Matrix of Program Student Learning Outcomes
Master of Science in Biology
Course/Number/Section:
Semester/Academic Year:
Program Learning
Outcome - Must be
aligned with program
outcomes listed in the
catalog; For each learning
outcome, identify year
adopted and/or revised,
source.
PLO – Demonstrate
knowledge about the basic
principles underlying the
scientific method and use
of scientific methodology
Core Learning
Outcomes – Which
Core Learning
Outcomes are
consistent with the
Program Learning
Outcome?
PLO – Design experiments
with appropriate controls
in the field and/or
laboratory setting.
Scientific Literacy;
Ethics
PLO – Conduct original
research in a biological
discipline. Retrieve
information from
databases, interpret
observations through
creation, testing, analysis,
and communication of
hypotheses
Communication Skills;
Scientific Literacy;
Information Literacy
Scientific Literacy
Evidence – To include how you
assessed (specify assessment
instruments);
# & % of students completing the
course who have satisfactorily
achieved the outcome (Met or
Exceeded your expectations)
Target Percentage:
Actual Percentage:
Use of Results - Suggestions to
improve student outcomes
PLO – Demonstrate a
thorough understanding
and/or competency in a
specific area of biological
science.
Scientific Literacy;
Reasoning Skills (Critical
Thinking; Quantitative);
Communication Skills
PLO – Apply knowledge
through critical thinking,
inquiry, and analysis.
Inspect data and apply
basic statistics to their
analysis
PLO – Communicate
research results in written
and oral form
Scientific Literacy;
Reasoning Skills (Critical
Thinking; Quantitative)
PLO – Demonstrate ability
to reflect upon and discuss
the nature of biology and
its ethical impact on
humanity and the
environment
CLO (Optional)
Ethics and Civic
Engagement;
Communication Skills;
Reasoning Skills (Critical
Thinking)
Communication skills;
Reasoning Skills (Critical
Thinking); Scientific
Literacy
CLO (Optional)
PLO – Program Learning Outcomes; CLO – Course Learning Outcomes
*The inclusion of CLOs is optional. PLOs are required.