Student Learning Outcomes for Graduate Students
In 2008, the Department of Biological Sciences approved the following student learning outcomes for its graduate program. The objectives are organized into three categories: attitudes, skills, and knowledge. The Department has a standing Assessment Committee which implements an ongoing assessment of the Department's activties in each of these areas.
At the completion of the Masters of Science degree in Biology a graduate student will have acquired:
- The analytical, communication, problem solving, interpersonal, and technical skills that will provide a strong foundation for scientific productivity and progressive career development.
- An in-depth understanding of biological concepts that apply to the student's area of concentration.
- Experience with the peer scientific review process.
The following are specific objectives in the areas of attitudes, skills, and knowledge.
| 1. | The student will acquire the following attitudes: | ||
| 1.1 | Scientific research plays a crucial role in the development of policy and decision-making for the benefit of society. | ||
| 1.2 | Scientific progress should be based on the unbiased collection, analysis, and interpretation of evidence. | ||
| 1.3 | The biological sciences, by their nature, are interdisciplinary. | ||
| 1.4 | Understanding science is a life-long learning process. | ||
| 1.5 | Scientific ethical conduct and ethical implications of scientific issues in society are important. |
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| 2. | Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, the student will be able to demonstrate that he/she is skilled at: | ||
| 2.1 | Developing a coherent research prospectus; | ||
| 2.2 | Carrying out a research project which includes mastery of appropriate techniques and the collection, organization and analysis of data; | ||
| 2.3 | Synthesizing the results of their work in a master's thesis; | ||
| 2.4 | Understanding and critically evaluating the scientific work of others and discussing new results in the context of what is already known and what should still be done; | ||
| 2.5 | Communicating his/her work, as well as that of others, in a seminar and thesis defense; | ||
| 2.5 | Developing teaching skills. |
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| 3. | Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge in: | ||
| 3.1 | Scientific concepts, recent developments, and areas for future research efforts in his or her chosen field; | ||
| 3.2 | Traditional, modern, and emerging techniques and approaches used to conduct research in his or her chosen field of research; | ||
| 3.3 | Practical applications of his or her research field and potential career opportunities. | ||