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.