Mission & Student Learning Objectives

Goals:

1. To provide a foundation in life sciences for all Cal Poly students
2. To provide life science students with a broad background in the life sciences at all levels of biological organization (from molecular, cellular, and organismal biology, to populations, communities and ecosystems)
3. To prepare life science students for careers and graduate work
4. To provide education in life science technologies and applications 
5. To engage students in scientific inquiry and foster life-long learning
6. To prepare students to make informed political and societal decisions relative to the life sciences
7. To be a life science resource for the community, state, nation and the biosphere!

Program Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Science Program -Biological Sciences

Catalog

1. Explain fundamental concepts of biology in the following areas: diversity & evolution; structure and function at multiple hierarchical levels; information flow; energy and matter transformations; interactions among and between organisms and the environment.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in the appropriate lab and field techniques in their area of specialization in biology.
3. Locate and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
4. Apply the process of science to design, conduct, analyze and interpret experiments in biology.
5. Integrate statistics, math, physical sciences and technology to answer biological questions.
6. Communicate biological principles and research findings effectively to diverse audiences.
7. Relate ethical, social justice or global perspectives to the study and practice of biology.

Program Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Science Program -Microbiology

Catalog 

1. Explain fundamental concepts and principles in microbiology and general biology (atom to ecosystem).
2. Demonstrate proficiency in common lab and field techniques for microbiology.
3. Locate, critically evaluate, and integrate scientific literature findings into the practice of microbiology.
4. Assess and analyze experimental data with objectivity.
5. Integrate statistics, math, physical sciences and technology to answer microbiological questions.
6. Communicate microbiology principles and research findings effectively to diverse audiences.
7. Relate ethical, social justice or global perspectives to the study and practice of microbiology.

Program Learning Objectives for the Bachelor of Science Program -Marine Sciences

Catalog

1. Integrate and synthesize information from the various marine disciplines.
2. Recognize and value the diversity of marine life and ecosystems.
3. Apply the scientific method, by formulating hypotheses, making predictions, and assessing, analyzing, synthesizing, and interpreting data.
4. Communicate marine scientific principles and research findings effectively diverse audiences.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in lab and field techniques relevant to marine sciences.
6. Locate and utilize bibliographic resources and demonstrate the ability to evaluate scientific literature.
7. Relate ethical, social justice or global perspectives to the study and practice of marine science.

Program Learning Objectives for the MS Program in Biological Sciences

1. Students will demonstrate a broad basic knowledge of the biological sciences.
2. Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding and competency in a specific discipline within the biological sciences.
3. Students will be able to communicate scientific ideas effectively in both oral and written formats.
4. Students will be able to think critically and evaluate, design, conduct and quantitatively assess innovative research in a biological discipline.
5. Students will have acquired the skills and knowledge needed for employment or advanced graduate or professional study in discipline related areas.