BIOLOGY

The Department of Biology of the School of Health, Life Sciences and Educationhas developed seven (7) Specific Learning Objectives (SLOs) to assess 4 major programs (Biology, Field and Environmental Biology, Forensic Biology and Molecular Biology).

To assess the unique features of the Biology major program (“Bachelor of Science in Biology”), the program-specific learning objectives (PSLOs) (lettered a, b, c, etc.) are listed under each appropriate SLO. After completing the Biology undergraduate major program, graduates will be able to:

SLO 1. apply the scientific method in solving a biological question: this method involves theidentificationof a biological problem, synthesisof background information, formulation and testing of a hypothesis,designof an experimental protocol,analysis/evaluationof data, andexplanation / integrationof findings in relation to the body of scientific knowledge

SLO 2. demonstrate advanced proficiency in the most common and important biological concepts and principles

PSLO 2a - apply and use the following basic concepts of the cell: the structure and function of macromolecules, organelles, membrane transport, enzyme kinetics, respiration, photosynthesis, mitosis and meiosis

PSLO2b - use the following basic genetics concepts to accurately predictpatterns of inheritance: meiosis, molecular basis of inheritance (Mendelian genetics), gene structure, expression and regulation

PSLO2c - describe how evolution via natural selection leads to biodiversity andthe role of the fossil record in elucidating the evolutionary process and classification of organisms using taxonomic hierarchy

PSLO2d - explain the following basic ecological concepts and how human interaction impacts their outcome: biogeochemical cycles, energy flow through the trophic structure

PSLO2e - compare and contrast the following major physiological processes in plants and animals: respiration, digestion, reproduction, movement, support, immunity, sensory perception and signal transduction, homeostasis and transportation

PSLO2f - compare and contrast the morphological / anatomical features in plants and animals involved in the following: respiration, digestion, reproduction, movement, support, immunity, sensory perception and signal transduction, homeostasis and transportation and integrate these with theircorresponding physiological functions

SLO 3. demonstrate advanced proficiency in the most common and importantbiological laboratory skills and techniques

PSLO3a - correctly perform the following microcopy and sample preparation skills: prepare a wet mount, a simple stain, and a differential stain with specimen analysis for use on a compound microscope

PSLO3b - correctly perform the following skills: precisely andaccurately pipet, perform straight and serial dilutions, use a spectrophotometer

SLO 4. demonstrate effective written communication of scientific concepts

SLO 5. demonstrate effective verbal communication of scientific concepts

SLO 6. demonstrate professionalism and interpersonal skills throughout their capstone experience

SLO 7. apply discipline-specific biological concepts throughout their capstone experience

BIOCHEMISTRY

By completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate ability to communicate chemical and biochemical concepts in written and spoken formats.
  2. Analyze and interpret new and/or more intricate information based on fundamental knowledge of chemical systems.
  3. Select, apply, and safely execute laboratory procedures appropriate to the physical measurements and system.
  4. Appraise and describe biological phenomena in chemical terms.
  5. Analyze energetics and catalytic processes in a quantitative manner.

CHEMISTRY (B.A)

By completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate ability to communicatechemical and biochemical concepts in written and spoken formats.
  2. Demonstrate broad literacy in the physical sciences.
  3. Select, apply, and safely execute laboratory procedures appropriate to the physical measurements and system.
  4. Describe chemical concepts in an interdisciplinary or liberal arts setting.
  5. Relate macroscopic properties to chemical structure.

CHEMISTRY (B.S)

By completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate ability to communicatechemical and biochemical concepts in written and spoken formats.
  2. Analyze and interpret new and/or more intricate information based on fundamental knowledge of chemical systems.
  3. Select, apply, and safely execute laboratory procedures appropriate to the physical measurements and system.
  4. Quantitatively model and/or characterize static and dynamic chemical systems.
  5. Relate macroscopic properties to chemical structure.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Upon graduation, students majoring in construction management will have demonstrated an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of construction management as described in the following outcomes:

  1. SLO 1. Technical, Scientific & Quantitative Application

    Performance Objectives:

  2. Students will demonstrate skills learned using modern tools in the construction field such as spreadsheets to analyze data
  3. Students will utilize technical, Scientific & Quantitative Applications in construction applications

  4. SLO 2. Process understanding

    Performance Objectives:

  5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of construction processes and recommend appropriate processes improvement.
  6. Students will analyze building system assemblies as appropriate for select projects

  7. SLO 3. Aesthetic communication (technical/graphical)

    Performance Objectives:

  8. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information and designs using oral, written, and graphic methods
  9. Students will present graphical models built in the construction domain using BIM

  10. SLO 4. Learnership, Management and Teamwork

    Performance Objectives:

  11. Students will collaborate and function effectively on project teams
  12. Students will demonstrate management and leadership abilities skills in a team environment

  13. SLO 5. Computer and Information Technology Systems

    Performance Objectives:

  14. Students will design and develop projects using current and emerging computer and information systems
  15. Students will record key measures in a project's costing portfolio to optimize performance in costing, scheduling, procurement and logistics

  16. SLO 6 - Professional Development Through Life-Long learning

    Performance Objectives:

  17. Students will seek out potential solutions to technical problems for continuous improvement through reporting
  18. Students will evaluate and assess project outcomes for continuous improvement

  19. SLO 7. Ethical and Professional Behavior

    Performance Objectives:

  20. Students will exhibit ethical and professional behavior with respect for social responsibilities
  21. Students will promote an awareness of diversity and present a knowledge of professional, societal and global issues

  22. SLO 8. Critical and Creative Thinking

    Performance Objectives:

  23. Students will assess theoretical models to the needs of a project
  24. Students will identify alternative design solutions with consideration of multiple perspective and local solutions.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND FIELD BIOLOGY

The environmental and field biology program, housed within the School of Science, Technology & Mathematics (STM), has developed four (4) student learning outcomes.After completing the major in Environmental & Field Biology, graduates will be able to:

SLO 1.Demonstrate mastery in the most common and important biological principles related to ecology, evolution, biodiversity and organismal biology.

SLO 2.Demonstrate mastery in the most common and important analytical skills and field techniques.

SLO 3.Effectively communicate ecological and environmental concepts in formats typically used in the profession.

SLO 4.Effectively communicate ecological and environmental concepts to a broad audience.

FORENSIC BIOLOGY

Upon the completion of the «Ӱҵ Forensic Biology Program, the student will be able
to:

SLO 1.Apply principles and practices of professional conduct in all situations

  • Arrives to and leaves from internship site at scheduled times
  • Completes work within given timeframes
  • Works independently as appropriate
  • Works effectively as a team member as appropriate

SLO 2.Effectively communicate scientific concepts and laboratory test results in written,
electronic and oral format

SLO 3.Correctly handle evidence including packaging and preservation techniques

  • Sealing evidence packaging
  • Chain of Custody
  • Store evidence at a proper temperature (freezer, refrigerator, room temperature)

SLO 4.Accurately perform laboratory techniques

  • Pattern evidence including comparison methods (fingerprints, bullets, and cartridges) and casting methods (footwear impressions, tire tracks, and tool marks).
  • Biological testing on trace evidence including semen, blood, saliva, and urine

SLO 5.Demonstrate proper use of microscopes

  • Field of view
  • Calibration of oculars

SLO 6.Accurately interpret DNA profiling

  • Length polymorphism
  • Sequence analysis

SLO 7.Prepare a forensic report suitable for use in a court of law

MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY

Upon graduation, students majoring in manufacturing technology will have an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of manufacturing technology as described in the following outcomes:

  1. SLO 1. Technical, Scientific & Quantitative Application

    Performance Objectives:

  2. Students will demonstrate skills learned using modern tools to analyze tested data.
  3. Students will utilize Technical, Scientific & Quantitative data in a networked environment.

  4. SLO 2. Process understanding

    Performance Objectives:

  5. Students will produce parts with applicable manufacturing processes.
  6. Students will analyze materials and system assemblies to improve processes

  7. SLO 3. Aesthetic communication (technical/graphical)

    Performance Objectives:

  8. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information and designs using oral, written, and graphic methods
  9. Students will present 2D/3D models built in the manufacturing software environment

  10. SLO 4. Learnership, Management and Teamwork

    Performance Objectives:

  11. Students will demonstrate the ability to function effectively on teams and collaborates on projects
  12. Students will exhibit management and leadership skills when function in a team environment

  13. SLO 5. Computer and Information Technology Systems

    Performance Objectives:

  14. Students will design and develop projects using current and emerging computer and information systems
  15. Students will create and design a relational database using collected data.

  16. SLO 6 - Professional Development Through Life-Long learning

    Performance Objectives:

  17. Students will present the ability to seek out potential solutions to technical problems for continuous improvement
  18. Students will evaluate and assess project outcomes for continuous improvement

  19. SLO 7. Ethical and Professional Behavior

    Performance Objectives:

  20. Students will exhibit ethical and professional behavior with respect for social responsibilities
  21. Students will promote an awareness of diversity and present a knowledge of professional, societal and global issues

  22. SLO 8. Critical and Creative Thinking

    Performance Objectives:

  23. Students will identify the underlying problems or issues in both theoretical and practical realms in projects
  24. Students will apply and develop alternative design solutions with consideration of multiple perspective and local solutions.

STATISTICS

Acquire core knowledge of mathematics and statistics required to provide background in an advanced topic in probability and/or statistics.

  1. Demonstrate understanding of core knowledge of statistics.
  2. Acquire necessary mathematical skills that are applicable to statistics.
  3. Apply appropriate statistical methodology to data analysis.
  4. Perform statistical analysis through the application of technology.
  5. Communicate probabilistic and/or statistical results effectively in verbal and written form.

MATHEMATICS/MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

Acquire core knowledge, reasoning and computational skills from lower level required mathematics and statistics courses.

  1. Display an awareness of the historical context of mathematical ideas.
  2. Acquire knowledge, reasoning and computational skills in advanced required mathematics courses.
  3. Be able to apply appropriate mathematical knowledge and skills towards solving problems that are beyond ordinary coursework.
  4. Be able to create mathematical arguments and proofs.
  5. Be able to communicate mathematical results in written form.
  6. Be able to communicate mathematical results in oral form.
  7. Demonstrate preparedness for future employment or education.

†The term "mathematics/education major" is used in this report to identify a mathematics major that is also pursuing Adolescent Young Adult teaching licensure in mathematics.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

SLO 1. DESIGN & INTERPRET SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate the ability to:

  • Apply use the scientific method in solving a biological question
  • Implement observational strategies to formulate a question
  • Generate a testable hypothesis, design and implement an experiment using appropriate controls and appropriate sample sizes
  • Determine the appropriate technique necessary to answer an experimental question
  • MB SLO 1 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 1

SLO 2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF CORE CONCEPTS & GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students graduating with B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate mastery in each of the following Core Concepts of Molecular Biology:

2.1 Evolution

2.2 Information Flow, Exchange and Storage

2.3 Structure and Function

2.4 Pathways and transformations of energy and matter

2.5 Systems

  • MB SLO 2 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 2

SLO 3. DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY IN COMMON LABORATORY TECHNIQUES RELATED TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory with respect to the following standard laboratory skills commonly encountered in scientific laboratories in the discipline, including:

  • Use of Compound light microscope
  • Micropipetting
  • Centrifugation
  • Standard Molecular techniques: PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, etc.
  • Maintenance of a Laboratory Notebook
  • MB SLO 3 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 3

SLO 4. SUMMARIZE AND CRITIQUE MOLECULAR SCIENTIFIC DATA IN BOTH WRITTEN AND ORAL FORMATS

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate the ability to communicate science in each of the following formats:

  • Research Paper
  • Primary Literature Summary and/or Critique
  • Oral Presentations
  • Formal Lab Report (Manuscript)
  • Poster Presentation
  • Pop Science Article
  • MB SLO 4 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 4

SLO 5. DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

SLO 6. DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO APPLY DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

PHYSICS

  1. Acquire a quantitative and qualitative knowledge of classical physics.
  2. Acquire a quantitative and qualitative knowledge of modern physics.
  3. Develop an understanding of the scientific experiment: Design experiments, acquire data, interpret data, and formulate scientific conclusions.
  4. Distinguish what is reasonably well established and interpret and discriminate what is still highly hypothetical.
  5. Demonstrate fluency in written and spoken communication of the results of physical investigations.

TECHNOLOGICAL STUDIES

  1. Technical knowledge
  2. Critical and Creative Thinking
  3. Process understanding
  4. Aesthetic Communication
  5. Leadership management and teamwork
  6. Computer and information technology systems
  7. Professional development through life-long learning
  8. Ethical and Professional Behavior<

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION (TECH COURSES ONLY)

Upon graduation, students majoring in technology education will have an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of manufacturing, construction, information technology, and systems as described in the following outcomes:

  1. SLO 1. Technical, Scientific & Quantitative Application

    Performance Objectives:

  2. Students will demonstrate skills learned using modern tools to analyze tested data.
  3. Students will utilize Technical, Scientific & Quantitative data in a networked environment.

  4. SLO 2. Process understanding

    Performance Objectives:

  5. Students will produce parts with applicable manufacturing processes.
  6. Students will analyze materials and system assemblies to improve processes

  7. SLO 3. Aesthetic communication (technical/graphical)

    Performance Objectives:

  8. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information and designs using oral, written, and graphic methods
  9. Students will present 2D/3D models built in the application software environment

  10. SLO 4. Learnership, Management and Teamwork

    Performance Objectives:

  11. Students will demonstrate the ability to function effectively on teams and collaborates on projects
  12. Students will exhibit management and leadership skills when function in a team environment

  13. SLO 5. Computer and Information Technology Systems

    Performance Objectives:

  14. Students will design and develop projects using current and emerging computer and information systems
  15. Students will create and design a relational database using collected data.

  16. SLO 6 - Professional Development Through Life-Long learning

    Performance Objectives:

  17. Students will present the ability to seek out potential solutions to technical problems for continuous improvement
  18. Students will evaluate and assess project outcomes for continuous improvement

  19. SLO 7. Ethical and Professional Behavior

    Performance Objectives:

  20. Students will exhibit ethical and professional behavior with respect for social responsibilities
  21. Students will promote an awareness of diversity and present a knowledge of professional, societal and global issues

  22. SLO 8. Critical and Creative Thinking

    Performance Objectives:

  23. Students will identify the underlying problems or issues in both theoretical and practical realms in projects
  24. Students will apply and develop alternative design solutions with consideration of multiple perspective and local solutions.