Natural Sciences Core Curriculum Outcomes Assessment 2000-2001

The goal of the natural science component of the Core Curriculum is to prepare students for lifelong learning in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics). In order to achieve this goal, three objectives will be met: a) Students will become familiar with the methods used for acquisition and expansion of scientific knowledge through laboratory/field exercises which deal with i) data collection and analysis, ii) hypothesis building, and iii) experimentation. b) Students will learn and use major concepts of natural sciences either by exploring in depth a single discipline or the conceptual relationship between at least two of the natural sciences.

The purpose of assessment is to determine the extent to which natural sciences core courses achieve the objectives of the Core Curriculum and to identify changes that may facilitate achievement of these objectives.

Natural sciences core courses will be reviewed by a committee composed of a single representative of each department offering natural sciences core courses. Committee members will be appointed by departmental heads.

The Committee will review 1/4 of all natural sciences core courses annually, so that each course is assessed once every four years. Courses for annual assessment will be selected across all departments offering natural sciences core courses but will focus on depth or breadth courses in any one year (see schedule below).

At the beginning of each semester the Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics will contact instructors of courses scheduled for assessment. The Dean will also direct department heads to supervise instructors during the assessment process.

Throughout the semester instructors will assemble examples of student work. Instructors will provide photocopies of representative student work in course activities (exams, lab reports, and homework) depicting a cross section of student performance (e.g. tow A-level students, two B-level students, . . . two F-level students). For each of these activities, instructors will also provide a summary of the number of students in the course falling into each grade category.

Instructors will provide a syllabus, detailed descriptions of three laboratory exercises, and a summary or brief description of major scientific concepts developed in their course.

Instructors may supply additional materials they believe illustrate how their course achieves the objectives of the Core Curriculum.

The Committee will provide questions relevant to assessment for inclusion on student course evaluations (IAS forms).

1. Methods of Science - The Committee will examine laboratory exercises and examples of student work (e.g. lab reports) to assess student involvement in: a) data collection and analysis, b) hypothesis building, and c) experimentation.

Examination of syllabus and exams will be used to determine whether the course considers the methods of science.

Performance of students on course work will be used to evaluate student understanding of the methods of science.

2. Science and Society - The Committee will use the syllabus and exams to determine whether the course examines the relationship between science and society in terms of the historical context of modern science and the influence of science on contemporary issues. They will also assess whether the course examines the elements of public science policy and the methods by which it is developed.

Performance of students on exams will be used to assess student understanding of relationships between science and society.

3. Major Concepts - The Committee will use the syllabus, exams, and summary of major concepts to determine whether the course develops major scientific concepts and principles in a rigorous manner that challenges students to use these principles.

Performance of students on exams will be used to assess student understanding of major concepts.

 

Report of Results of Assessment

The Committee will report the results of their assessment at two levels:

1. The Committee's assessment of each course will be summarized in a report outlining strengths and weaknesses of the course in regards to the Natural Sciences Core Requirement. It will also include suggestions for changes that might make the course better meet goals of a natural sciences core course. This report will be distributed to the instructor and the instructor's department head.
2. The Committee will also prepare an annual report summarizing all the courses they have reviewed in recent years. This report will examine strengths and weaknesses in natural sciences core courses in general and make recommendations to the university community for improvement of natural sciences courses, but will not identify specific courses or instructors. This report will be distributed to instructors, departments, colleges, the faculty senate, ASUAF, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks administration.