The Biology Graduate Program Goals and Graduate Student Learning Outcomes:
At the completion of the Masters of Science degree in the Department of Biology, a graduate will have acquired:
A
broad background in general areas of biology, as well as a more specific understanding
of selected topics pertaining to their research interests.
The skills to conduct original scientific research.
Graduate students will gain specific skills and knowledge in the following areas:
| Learning Outcomes | Assessment |
| Demonstrate knowledge in areas of biology relevant to selected research interests. | Students complete written examinations, research projects, and lab practica. |
| Identify research questions on a contemporary issue in biology, critically analyze the relevant literature, and prepare a comprehensive written review. | Preparation of a thesis research proposal, and approval of the proposal by the Thesis Committee. |
| Develop specific hypotheses pertaining to a research problem. | Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis. |
| Devise and conduct experiments to test hypotheses. | Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis. |
| Statistically analyze and interpret research data. | Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis. |
| Discuss, both orally and in writing, the relevance of their research data to the original hypotheses and to the general field of interest. | Preparation and oral defense of a written thesis. |
Return to the Biology Dept. Home Page