Student Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the biology undergraduate program 

General student learning outcomes for all biology majors

  • Students will be able to describe living systems, including their nature, organization and evolution
  • Students will be able to apply methods of scientific inquiry in biology
  • Students will be able to describe how human activities affect the living world and the physical environment 
  • Students will be able to describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms
  • Students will be able to explain the historical context of biological discoveries
  • Students will be able to evaluate information by discriminating between science and non-science
  • Students will be able to evaluate and interpret quantitative data using the scientific method
  • Students will be able to practice safety and proper techniques in the laboratory
  • Students will be able to write accurately and clearly about biology topics
  • Students will be able to explain why science is an integral activity for addressing social and environmental problems 

Additional outcome for the comprehensive major in environmental biology and evolution 

  • Students will be able to explain how resource limitation influences populations

Additional outcomes for the comprehensive major in microbiology and biotechnology 

  • Students will be able to explain the flow of genetic information
  • Students will be able to perform dimensional analyses (dilutions etc.)

Additional outcomes for the comprehensive majors in wildlife biology and wildlife conservation and management 

  • Students will be able to explain how organisms are interdependent
  • Students will be able to describe the diversity of life