Biology 49X Goals and Learning Outcomes

Overview:

A major in biology requires that a student take one of the 49X series, an independent study (490) or an approved internship (450). A minimum of two credits are required.

It is understood that each of the 49X courses will be subject-matter specific according to the instructor’s specialty and that flexibility in the manner in which the course is taught (e.g. the amount of classroom/discussion and laboratory study) may vary among instructors. Nevertheless, each 49X will be taught in such a way that the following goals and learning objectives are included. These categories are derived from our mission, goals and objective statement found in the department’s assessment plan.

Systematic Inquiry

Each 49X will include opportunities for students to:

• Use the methods of science: pose questions, develop hypotheses, design experiments, and evaluate assumptions
• Assess the merits of data sets
• Use scientific reasoning/problem solving to answer questions

Investigative Techniques/Skills

It is expected that senior majors will be familiar with the standard techniques of biological investigation and, through the prerequisite for a 49X, the techniques and investigative skill sets specific to the subject of the 49X course. Students will be expected either to use the skills in the lab during the 49X course or they will understand them when they are encountered while reading and critiquing scientific research wherein these skills are used.

The skills fall into these broad categories of study:

• Standard biological instrument skills
• Molecular biology
• Cell biology
• Physiology and organismal biology
• Field study
• Analytical methods
• Anatomical study

Mastery Content Areas.

Each 49X will naturally include considerable content and understanding of its particular subject area:

• Biochemistry/Cell energetics
• Cell Structure/Function
• Molecular biology/Molecular genetics
• Diversity of organisms
• Animal structure and function and development
• Plant structure and function
• Population genetics and evolution
• Ecology

Intellectual Outcomes

Each 49X would include in an appropriate fashion the first three of these outcomes. Quantitative skills may be used more or less depending on the nature of the subject area.

• Inquiry methods and critical thinking about science
• Effective oral communication
• Effective written communication
• Quantitative skills