BIOLOGY

The Department of Biology of the School of Health, Life Sciences and Education has developed seven (7) Specific Learning Objectives (SLOs) to assess 4 major programs (Biology, Field and Environmental Biology, Forensic Biology and Molecular Biology).

To assess the unique features of the Biology major program (“Bachelor of Science in Biology”), the program-specific learning objectives (PSLOs) (lettered a, b, c, etc.) are listed under each appropriate SLO.  After completing the Biology undergraduate major program, graduates will be able to:

 

SLO 1.  apply the scientific method in solving a biological question: this method involves the identification of a biological problem, synthesis of background information, formulation and testing of a hypothesis, design of an experimental protocol, analysis/evaluation of data, and explanation / integration of findings in relation to the body of scientific knowledge

SLO 2.  demonstrate advanced proficiency in the most common and important biological concepts and principles

  PSLO 2a - apply and use the following basic concepts of the cell: the structure and function of macromolecules, organelles, membrane transport, enzyme kinetics, respiration,   photosynthesis, mitosis and meiosis

           PSLO2b - use the following basic genetics concepts to accurately predict patterns of inheritance: meiosis, molecular basis of inheritance (Mendelian genetics), gene structure, expression and regulation

           PSLO2c - describe how evolution via natural selection leads to biodiversity and the role of the fossil record in elucidating the evolutionary process and classification of organisms using taxonomic hierarchy

           PSLO2d - explain the following basic ecological concepts and how human interaction impacts their outcome: biogeochemical cycles, energy flow through the trophic structure

           PSLO2e - compare and contrast the following major physiological processes in plants and animals: respiration, digestion, reproduction, movement, support, immunity, sensory perception and signal transduction, homeostasis and transportation

           PSLO2f - compare and contrast the morphological / anatomical features in plants and animals involved in the following: respiration, digestion, reproduction, movement, support, immunity, sensory perception and signal transduction, homeostasis and transportation and integrate these with their corresponding physiological functions

SLO 3.  demonstrate advanced proficiency in the most common and important biological laboratory skills and techniques

         PSLO3a - correctly perform the following microcopy and sample preparation skills: prepare a wet mount, a simple stain, and a differential stain with specimen analysis for use on a compound microscope 

         PSLO3b - correctly perform the following skills: precisely and accurately pipet, perform straight and serial dilutions, use a spectrophotometer

SLO 4.  demonstrate effective written communication of scientific concepts

SLO 5.  demonstrate effective verbal communication of scientific concepts 

SLO 6.  demonstrate professionalism and interpersonal skills throughout their capstone experience

SLO 7.  apply discipline-specific biological concepts throughout their capstone experience

 

ENVIRONMENTAL AND FIELD BIOLOGY

The environmental and field biology program, housed within the School of Science, Technology & Mathematics (STM), has developed four (4) student learning outcomes.  After completing the major in Environmental & Field Biology, graduates will be able to:

SLO 1. Demonstrate mastery in the most common and important biological principles related to ecology, evolution, biodiversity and organismal biology.

SLO 2. Demonstrate mastery in the most common and important analytical skills and field techniques.

SLO 3.  Effectively communicate ecological and environmental concepts in formats typically used in the profession.

SLO 4.  Effectively communicate ecological and environmental concepts to a broad audience.

 

 

 

 

FORENSIC BIOLOGY

Upon the completion of the Ohio Northern University Forensic Biology Program, the student will be able
to:

SLO 1.  Apply principles and practices of professional conduct in all situations

  • Arrives to and leaves from internship site at scheduled times
  • Completes work within given timeframes
  • Works independently as appropriate
  • Works effectively as a team member as appropriate

SLO 2.  Effectively communicate scientific concepts and laboratory test results in written,   
              electronic and oral format

SLO 3.  Correctly handle evidence including packaging and preservation techniques

  • Sealing evidence packaging
  • Chain of Custody
  • Store evidence at a proper temperature (freezer, refrigerator, room temperature)

SLO 4.  Accurately perform laboratory techniques

  • Pattern evidence including comparison methods (fingerprints, bullets, and cartridges) and casting methods (footwear impressions, tire tracks, and tool marks).
  • Biological testing on trace evidence including semen, blood, saliva, and urine

SLO 5.  Demonstrate proper use of microscopes

  • Field of view
  • Calibration of oculars 

SLO 6.  Accurately interpret DNA profiling

  • Length polymorphism
  • Sequence analysis  

SLO 7.  Prepare a forensic report suitable for use in a court of law

 

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

SLO 1. DESIGN & INTERPRET SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate the ability to:

  • Apply use the scientific method in solving a biological question
  • Implement observational strategies to formulate a question
  • Generate a testable hypothesis, design and implement an experiment using appropriate controls and appropriate sample sizes
  • Determine the appropriate technique necessary to answer an experimental question
  • MB SLO 1 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 1

SLO 2. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE OF CORE CONCEPTS & GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students graduating with B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate mastery in each of the following Core Concepts of Molecular Biology:

2.1  Evolution

2.2  Information Flow, Exchange and Storage

2.3  Structure and Function

2.4  Pathways and transformations of energy and matter

2.5  Systems

  • MB SLO 2 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 2

SLO 3. DEMONSTRATE PROFICIENCY IN COMMON LABORATORY TECHNIQUES RELATED TO MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate proficiency in the laboratory with respect to the following standard laboratory skills commonly encountered in scientific laboratories in the discipline, including:

  • Use of Compound light microscope
  • Micropipetting
  • Centrifugation
  • Standard Molecular techniques: PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, etc.
  • Maintenance of a Laboratory Notebook
  • MB SLO 3 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 3

SLO 4. SUMMARIZE AND CRITIQUE MOLECULAR SCIENTIFIC DATA IN BOTH WRITTEN AND ORAL FORMATS

Students graduating with a B.S. degree in Molecular Biology should demonstrate the ability to communicate science in each of the following formats:

  • Research Paper
  • Primary Literature Summary and/or Critique
  • Oral Presentations
  • Formal Lab Report (Manuscript)
  • Poster Presentation
  • Pop Science Article
  • MB SLO 4 is in alignment with the Biology Major SLO 4

 SLO 5.  DEMONSTRATE PROFESSIONALISM AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

 

SLO 6.  DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO APPLY DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE