Assessment : 2011 - 2012 : Educational Programs :
Biology MA
2 Goals 2 Objectives 2 Indicators 2 Criteria 2 Findings 2 Actions
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GOAL: Develop Students' Professional Skills
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Objective
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Ability To Review, Critique And Analyze Literature In The Biological Sciences
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Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to read, comprehend, and summarize articles from scientific journals within their field of study
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Indicator
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Professional Aspects Course
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All students are required to complete a professional aspects course in which they: 1) Prepare a mock grant proposal based on their research prospectus; 2) Deliver oral presentations of results in a simulated conference setting; 3) Prepare and edit manuscripts for publication. Student assignments are reviewed by 3 - 5 faculty members including their director.
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Professional Aspects Course
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All graduate students will perform at a level deemed acceptable by the committee members.
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| Finding |
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No Student Activity - Prof Aspects
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The department had no MA students during this period.
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Actions for Objective:
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Increase Activity - Prof Aspects
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The department will begin evaluating options for increasing MA activity in Biology.
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GOAL: Develop Students' Scientific Skills And Knowledge
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Objective
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General Knowledge In Biological Sciences
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Students completing the master's degree will possess sufficient knowledge in the general biological sciences to teach freshmen and sophomore level courses.
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Indicator
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Mastery Of Knowledge - Oral Exam
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All graduate students will demonstrate mastery of graduate course content through an oral graduate comprehensive exam, administered by a faculty committee. The examination consists of questions in three areas of concentration, depending on the student's emphasis and research area. While questions are originally posed by the faculty member who taught the respective courses, all members of the committee or faculty who are present may probe the student's understanding of the material through further questions.
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Mastery Of Knowledge - Oral Exam
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Each student is required to pass all three areas addressed in the examination as determined by a consensus of the entire committee. In the event that a student does not pass a portion(s) of the oral exam, the committee may choose to offer the student a written examination. The student MUST pass the written exam to continue in the program.
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| Finding |
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No Student Activity - Oral Exams
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The biology department had no MA students during this period.
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Actions for Objective:
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Increase Activity - Oral Exams
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The department will begin evaluating options for increasing MA activity in Biology.
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No data were available to address the above objectives because no students existed in the MA program during this period.
The Department is revitalizing this program, which is address in the 2012-13 assessment period.
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