Zoology
Results of Assessment
2003-2004 (submitted 10/18/04)
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 Ron Meyers (continuing), Robert Okazaki (continuing).
II. Student profile
During the 2003-2004
academic year, the Department of Zoology provided a total of 10,147 student
contract hours (SCHs) and graduated 55 students.
III. Assessment Data
A. Direct Measures
1. Grade point averages.
N: 55 graduates Median: 3.39 Mean: 3.38
2. Performance on standardized exams
Medical College Admissions Test (covers verbal reasoning, biological
sciences, and physical sciences; maximum score is 45)
N: 48 applicants
Median: 27.0
Mean: 27.4
3. Laboratory exercises
Eight courses
offered in 2003-2004 required written laboratory reports that summarize
student laboratory exercises. These are written in the style of a
scientific paper, complete with introduction, materials and methods,
data analysis and presentation, discussion, and bibliography of primary
literature. In upper division courses, a typical report is six to ten
pages in length and is submitted as a draft, which is revised based on
instructor comments. During the 2003-2004 academic year, 742 students
submitted a total of 922 reports.
4. Theses, capstone projects, and undergraduate research participation
• Three zoology graduates completed a senior thesis summarizing an
independent, original research project. The requirements include a written thesis and
public thesis defense.
• Seven Bachelor of Integrated Studies graduates completed a BIS thesis with a
Zoology emphasis.
• Fifty-three students were involved in undergraduate research, including 11 who
worked at off-campus facilities
5. Time to graduation
N: 55 graduates
Median: 6.00 yrs Mean: 6.11
yrs
B. Indirect Measures
1. Internships/Job placement
N: 55 graduates (note: this includes this measure and number 3. below)
• Two are looking for work in zoology-related fields.
• Three are employed in zoology-related fields.
• One will continue service with the U.S. Air Force
2. Graduate and professional school acceptance
N: 55 (note: this includes this measure and number 2. above)
• Twelve of the graduates are currently engaged in post-graduate education:
- Five in medical school
- Two in dental school
- Three in graduate school
- One in optometry school
- One in veterinary school
• Twenty-five 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, 2003-2004 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 2002-2003, SCHs decreased by
5%, yet the number of graduates increased by 22%.
• Sixteen graduates have fulfilled their education objectives and are
currently employed or pursuing post-graduate education. The remaining 32
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 2004-2005 Assessment Effort
Assessment for the present academic year will include the same
measures presented this year. 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: 21
| 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 |
4.7 |
|
2. After completing my degree, my knowledge of evolution is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.4 |
| 3.
After completing my degree, my knowledge of genetics is: |
The same Somewhat better Much better
1 2 3 4 5 |
4.2 |
|
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 |
4.7 |
|
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 |
4.7 |
|
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 |
4.6 |
| 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 |
4.0 |
| 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 |
4.6 |
| 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 |
4.5 |
Mission
Statement / Student
Learning Outcomes / Curriculum Grid
/ Assessment Plan / Contact Person
|
