Review Assessment Report
Part 1: Contact & Program Identification
| Report Year and Contact Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Modified By | Date Modified |
| 2022-2023 | [email protected] | 2023-10-17T16:52:14.441Z |
| School | Name of Program | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| MSE | Biotechnology AS Degree | BIOL 2110,BIOL 2110L,BIOL 2410,BIOL 2410L,BIOL 2710,BIOL 2715,BIOL 2720,CHEM 1215,CHEM 1215L,CHEM 1225,CHEM 1225L,ENGL 1120,MATH 1220,MATH 1440 |
Part 2: Program Summary
| Provide a high level review of the program to include highlights, successes, challenges, significant changes, and significant resources needed to support the program |
|---|
The Biotechnology program completed its third cohort in the Montoya lab with 18 students completing the program in August of 2023. A new cohort began in August of 2023 with 18 students. Plans are underway to continue to enhance student outreach and recruiting and internship opportunities. Jessie Smith, MS, stepped down as director of the program in August and was replaced by Megan Hancock, MS. Dr. Heather Simpson, another CNM faculty member, will shadow Megan for the year so that two instructors can handle this program. |
Part 3: Data Review
| 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 | 2022-2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual number of graduate awards is greater than 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 |
| Number of declared majors | 53 | 57 | 51 |
| Average Class Size | 20.6 | 18.8 | 19.9 |
| Annual Average Class withdrawal rate is 30% or below (SAGE 35%) | 19% | 17% | 19% |
| Annual C-Pass rate for coursework is 60% or above | 64% | 65% | 65% |
| Average class fill rate at 60% or above capacity within a term or over a year | 81% | 70% | 75% |
| Graduate Transfer to 4-year Schools | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Full-time Faculty Coverage by Section | 44% | 49% | 25% |
| Summarize how your program met or did not meet the target measures based on the data above |
|---|
Biotechnology's fill rate is at 75%, above the 60% fill rate target. The percentage did decrease during 21-22, but increased in 22-23 as 18 students completed the program the following year.
The retention rate for Biotech is substantially higher than target (81% versus 70%)
The C pass rate listed for Biotechnology is incorrect (again, for the fourth year). The vast majority of students receive either A's or B's in the three classes, so the data presented is incorrect. The pass rate for the coursework is closer to 98%.
Biotechnology had 10 graduates for the 22-23 cohort, meeting the program goal.
|
Part 4: Program Learning Outcome Analysis
| Learning Outcome | Population or Course(s) Assessed | Description | Summary of Assessment Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6. Computer Skills: Demonstrate command of basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, as well as, basic bioinformatics skills used to perform literature searches, and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins. | BIOL 2710 and BIOL 2720 |
| Computer skills were assessed during Spring and Fall terms 2023 (BIOT 2715 and 2710, respectively). Completion of on-line assignments, where students use bioinformatics databases and previously-learned information, were used to assess skills objectively. In Homeworks 3, 4, 5, and 6: students used bioinformatics databases like Genbank, Nucleotide, Entrez Nucleotide, BLAST, and software program called Primer3. For these homework assignments, 89-100% of students demonstrated proficiency using assessed on-line databases and tools.
Subjective measures included instructor observation of student during in-class discussions of assignments and the willingness of students to ask questions if they needed help. |
| 2. Quality Control: Demonstrate the ability to follow standard operating procedures, keep accurate records, and perform equipment validation and maintenance. | BIOL 2720, and BIOL 2715. |
| Quality control was assessed during Spring and Summer terms 2023 (BIOT 2715 and 2720, respectively). Completion of a lab notebook, questions about SOPs embedded in unit exams, and completion of a final lab practical were used to assess quality control objectively.
For spring and summer, 94-100% of students achieved a passing score on the final lab practical, and 87-100% of students receiving a passing score on two lab notebook checks in each semester.
|
| 5. Proteins: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic properties of proteins, as well as, techniques used to isolate, purify, and analyze these molecules. | BIOL 2720 |
| Protein skills were assessed during the Summer 23 term (BIOT 2720). Embedded exam questions and a hands-on lab practical were used to assess these skills. Objectively, 94 to 100% of students scored 75% or better on assessed items. |
| Interpretation of Assessment findings |
|---|
Students are meeting established goals for the skills assessed (Proteins, Quality Control, and Computer skills) |
Part 5: Additional Action Plan in Support of Student Learning (If Appropriate)
| Upcoming Year | Changes Planned for the upcoming year | Data Motivating this change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | ||
| 2022-2023 | ||
| 2022-2023 | Two new faculty members were brought on to take over the program for 2023-2024. These two faculty members will gain institutional knowledge of this program and mastery over all biotechnology lab techniques. All aspects of the biotech program over three semesters will be reevaluated and plans will be made to make changes accordingly to stay current in the field. | The previous director of the biotech program left and new leadership was needed. An additional faculty member will also be trained and the two faculty members will alternate leading cohorts and make changes to the program collaboratively. Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field and the program must evolve also to stay current and assess students on current lab techniques. |