Program Learning Objectives

Bachelors (BA and BS)

Program Learning Objective #1
- Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments to address a scientific question.
Program Learning Objective #2
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the relevant content in their concentration.
Program Learning Objective #3
- Students will demonstrate laboratory or field skills relevant to their concentration.
Program Learning Objective #4
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in scientific writing skills by effectively writing an advanced scientific paper.
Program Learning Objective #5
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in oral presentation skills by effectively presenting scientific research.

Program Learning Objective #1
- Students will develop effective written communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written exam.
Program Learning Objective #2
- Students will develop effective oral communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam.
Program Learning Objective #3
- Students will demonstrate the ability to independently answer questions regarding their specific field of study, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam.
Program Learning Objective #4
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop, present, defend and critically analyze hypotheses and conclusions using information gained through searches of primary literature, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral exam.

Program Learning Objective #1
- Students will develop effective written communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written thesis or project.
Program Learning Objective #2
- Students will develop effective oral communication skills, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral presentation.
Program Learning Objective #3
- Students will demonstrate the ability to independently answer questions regarding their specific field of research, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by an oral presentation.
Program Learning Objective #4
- Students will demonstrate the ability to develop, present, and defend a research plan using information gained through preliminary experiments as well as critical analysis of primary literature, as assessed by a research proposal at baseline, followed by a written thesis or project.

University Learning Goals (ULGs)	Bachelors PLOs	Masters PLOs
Specialized Knowledge	PLO #2	PLO #3
Broad Integrated Knowledge	PLO #1	PLO #3 and PLO #4
Intellectual Skills	PLO #3, PLO #4, and PLO #5	PLO #1, PLO #2, and PLO #4
Applied Knowledge	PLO #1	PLO #4
Social and Global Responsibilities		PLO #3

Biology PLO	Course	When Assessed	ULG
1	Bio 155, 156	AY 20-21	1, 2, 3, 4
2	Bio 124, 135B, 160; Micr 141	AY 15-16	1, 4
3	Bio 125, 135L; Bot 165; Micr 141L	AY 16-17	1, 3, 4
4	Bio 100W	AY 18-19	1, 3, 4
5	Bio 155, 156	AY 19-20	1, 2, 3, 4

A indicates “assessment,” I indicates “implementation,” and R indicates “reassessment.”

Biology Masters PLO	Courses	When Assessed	ULG
1	Bio 202, 284, 299	AY 14-15	3
2	Bio 202, 284, 299	AY 14-15	3
3	Bio 202, 284, 299	AY 15-16	1, 2
4	Bio 202, 284, 299	AY 16-17	2, 3, 4

PLO	2019-20	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
PLO 1			R	I
PLO 2	I			R
PLO 3	R	I
PLO 4		A	I

A indicates “assessment,” I indicates “implementation,” and R indicates “reassessment.”