Objective 1: Fundamental core knowledge in basic sciences
1.
To demonstrate fundamental knowledge in the life sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics
Method 1: Test Scores
To establish a baseline for assessment, we propose our freshmen students take 3 placement examinations (most students already take 2). First, our freshmen currently are required to take
a placement exam in mathematics, which assesses their analytical and quantitative skills. Low scores place the student in remedial mathematics. Second, there is an optional chemistry
placement examination, which places the students in our general chemistry classes. We propose making this examination mandatory for our majors. Third, the Biology major has
proposed that incoming freshmen will receive a placement exam that evaluates their readiness to take Biology 5A, and again, those students who return a low score on the exam will be
placed into a remedial course during their first quarter. Thus we propose that the Entomology major will take 3 scientific placement exams; mathematics, chemistry, and biology. Not
only will these examinations properly place our students, but it will provide a benchmark from which we can assess learning outcome #1. A comprehensive second examination covering
the fundamentals of the life sciences, natural sciences and mathematics will be administered to our students at any time after they complete the core courses. This examination would
provide an assessment for student success in the core courses. Our faculty will collaborate with faculty from other majors to write this examination. All scores from the placement and
assessment examinations will be held in each student's portfolio.
Results of Test Scores:
Pending
Action Summary for Learning Objective Fundamental core knowledge in basic sciences:
Pending
Objective 2: Core knowledge in Entomology
To gain an understanding of the natural history, anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, systematics, identification, biodiversity, and manipulation of insects.
Method 1: Portfolio
Identify sections in our current courses that fit these concepts, and pull these components from existing evaluations procedures (i.e. exams, reports, presentations, etc.) into the student's
portfolio. While this will require some effort to establish, we intend using existing procedures to provide the information needed to assess this learning objective.
Results of Portfolio:
Pending
Action Summary for Learning Objective Core knowledge in Entomology:
Pending
Objective 3: Insect identification
To identify all insect orders and common insect families and species.
Method 1: Test Scores
Presently students participate in activities to accomplish this goal in our required courses, ENTM100 and ENTM107. In addition, sight identification of insects takes place in a number of
our elective classes, for example ENTM109 (Field Entomology), ENTM114 (Aquatic Entomology), ENTM124 (Agricultural Entomology), ENTM126 (Medical and Veterinary
Entomology), ENTM129L (Biological Control Laboratory), and ENTM133 (Urban Entomology). To assess this learning outcome, we will identify the examinations (or parts of
examinations) dealing with insect identification and the scores from these examinations will be entered in the student's portfolio.
Results of Test Scores:
Pending
Action Summary for Learning Objective Insect identification:
Pending
Objective 4: Scientific evaluation skills and writing skills
To critically evaluate scientific literature and prepare a written analysis of the evaluation
Method 1: Rubric
Currently our students are required to take 4 units of ENTM19X. We designed this requirement to begin with ENTM190, Independent Reading. The course description reads,
"Independent library research conducted under faculty supervision. The student will submit a written report." We will set up a rubric for grading the student report that will standardize
the method of grading this report and provide an assessment for learning objective #4, to be kept in the student's portfolio. Since the successful completion of this learning outcome
requires a comprehensive understanding of the basic sciences and entomology this will serve as a capstone experience for our students.
Results of Rubric:
Pending
Action Summary for Learning Objective Scientific evaluation skills and writing skills:
Pending
Objective 5: Apply scientific methodology
To understand the application of scientific methodology in the evaluation of scientific theories and claims in research. This goal measures critical thinking skills (acquire & analyze
experimental data in the entomological sciences and interpret results) and communication skills (demonstrate the ability to articulate research results clearly in an accepted style of
presentation).
Method 1: Original reseach with individual faculty members
We will use ENTM197 and ENTM199 (and ENTM199H) to assess this learning outcome. These courses are designed for the student to conduct original research under faculty
supervision and both require the student to submit a formal report (oral, poster, or written in 197, and written in 199 and 199H). We will set up a rubric for grading the student report
that will standardize the method of grading this report and provide an assessment for learning objective #5, to be kept in the student's portfolio. Since the successful completion of this
learning outcome requires a comprehensive understanding of the basic sciences and entomology this will serve as a capstone experience for our students.
Results of Original reseach with individual faculty members:
Pending
Action Summary for Learning Objective Apply scientific methodology:
Pending