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Home > Academics > Colleges and Schools > College of Natural, Applied & Health Sciences > School of Environmental and Life Sciences > Biology > Degree Programs - Biology > Biology and Earth Science Mission and SLOs

BS Biology
BS Earth Science

Mission

The Mission of the faculty in the Biology and Earth Science Programs within School of Environmental and Life Sciences (SELS) at Kean University is to provide research-based training and experiences necessary for the next generation of environmental and life scientists to be able to:• recognize the complex and integrated nature of environmental, ecological, and health-related issues and questions facing the world today and in the future;• to address these issues and questions using the most current knowledge in their discipline,a multi-scale and trans-disciplinary approach, and a keen awareness of the needs/concerns of society with respect to the sciences;• be successful in graduate school, other post-baccalaureate professional schools, or jobs intheir respective scientific disciplines; and• will, ultimately, be the next generation of environmental and life scientists that have theability to respond to immediate and future challenges through critical scientific thinkingand analysis supported by excellence in scholarship and communication.

BS, Biology/BS, Earth Science Program Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

SLO #1: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic mechanisms and processes associated with biological, atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic, and geographic systems as unifying principles of contemporary environmental and life science, and the ability to apply these to a research environment that includes basic principles, theories, methods, and protocols for scientificdiscovery and problem-solving.

SLO #2: Identify the interconnections among scientific disciplines and the multiple dynamic biotic and abiotic system processes associated with the various components of the environment, the ecosphere and human/societal systems at individual, local to global levels. Identify how these processes and components can change under varying environmental conditions (both natural and anthropogenic); and apply these relationships to scientific investigation.

SLO #3: Design and conduct efficient and targeted scientific studies of contemporary problems in the life and environmental sciences. Analyze data using current, appropriate and efficient laboratory, field, appropriate software, and statistical methods in order to identify and visualize the discoveries and knowledge resulting from research projects that provide an understanding of causes, solutions, prediction of outcomes, etc. associated with these contemporary problems.

SLO #4: Communicate scientific research findings and other information efficiently and convincingly to professional and community audiences using oral and written methods.

SLO#5: Demonstrate a global perspective of the environmental and life sciences and how they are connected to a global society.

KU Student Outcomes (KU): Kean University graduates should be able to:

1. Think critically, creatively and globally;

2. Adapt to changing social, economic, and technological environments;

3. Serve as active and contributing members of their communities; and

4. Advance their knowledge in the traditional disciplines (GE) and enhance their skills in professional areas

**General Education Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge (GE-K): Students will demonstrate proficiency in knowledge and content by:

(K1) applying the scientific method to comprehend natural concepts and processes;

(K2) evaluating major theories and concepts in social sciences;

(K3) relating historical references to literature; and

(K4) evaluating major theories and concepts in the fine arts.

Skills (GE-S): Students will demonstrate the skills necessary to:

(S1) write to communicate and clarify learning;

(S2) communicate effectively through speech;

(S3) solve problems using quantitative reasoning;

(S4) think critically about concepts in multiple disciplines; and

(S5) show information literacy

 

 

Values (GE-V): Students will demonstrate personal, social and ethical responsibility as a part of lifelong learning through:

(V1) personal responsibility;

(V2) ethical & social responsibility;

(V3) active in social & civic engagement;

(V4) respect for diverse culture; and

(V5) lifelong learning