Program Review
Biology Department Curriculum Map 2012
PROGRAM GOAL #1
Students will effectively identify and explain fundamental principles of life processes at different levels of structural organization.
Outcome:
Students will score competitively on a national comprehensive standardized exam in Biology.
Where Learning Outcome is met:
Introduced
BIO-005 and BIO-006
Developed
BIO-114, BIO-102, BIO-104, BIO-108, BIO-110, BIO-113, BIO-125
Mastered
BIO-195 (required in two of the four tracks in the major), BIO-128, BIO-130, BIO-132
Assessment Tool:
Major Field Test in Biology (Educational Testing Service) administered to graduating seniors.
Benchmark:
Mean score on the Major Field Test should be in the top third of individual student scores, nationwide.
Link to the Institutional Learning Standards:
Active Societal and Intellectual Engagement, Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking, Research and Technology
PROGRAM GOAL #2
Students carry out scientific investigation in the lab and/or
in the field with competence and confidence.
Outcomes:
1) Students have an appropriate understanding of the experimental question and of the previous research published on the topic.
2) Students will apply appropriate principles of experimental design and data interpretation in their research projects.
Where Learning Outcomes are met:
Introduced
BIO-005
Developed
BIO-114, BIO-104, BIO-110, BIO-113, BIO-125, BIO-130, BIO-132
Mastered
BIO-198 and BIO-199 as well as summer research
Assessment Tools:
1) Research student surveys
2) Evaluation of research posters
Benchmarks:
For 1) mean score of 4 or above in each category of survey
For 2) 90% of students demonstrating competency in each
category on rubric
Link to the Institutional Learning Standards:
Active Societal and Intellectual Engagement, Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking, Research and Technology, and Written and Oral Communication
PROGRAM GOAL #3
Students will be able to present the findings and
implications of scientific research through written research
reports, oral presentation, and scientific posters.
Outcome:
Students use appropriate style and format (as instructed) for
writing research papers, creating research posters, and
giving oral presentations.
Where Learning Outcome is met:
Introduced
BIO-005 and BIO-006
Developed
BIO-114, BIO-104, , BIO-113, BIO-125, BIO-128
Mastered
BIO-110, BIO-130, BIO-132, BIO-195, BIO-197,
BIO-199
Assessment Tool:
Departmental review of senior writing samples from
upper-division courses
Benchmark:
Mean student score of 4 on each criteria of writing rubric.
Link to the Institutional Learning Standards:
Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking, Written and Oral
Communication, Research and Technology
PROGRAM GOAL #4
Students will be able identify and describe a wide range of
controversies, positions, and approaches to the inter-disciplinary and theological implications of biological
theory.
Outcomes:
1) All students will be able to identify and assess a range of
historic and contemporary approaches to relating
science and religion.
2) Students will be familiar with a variety of historical and
contemporary interdisciplinary implications of
biological theory, including evolutionary theory, and be
able to describe controversies that attend them.
3) Students will demonstrate understanding of, and ability
to assess, arguments in at least one substantial ethical
controversy related to contemporary biology.
4) In their engagement of controversial issues, students
will recognize ambiguity, respect the views of others,
and critically assess their own positions.
Where Learning Outcomes are met:
Introduced
BIO-005 and BIO-006
Developed
BIO-114, BIO-104, BIO-108, BIO-113,
BIO-125, BIO-130
Mastered
BIO-124, BIO-196 and BIO-197 (all majors take one
of these courses)
Assessment Tools:
1) Performance on examinations
2) Pre- and post-instruction surveys
3) Student course evaluations
Benchmark
Yet to be determined.
Link to the Institutional Learning Standards:
Christian Orientation, Critical-Interdisciplinary Thinking,
and Active Societal and Intellectual Engagement