Review Assessment Report

The outcomes assessed for 2020-2021 were as follows: 3) be able to generate and interpret a variety of graphs and/or data sets, 6) apply the scientific method to formulate questions, analyze information/data, and draw conclusions, and 7) properly operate laboratory equipment to collect relevant and quality data. These outcomes were assessed in BIOL 2110L, cell and molecular biology lab. Fall 2020 was the first semester this class was offered entirely online. The lab manual was adapted for entirely online experience. Due to the nature of the online lab and the availability of supplies, students did not have a research project or write a final report for both semesters. Instead, we assessed these outcomes through common final exam questions, written from the lab units that focused on these outcomes. Overall, students were successful in applying the scientific method, though they were less successful in properly operating lab equipment, which could be due to using online simulations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The program data shows all targets were met and exceeded for the Biology AS degree. Though the average class fill rate is well above 60%, there has been a drop in class size and fill rate between the 19-20 and 20-21 review years. This could be due to the pandemic and overall changes in enrollment for the 20-21 academic year, as well as changes in co- and pre-requisite requirements or changes to transfer policies. All courses were offered online and the class capacity was smaller than in face to face classes. The average course retention rate and C-Pass rate remain relatively consistent over the past three review years. We saw a small uptick in number of graduate awards from the previous year.

For Learning Outcome 6, students performed at expected levels. The students were able to correctly apply the scientific method on the common exam question. Over both semesters, 76% of students were able to correctly identify the hypothesis, independent variable, and experimental set up. Students did not perform at the same levels for Learning Outcome 3 or 9 as previous review years. Over both semesters, 62% of students were able to demonstrate the ability to operate lab equipment on the common final exam question and 56% were able to interpret a graph and data set. Both the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters were taught entirely online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Students were provided with virtual lab equipment, but did not have access to lab equipment in a face to face setting. The lack of access and entirely virtual equipment may have contributed to this drop from previous semesters, as students had to navigate online versions of a lab, rather than physical labs and equipment.

Students will be conducting a semester long project and writing a final lab report in the upcoming year. We will be offering both face-to-face labs and online labs. Students in an online lab will perform the experiments at home.

Students were not as strong in operating lab equipment due to relying on virtual lab equipment. The semester project will allow students to design their own experiment and run and operate the lab equipment. In addition they will be working and collaborating with a partner.

Students will be conducting a semester long project and writing a final lab report in the upcoming year. This will provide experience with generating and interpreting graphs. In addition, multiple lab units have been updated to include graph generation from data sets for additional practice.

Though we are no longer measure Learning Outcome 3 in the upcoming year, the drop in success on this Learning Outcome from the previous review year motivated adaptations of lab units to include graph generating and interpretation.