and alumni (every other year) will be conducted |
Course and survey information collated by department staff and evaluated by the Teaching Advisory Committee. |
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3. Students will exhibit effective skills in written and oral communication. |
Students will complete written and seminar projects in Biol 481 (our capstone course). Evaluations from other oral and writing intensive biology courses will also be used for information. |
Success dependent on satisfactory completion of written and oral projects in Biol 481. In addition student opportunities in individual research will be encouraged. |
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4. Students will seek employment and or apply to continue their education in: a) K-12 teaching, b) graduate school, c) medical/dental school or d) be satisfied that the degree met other personal objectives. |
Student survey or graduating seniors and alumni |
Survey results evaluated by Teaching Advisory Committee |