Biological Engineering Department Graduate Program Assessment Synopsis

Full Details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for the Biological Engineering - MS programs of study can be found here


Full Details of the learning objectives, assessment plan, student outcomes, and evidence of continuous improvement for the Biological Engineering - PhD programs of study can be found here

Learning Objectives Indicators Assessment Plan/ Process Outcomes Data Data-based decisions
Students will be capable of analyzing a problem, identifying critical aspects and devise appropriate methods to help solve the problem. Students demonstrate the ability to perform significant original research. Advisory committee is surveyed after thesis or dissertation defense. Student must meet or exceed expectations of the advisory committee. Implementation started Fall 2016 Based on results from surveys decisions will be made on whether changes are needed.
Graduates can function effectively in their field after completion of the Biological Engineering degree program. Students demonstrate knowledge of key principles within their area of expertise. Coursework is thoroughly graded and GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or greater is needed. 100% of students met this requirement. Continue providing academic assistance to students requiring the help
Students effectively communicate both orally and through written documents. Student writes a strong dissertation/thesis that confirms their mastery of the field.

Students required to publish peer reviewed journal articles.
Advisory committee is surveyed after thesis or dissertation defense. Student must meet or exceed expectations of the advisory committee.

Students required to submit 1 (MS) or 2 (PhD) author/co-author refereed journal manuscript.
100% of students met this requirement. Based on results from surveys decisions will be made on whether changes are needed.

Continue this requirement for the Biological Engineering MS and PhD degrees
Graduates will be successful in engineering careers after graduation. Successful post-graduate employment in a relevant engineering field Students are surveyed after graduation. >90% employment in a relevant engineering field required. 100% of students met this requirement. Based on results from surveys decisions will be made on whether changes are needed.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be capable of analyzing a problem, identifying critical aspects and devise appropriate methods to help solve the problem.
  • Graduates can function effectively in their field after completion of the Biological Engineering degree program.
  • Students effectively communicate both orally and through written documents.
  • Graduates will be successful in engineering careers after graduation.

Assessment Plan / Process

Indicators

  • Students demonstrate the ability to perform significant original research.
  • Students demonstrate knowledge of key principles within their area of expertise.
  • Student writes a strong dissertation/thesis that confirms their mastery of the field.
    Students required to publish peer reviewed journal articles
  • Successful post-graduate employment in a relevant engineering field

Program Outcomes

  • 100% of students met the NWCCU Graduate students Learning objectives second requirement.
  • 100% of students met the third requirement.
  • Tracking for the fourth learning objective 

Continuous Improvement

Year Description Support Follow-up Implemented
2022 Graduate student mentoring IAB committee suggests monthly contact/meetings with graduate students, identify students with greater support needs, track student progress, frequent communication of deadlines, documents, and SGS communications. Faculty to implement regular meetings, new GPC to facilitate better tracking and communication. 2022
2023 Lab organization and SOPs IAB recommend standard SOPs. Department has put key equipment in shared lab for faculty/student access.  Safety committee has updated procedures and equipment. 2024
2024 IDEA course evaluations Continual low scores for certain courses in IDEA surveys.  Review and revise course materials and goals. ongoing
2024 Create PhD only core requirements  Current graduate program has one set of core requirements. Department needs to differentiate MS from PhD in curriculum and rigor. Creating 2 new PhD only courses to be offered in upcoming academic year. New course offered SP2024 as special topics while R401 is approved - Secret Life of Biofilms.
        New course in planning to be offered Fall 2025.
2024 Biotechnology & Biomanufacturing national initiative Using NSF ExLENT grant to establish an Intermountain West Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing Training and Education Partnership.   ongoing

 

Data-based decisions for program continual improvement. Data taken from surveys decisions will be made on whether changes are needed.