LA HARBOR COLLEGE
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) Assessment Report
Course Assessment
Division: Science, Family and Consumer Studies
Discipline/Program:
Microbiology
Course Number and Name: MICRO 020 General Microbiology
Program Contact Person: Randy Wade
Phone: x4558
Reviewed by: Elena Reigadas, SLO Assessment Coordinator
Date:
May 28, 2014
Attach additional pages as necessary. After discussion with the LAHC SLO Coordinator, it was decided to reduce the number of SLOs for Micro
20 from 10 to 6 (5 Lecture-based SLOs and 1 Laboratory-based SLO). This reduction was based on identifying redundancy in several of the original
SLOs.
Institutional
Learning Outcomes
1
Course Intended Outcomes
1. Identify historical persons
and events in microbiology and
how they contribute to modern
applications of microbiology.
Means of Assessment
and Criteria for Success
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple choice
questions administered in
2 sections of
Microbiology 20 Lecture.
Summary of Data
Collected
Spring 2016:
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70% or
better on the assessment.
2
2. Compare and contrast the
structural and functional
features of prokaryotic cells,
eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
Means: Students will
Fall 2014:
complete a worksheet
listing at least 5
similarities and
differences between the
cell types. Worksheet will
be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Use of Results
2
1
3. Demonstrate the process of
transcription and translation
and identify how changes in
DNA sequence may affect the
organism.
4. Distinguish between the
mechanisms and effectiveness
of natural vs. artificial means of
protecting humans from
pathogenic microbes.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
list at least 3 similarities
and differences on the
worksheet.
Means: Students will be
given a worksheet with a
DNA sequence to
transcribe and translate
both prior to and after a
DNA mutation.
Worksheet will be
administered in 2 sections
of Microbiology 20
Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
transcribe and translate
the given sequence of
DNA prior to and after the
mutation.
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple choice
questions. Exam will be
administered in 2 sections
of Microbiology 20
Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70% or
better on the assessment.
Spring 2015:
Spring 2013:
A random sample of
assessments (sample
size = 50) were scored.
The random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 74.4%
on the assessment.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
This result was an
improvement from the first
administration of the
assessment, but could be
improved in future
assessment (target 80% or
better average score) by
development of collaborative
activities to enhance student
comprehension of the topics.
3
2
5. Use current literature sources
to describe the epidemiology
and pathogenicity of different
microbial diseases
6. LABORATORY
ASSESSMENT: Determine
the identity of an “unknown”
bacterial sample using classic
microbiology skills such as
microscope use, aseptic
technique and differential tests.
Means: Students will
write a 1-2 page essay
describing the
epidemiology and
pathogenicity of a given
microbe. Essay will be
administered in 2 sections
of Microbiology 20
Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70% or
better on the assessment.
Means: Students will
work in pairs to identify 2
different “unknown”
bacterial samples in the
laboratory. Project will be
administered in 5 sections
of Microbiology 20
Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70% or
better on the “unknown”
bacteria laboratory
project.
Fall 2012:
A random sample of
assessments (sample
size = 50) were scored.
The random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 95.2%
on the assessment.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
Spring 2014: A random
sample of assessments
(sample size = 50) were
scored. The random
sample of assessments
had an average score of
96.0% on the
assessment.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
Continue to use the exercise
in future classes to reinforce
concepts learned in class and
practice writing and research
skills.
Continue to use the exercise
in future classes to reinforce
concepts learned in class and
practice laboratory skills.
Date:
January 30, 2014
Attach additional pages as necessary.
Institutional
Course Intended Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify historical persons
and events in microbiology and
1
how they contribute to modern
applications of microbiology.
Means of Assessment
Summary of Data
and Criteria for Success
Collected
Means: 5 common
Spring 2014:
embedded multiple
choice questions
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
2
1
2. Compare and contrast the
structural and functional
features of prokaryotic cells,
eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
3. Identify factors that affect
microbial growth in both the
laboratory and natural
environments.
Means: Students will
complete a worksheet
listing at least 5
similarities and
differences between the
cell types. Worksheet
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
list at least 3 similarities
and differences on the
worksheet.
5 common embedded
multiple choice
questions. Exam will be
administered in 2
Fall 2014:
Spring 2015:
Use of Results
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
2
1
4. Demonstrate the process of
transcription and translation
and identify how changes in
DNA sequence may affect the
organism.
5. Distinguish between the
mechanisms and effectiveness
of different antimicrobial
agents and drugs and
mechanisms of microbial
resistance to these control
agents.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
Means: Students will be
given a worksheet with a
DNA sequence to
transcribe and translate
both prior to and after a
DNA mutation.
Worksheet will be
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
transcribe and translate
the given sequence of
DNA prior to and after
the mutation.
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple
choice questions. Exam
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
Fall 2014:
Fall 2015:
1
6. Identify the protection
provided by human defense
mechanisms against microbial
disease.
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple
choice questions. Exam
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
3
2
7. Use current literature sources
to describe the epidemiology
and pathogenicity of different
microbial diseases
8. Demonstrate proper light
microscope technique for
viewing microorganisms.
Means: Students will
write a 1-2 page essay
describing the
epidemiology and
pathogenicity of a given
microbe. Essay will be
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
Students will be given an
individual, practical
microscope quiz
administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
Spring 2013:
A random sample of
assessments (sample size
= 50) were scored. The
random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 74.4%
on the assessment.
Fall 2012:
A random sample of
assessments (sample size
= 50) were scored. The
random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 95.2%
on the assessment.
Spring 2013:
A random sample of
assessments (sample size
= 50) were scored. The
random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 97.0%
on the assessment.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
This result was an
improvement from the first
administration of the
assessment, but could be
improved in future
assessment (target 80% or
better average score) by
development of collaborative
activities to enhance student
comprehension of the topics.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
Continue to use the exercise
in future classes to reinforce
concepts learned in class and
practice writing and research
skills.
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
To further challenge the
students’ microscope skills,
perhaps a time-limit will be
imposed during
administration of the
practical quiz in the future.
2
9. Demonstrate proper aseptic
technique for transferring
bacteria in the laboratory.
or better on the practical
quiz
Means: Students will be
given an individual,
practical quiz on aseptic
technique. Quiz will be
administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Fall 2013:
A random sample of
assessments (sample size
= 50) were scored. The
random sample of
assessments had an
average score of 91.6%
on the assessment.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the practical
quiz.
2
10. Determine the identity of an
“unknown” bacterial sample
using classic microbiology
differential tests.
Means: Students will
work in pairs to identify
2 different “unknown”
bacterial samples in the
laboratory. Project will
be administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
“unknown” bacteria
laboratory project.
Spring 2016:
Plans for Future Assessment
Based on Results:
To further challenge the
students’ skills, perhaps a
time-limit will be imposed
during administration of the
practical quiz in the future.
Date: 27 Jan. 2011
Attach additional pages as necessary.
Institutional
Course Intended Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify historical persons
and events in microbiology and
1
how they contribute to modern
applications of microbiology.
Means of Assessment
and Criteria for Success
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple
choice questions
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
2
1
2. Compare and contrast the
structural and functional
features of prokaryotic cells,
eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
3. Identify factors that affect
microbial growth in both the
laboratory and natural
Means: Students will
complete a worksheet
listing at least 5
similarities and
differences between the
cell types. Worksheet
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
list at least 3 similarities
and differences on the
worksheet.
5 common embedded
multiple choice
questions. Exam will be
Summary of Data
Collected
Fall 2008: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 74.6% on the
assessment.
Use of Results
The questions used on the
assessment will be examined
and perhaps altered to
require “higher-order
learning” such as integration
in the future.
Sample size = 52 exams
scored; 26 each from 2
sections with
approximately 90
students enrolled per
section.
Spring 2010: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 94% on the
assessment.
The worksheet may be
modified to require students
to describe the similarities
and differences in a more
specific, detailed manner or
require a greater number of
Sample size = 46
similarities and differences
worksheets scored; 23
be described on the
each from 2 sections with worksheet.
approximately 90
students enrolled per
section.
Spring 2009: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
The questions used on the
assessment will be examined
and perhaps altered to
environments.
2
1
4. Demonstrate the process of
transcription and translation
and identify how changes in
DNA sequence may affect the
organism.
5. Distinguish between the
mechanisms and effectiveness
of different antimicrobial
agents and drugs and
mechanisms of microbial
resistance to these control
agents.
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
Means: Students will be
given a worksheet with a
DNA sequence to
transcribe and translate
both prior to and after a
DNA mutation.
Worksheet will be
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will accurately
transcribe and translate
the given sequence of
DNA prior to and after
the mutation.
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple
choice questions. Exam
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
average of 79.9% on the
assessment.
Sample size = 52 exams
scored; 26 each from 2
sections with
approximately 90
students enrolled per
section.
Fall 2010: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 96.7% on the
assessment.
Sample size = 56
worksheets scored; 28
each from 2 sections with
approximately 90
students enrolled per
section.
Fall 2009: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 73.3% on the
assessment.
Sample size = 45 exams
scored; 22-23 each from
2 sections with
approximately 90
students enrolled per
require “higher-order
learning” such as integration
in the future.
The worksheet may be
modified or expanded to
cover additional concepts
related to DNA transcription
and translation and a wider
variety of mutations and their
effects on transcription and
translation.
The questions used on the
assessment will be examined
and perhaps altered to
require “higher-order
learning” such as integration
in the future.
1
6. Identify the protection
provided by human defense
mechanisms against microbial
disease.
assessment.
Means: 5 common
embedded multiple
choice questions. Exam
will be administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
3
2
7. Use current literature sources
to describe the epidemiology
and pathogenicity of different
microbial diseases
8. Demonstrate proper light
microscope technique for
viewing microorganisms.
Means: Students will
write a 1-2 page essay
describing the
epidemiology and
pathogenicity of a given
microbe. Essay will be
administered in 2
sections of Microbiology
20 Lecture.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
assessment.
Students will be given an
individual, practical
microscope quiz
administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
section.
Spring 2010: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 65.3% on the
assessment.
Sample size = 45 exams
scored; 22-23 each from
2 sections with
approximately 90
students enrolled per
lecture section.
Spring 2009: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 88.0% on the
assessment.
Additional lecture time may
be dedicated to these topics
and perhaps a worksheet or
activity could be developed
to enhance student
comprehension of these
topics. Exam questions used
for assessment will also be
examined for ambiguity or
confusion and revised as
needed.
Continue to use the exercise
in future classes to reinforce
concepts learned in class and
practice writing and research
skills.
Sample size = 42
summaries scored; 21
each from 2 sections with
approximately 80
students enrolled per
lecture section.
Fall 2008: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 93.0% on the
assessment.
Sample size = 45 quizzes
scored; 9 each from 5
sections with
approximately 36
Continue to reinforce the
importance of proper
microscope technique.
2
9. Demonstrate proper aseptic
technique for transferring
bacteria in the laboratory.
students will score 70%
or better on the practical
quiz
Means: Students will be
given an individual,
practical quiz on aseptic
technique. Quiz will be
administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the practical
quiz.
2
10. Determine the identity of an
“unknown” bacterial sample
using classic microbiology
differential tests.
Means: Students will
work in pairs to identify
2 different “unknown”
bacterial samples in the
laboratory. Project will
be administered in 5
sections of Microbiology
20 Laboratory.
Criterion: a random
sample of 25% of the
students will score 70%
or better on the
“unknown” bacteria
laboratory project.
students enrolled per lab
section.
Fall 2009: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 94.4% on the
assessment.
Continue to reinforce the
importance of proper aseptic
technique.
Sample size = 45 quizzes
scored; 9 each from 5
sections with
approximately 36
students enrolled per lab
section.
Fall 2010: A random
sample of 25% of the
students scored an
average of 74% on the
assessment.
Examine the projects to
identify the techniques that
were commonly missed in
the unknown project and
allow more laboratory time
for students to perfect these
Sample size = 25 projects skills.
scored (representing 50
students, project
completed in pairs); 8-9
projects each from 5
sections with
approximately 36
students enrolled per lab
section.