Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major dealing with the chemistry of living things and their products. Within the major, students are provided with a strong foundation in all aspects of the chemical sciences. This includes a survey of the modern biological sciences, and an in depth understanding of the genetic, cellular, metabolic and homeostatic aspects of biochemistry. In addition, students learn the latest techniques used in both basic and applied areas of biochemistry.
Program Goals
Biochemistry graduates should:
Have a comprehensive knowledge of the field of biochemistry.
Be able to comprehend and critically evaluate scientific literature.
Understand methodologies, instrumentation, and research design and methods appropriate to solving biochemical problems
Be able to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Biochemistry students will:
Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the field of biochemistry on exams, reports, and other assignments.
Demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate scientific literature on reports, presentations and other assignments.
Demonstrate their understanding of computation methods, experimental design, and data analysis on exams, reports, presentations, laboratory reports and other assignments.
Demonstrate their proficiency in the use of chemical, biochemical, biological and physical laboratory instrumentation in class room laboratories, and where appropriate research laboratories. (Note: The laboratory experience may include experiential learning in the form of a research project as part of an upper level course or as active, individual laboratory work in the College or as an appropriate cooperative education assignment).
Demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge to formulate and execute strategies for solving biochemical problems on exams, in class room laboratories, in presentations, and where appropriate research laboratories.
Demonstrate their abilities to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing on exams, in reports, and in presentations
Program Assessment Methods
Portfolios Portfolios allow us to track all six learning objectives.
Portfolios contain
Table of contents
Self assessment by the student
Student grades
Sample laboratory reports
Sample papers
Student presentation materials (if applicable)
Research materials (if applicable)
Co-op materials (if applicable)
Publications (if applicable)
Summer job and other work related materials (if applicable)
Questionnaires
Questionnaires will track students evaluation of our program. We are currently revising the questionnaire that was used in the past. We will redesign the questionnaire to address all of our learning objectives.
GPAs
The abilities of students differ between graduating classes. The biochemistry major has a small, growing number of gifted graduates each year. We will be able to gauge the overall ability levels of our increasing biochemistry student population by comparing the overall GPAs and major GPAs from year to year.
