Zoology
Results of Assessment
2002-2003 (submitted 10/31/03)
I. Department of Zoology Assessment Committee
The committee is charged with overseeing the assessment efforts for the
Department of Zoology. Members serve a two-year term, with two continuing and
two new members each year. All faculty participate. The current assessment
committee consists of Jon Clark (continuing), Ron Meyers (new), John Mull
(continuing), Robert Okazaki (new).
II. Student profile
During the 2002-2003 academic year, the Department of Zoology provided a
total of 10,750 student contact hours (SCHs) and graduated 45 students.
III. Assessment Data
A. Direct Measures
1. Grade point averages.
N: 45 Median: 3.49 Mean (ąS.D.): 3.37 + 0.43
2. Performance on standardized exams
Medical College Admissions Test (covers verbal reasoning, biological
sciences, and physical sciences; maximum score is 45)
N: ** Median: ** Mean (ąS.D.): **
(We are still waiting on these data, but should have them before
the end of the fall semester.)
3. Laboratory exercises
(This measure was assessed in 2001-2002 and will be assessed again
in the 2003-2004 academic year.)
4. Theses, capstone projects, and undergraduate research participation
One zoology graduate completed a senior thesis summarizing an
independent, original research project. The requirements include a written thesis and
public thesis defense.
Five Bachelor of Integrated Studies graduates completed a BIS thesis with a
Zoology emphasis.
Twenty students were involved in undergraduate research, including five who
worked at off-campus facilities
5. Time to graduation
(This measure was assessed in 2001-2002 and will be assessed again in the
2003-2004 academic year.)
B. Indirect Measures
1. Internships/Job placement
N: 45 (note: this includes this measure and number 3. below)
Four graduates are employed in zoology-related fields.
Eight are looking for work in zoology-related fields.
2. Graduate and professional school acceptance
N: 45 (note: this includes this measure and number 2. above)
Twelve of the graduates are currently engaged in post-graduate education:
- six in medical school
- two in dental school
- one in graduate school
- one in veterinary medical school
- one in optometry school
- one in physical therapy school
Sixteen are preparing for application to professional schools and five are
preparing for application to graduate schools.
3.Exit interview
See "Department of Zoology Assessment Questionnaire, 2002-2003 Results"
below.
IV. Interpretation
From results of previous assessment and program reviews, the strength of the
Department of Zoology is perceived to be its commitment to quality undergraduate
advising and instruction. Both of these strengths are reflected in the results
of assessment summarized here.
Zoology continues to be a popular major, with increasing numbers of
majors and graduates from year to year. Compared to 2001-2002, SCHs increased
by 10% and the number of graduates by 62%.
Sixteen graduates have fulfilled their education objectives and are
currently employed or pursuing post-graduate education. The remaining 29
students are currently seeking employment in zoology-related fields or
applying to graduate or professional school.
Pre-professional training (medical/dental/veterinary) represents the most
popular focus of zoology majors.
The Department of Zoology has made a strong commitment to developing the
writing, critical thinking, and quantitative skills of its majors. This is
demonstrated by the tremendous effort made by faculty in requiring and
evaluating laboratory reports in which students summarize their own
experimental observations.
V. Prospects for the 2003-2004 Assessment Effort
Assessment for the present academic year will include the same
measures presented this year as well as data on laboratory exercises (direct
measure 3 above). At this time, we do not plan to add any new direct or indirect
measures to our future assessments.
Department of Zoology
Assessment Questionnaire
2002-2003 Results
Number of respondents: 12
| Question |
Rating |
Mean |
| 1. After completing my degree, my knowledge of the scientific method is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.8 |
|
2. After completing my degree, my knowledge of evolution is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.5 |
| 3.
After completing my degree, my knowledge of genetics is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.5 |
|
4. After completing my degree, my knowledge of the structure and function of
animals is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.5 |
|
5. After completing my degree, my knowledge of the organization of life,
from molecules to ecosystems is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.3 |
|
6. After completing my degree, my knowledge of ecology and the effect of humans
on the biosphere is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.4 |
| 7. My education in zoology has provided me with an awareness of career
opportunities available in zoology. |
Strongly disagree
Neutral Strongly agree
1 2 3 4 5 |
3.6 |
| 8. My education in zoology has prepared me for employment or for graduate or
professional school. |
Strongly disagree
Neutral Strongly agree
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.7 |
| 9. My education in zoology has provided me with an understanding of how
scientific ideas are communicated. |
Strongly disagree
Neutral Strongly agree
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.6 |
| 10. My education in zoology has enhanced my oral and written communication
skills. |
Strongly disagree
Neutral Strongly agree
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.3 |
| 11. My education in zoology has enhanced my critical thinking abilities. |
Strongly disagree
Neutral Strongly agree
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.7 |
Mission
Statement / Student
Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid
/ Assessment Plan / Contact Person
|
