Learning Goals
The Biology Department has defined the learning goals for Biology majors
to include both the acquisition of facts and concepts (met by the present
course requirements) and the acquisition of skills and perspectives. These
learning goals should not only prepare our students for a variety of career
paths, but also provide them with the tools to be life-long learners in
the rapidly evolving world of biological sciences. Below is an outline
of the skills and perspectives we believe are desirable for students graduating
with a degree in Biology.
I. Skills
A. Ability to observe and describe nature accurately
B. Ability to construct logical arguments in biology
i. Generate and state testable hypotheses
ii. Develop and elaborate models
C. Ability to critique logical arguments in biology
i. Design experiments to test hypotheses
ii. Recognize possible outcomes & assess the probability
of occurrences
iii. Collect, organize, and analyze relevant data
iv. Draw conclusions and evaluate their relative
quality
D. Ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively both
orally and in writing
E. Ability to work effectively in a team
F. Ability to apply problem-solving to learning
i. Develop strategies for identifying deficits in knowledge
ii. Acquire information gathering and study skills
iii. Self-assess progress in learning
G. Ability to apply quantitative reasoning to biological questions
i. Construct and interpret graphs and plots
ii. Analyze data using statistical methods
II. Perspectives
A. Appreciation that learning changes "how one thinks"
as well as "what one knows"
B. Appreciation for self-motivated, curiosity-driven learning
C. Ability to approach novel problems with flexibility, creativity,
and confidence
D. Appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge
E. Appreciation that the pursuit of science can be exciting
and fulfilling
F. Confidence in oneself as a College-Trained Biologist
G. Appreciation for the diversity of living things and the diversity
of approaches used to study them
H. Appreciation for the impact of biological science on the
environment and society
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