Graduate student learning outcomes

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M.S. graduates from the Biochemistry program will have demonstrated:

1. Understanding of the key principles of biochemistry at an advanced level.
2. Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of the discipline.
3. An in-depth understanding of the area of biochemistry chosen for research emphasis.
4. Ability to design and carry out experiments (safely) and to interpret experimental data.
5. Production of significant original research.
6. Ability to assess primary papers critically.
7. Ability to collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds.
8. Ability to present their work through written, oral, and visual presentations.
9. Awareness of ethical issues in biochemical research and careers.

Alignment matrix

M.S. program student learning outcomes	Courses	Research and other experience	Preliminary exam	Thesis
Understanding of the key principles of biochemistry at an advanced level	A	X	n/a	X
Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of the discipline	X	X	n/a
An in-depth understanding of the area of biochemistry chosen for research emphasis		X	n/a	X
Ability to design and carry out experimants (safely) and to interpret experimental data		X	n/a
Production of significant original research		X	n/a	X
Ability to assess primary papers critically		X	n/a	X
Ability to collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds	X	X	n/a
Ability to present their work through written, oral, and visual presentations	A	X	n/a	X
Awareness of ethical issues in biochemical research and careers	X	X	n/a
University-wide graduate student learning outcomes
Knowledge	X	X	n/a	X
Skills		X	n/a	X
Attitude and professional conduct		X	n/a	X

Summary of program assessment since 2004

Two of the SLOs were used in the previous assessment of the program: #1 and #8. A direct measure of #1 SLO was the result of six examinations given throughout the Biochemistry 1 and 2 courses. An indirect measure of #1 SLO has been a successful thesis defense. For #8 SLO, a direct measure was the outcome of the audience surveys from the Biochemistry seminar course, in which graduate students present literature data. Indirect measures of #8 SLO were: a writing assignment in Biochemistry 1 course, an ability to publish the students results in a peer-reviewed journal, and a successful thesis defense.

Ph.D. graduates from the Biochemistry program will have demonstrated:

1. Understanding of the key principles of biochemistry at an advanced level.
2. Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of the discipline.
3. An in-depth understanding of the area of biochemistry chosen for research emphasis.
4. Ability to design and carry out experiments (safely) and to interpret experimental data.
5. Production of significant original research.
6. Ability to assess primary papers critically.
7. Ability to collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds.
8. Ability to present and defend their work through written, oral, and visual presentations, including an original research proposal.
9. Awareness of ethical issues in biochemical research and careers.

Alignment matrix

Ph.D. program student learning outcomes	Courses	Research and other experience	Preliminary exam	Thesis
Understanding of the key principles of biochemistry at an advanced level	A	X	X	X
Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of the discipline	X	X	X
An in-depth understanding of the area of biochemistry chosen for research emphasis		X		X
Ability to design and carry out experimants (safely) and to interpret experimental data		X
Production of significant original research		X		X
Ability to assess primary papers critically		X	X	X
Ability to collaborate with other scientists, including people of diverse backgrounds	X	X
Ability to present and defend their work through written, oral, and visual presentations, including an original research proposal	A	X	X	X
Awareness of ethical issues in biochemical research and careers	X	X
University-wide graduate student learning outcomes
Knowledge	X	X	X	X
Skills		X	X	X
Attitude and professional conduct		X		X

Summary of program assessment since 2004

Two of the SLOs were used in the previous assessment of the program: #1 and #8. A direct measure of #1 SLO was the result of six examinations given throughout the Biochemistry 1 and 2 courses. An indirect measure of #1 SLO has been a successful thesis defense. For #8 SLO, a direct measure was the outcome of the audience surveys from the Biochemistry seminar course, in which graduate students present literature data. Indirect measures of #8 SLO were: a writing assignment in Biochemistry 1 course, an ability to publish the students results in a peer-reviewed journal, and a successful thesis defense.