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Division Goals
Departmental Learning Outcomes and Assessment Methodology
Biochemistry | Chemistry | Biology
Biochemistry majors
Once they conclude their studies, Biochemistry majors will satisfy the following learning outcomes:
1. Explain the fundamental principles of Biochemistry.
2. Demonstrate technological competency and information literacy in Biochemistry.
3. Demonstrate oral presentation and scientific writing skills in Biochemistry.
4. Use problem solving, critical analysis, and critical reasoning skills in Biochemistry.
These will be assessed in the following manner:
1. A comprehensive exam administered at the conclusion of all chemistry lecture classes for the major.
2. Final laboratory exams administered in General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II; laboratory reports are assigned in General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II.
3. Literature review papers and oral presentations assigned in Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II; laboratory reports assigned in Biochemistry Lab (an ACS-style final report of an inquiry-based lab.)
4. A major field diagnostic test in Chemistry administered to all senior Biochemistry majors.
Chemistry majors
Once they conclude their studies, Chemistry majors will satisfy the following learning outcomes:
1. Explain of the fundamental principles of Chemistry.
2. Demonstrate technological competency and information literacy in Chemistry.
3. Demonstrate oral presentation and scientific writing skills in Chemistry.
4. Use problem solving, critical analysis, and critical reasoning skills in Chemistry.
These will be assessed in the following manner:
1. A comprehensive exam administered at the conclusion of all chemistry lecture classes for the major.
2. Final laboratory exams administered in General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II; laboratory reports are assigned in General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II.
3. Literature review papers assigned in upper-level chemistry courses.
4. A major field diagnostic test in Chemistry administered to all senior Chemistry majors.
Biology majors
Once they conclude their studies, Biology majors will satisfy the following learning outcomes:
1. Explain of the fundamental principles of Biology.
2. Demonstrate technological competency and information literacy in Biology.
3. Demonstrate oral presentation and scientific writing skills in Biology.
4. Use problem solving, critical analysis, and critical reasoning skills in Biology.
These will be assessed in the following manner:
1. A non-standardized cumulative final exam administered in General Biology I and II.
2. Multiple formative and summative assessments including examinations, projects, presentations, reports of independent investigations, journal clubs, and laboratory examinations.
3. A senior monograph (literature review) required of Biology Colloquium, the senior capstone course. The senior monograph is also delivered orally as a formal scientific presentation to all senior majors and faculty members in the Division of Natural Sciences.
4. A standardized exam, the ETS Major Field Achievement Test in Biology administered in Biology Colloquium.