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Assessment : 2011 - 2012 : Educational Programs :
Biology BA

3 Goals    3 Objectives    4 Indicators    4 Criteria    4 Findings    3 Actions


GOAL: Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Skill Sets

Objective  
Science And The Scientific Method
Students should have a general understanding of the nature of scientific knowledge and be able to apply the scientific method.

Indicator  
MFT Analysis For BIO Majors  
All graduating seniors are required to take the nationally standardized ETS Biology Major Field Test (MFT). Sections of the Biology MFT that correlate with an understanding of the scientific method and those that relate to understanding of the general nature of science are identified as programmatic assessments in these areas. We were not able to replace the MFT this year as we had hoped.  Hopefully, we will be able to motivate more students to take it.
Criterion  
MFT Analysis  
All students are expected to score 50% or higher on the analytical skills indicators correlated with our foundational areas.
Finding  
Assessment MFAT  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test.
Indicator  
CAT For Non-science Majors  
CAT is a standardized exam for critical thinking. Student performance on this exam should increase following the completion of a non-science major course (BIO 134, 137, and 146). The department, in conjunction with the University QEP, is establishing protocol for the administration of this standardized test and collecting baseline data in select freshman courses.
Criterion  
CAT For Non-science Majors  
The CAT exam will be piloted in several sections of non-science major biology courses. Baseline data will be collected to establish a foundation for full implementation in subsequent years.  90% of students will score higher on the post-test than on the pre-test. We are eager to see if critical thinking skills improve this year.
Finding  
Assessment  
Biology did not conduct the CAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test.
Actions for Objective:

Action  
New Assessment Sci Method  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT or CAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test. Biology is currently in the processes of developing new assessment tools. These will be run this year 2013.


GOAL: Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Knowledge

Objective  
Working Understanding Of Core Theories In Biology
Students should have a working understanding of core theories such as cell theory, the central dogma, and evolution.

Indicator  
MFT Sections Related To Core Theories  
Sections of the nationally standardized MFT exam related to the three core theories, cell biology, molecular biology, and population biology and evolution are identified as programmatic assessment of the biological core courses. We had hoped to replace the MFT with another test; however, a new test was not yet available to the department.
Criterion  
MFT Core Theory  
All graduating BIO majors will score at least the national average in all three core areas assessed by the MFT.
Finding  
Assessment MFAT Core Theory  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test.
Actions for Objective:

Action  
New Assessment Core Theory  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT or CAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test. Biology is currently in the processes of developing new assessment tools. These will be run this year 2013.


GOAL: Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Core Field Knowledge

Objective  
General Understanding Of Core Fields
Students should demonstrate familiarity with the following fields:
1) Botany- including plant morphology, taxonomy, genetics, physiology, and ecology
2)Zoology- including anatomy, behavior, physiology, ecology, and the systematic arrangement of the major animal taxonomy.
3) Cell biology- including macromolecules, metabolism, structure, and genetics.

Indicator  
MFT Secitons Related To Core Fields  
Sections of the nationally standardized MFT exam related to the three core fields of botany, zoology, and cell biology are identified as assessments of knowledge in the core fields.  Once again, we have to rely on the MFT.
Criterion  
MFT Sections Related To Core Fields  
All graduating BIO majors will score at least the national average in all three core fields assessed by the MFT.
Finding  
Assessment Core Fields  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test.
Actions for Objective:

Action  
New Assessment Core Fields  
Biology did not conduct the MFAT or CAT this year because lack of departmental funding prohibited purchasing this test. Biology is currently in the processes of developing new assessment tools. These will be run this year 2013.



Closing the Loop

Biology was unable to address the objectives stated in this program because funding prevented the administration of costly exit exams.
Currently, the biology assessment committee is in the process of devising a new assessment tool, using an exam designed in house.
This is addressed in the 2012-13 goals and objectives.


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Sam Houston State University
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