2004-2005 Institutional Effectiveness Plan

Unit: Biology

Unit head: George Murphy

Reports to: College of Basic and Applied Sciences

Mission statement: The mission of the Department of Biology at MTSU is to

1. provide quality service courses that will allow non-majors to make value judgments on issues related to the science of biology;
2. through quality instruction in a stimulating instructional environment, provide majors with the knowledge and skills to function competitively within the different fields of biology;
3. provide opportunities throughout the curriculum for experiences in the methods of science;
4. develop in students the knowledge and skills needed for employment and graduate or professional study.

Learning Outcomes

1. Biology majors will function competitively in their biological fields of emphasis. (BS in Biology)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7 8
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Majors completing the baccalaureate degree in Biology will maintain a departmental average (between two standard errors) at or above the national average in their knowledge of biology, as assessed by ETS Major Field Test.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Scores declined, but within range
  Mean Scores
  Fall ’04 Spring ‘05
  MTSU 150.7 147.8
  National 153 153
  
  
  

2. Graduates will be prepared for employment and graduate or professional study in discipline-related areas. (BS in Biology)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 3 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Percent of graduates intending to purse graduate or professional study will remain above 50%, as determined from Alumni and Senior Survey data.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results:
  Objective Met
  
  Senior Survey
  Spring ’03 96%
  Spring ’04 92%
  
  
  
• Percent of graduates who express satisfaction with the degree program will be above 80%, as determined from Alumni and Senior Survey Data.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Senior Survey –Spring data declined, no explanation as yet
  Fall ’04 96% Spring ’05 72% Average 84%
  Alumni Data (Sp. ’05) reported on basis of 1-4 with 3 being satisfied and 4 being very satisfied; student rating was 3.18
  
  
  
• Scores will be in the top two categories of “good” and “excellent” 80% of the time in:
  Overall, how does the employee’s quality of education in his/her area of specialization (or major) compare with that of other employees in comparable positions?
  as evidenced by the “MTSU Employer Survey”
  
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Employer Survey not Available
  
  

3. Graduate students will be able to function competitively in their biological fields of emphasis. (M.S. in Biology)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes: 7 8
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• All graduates will feel prepared to pursue discipline-related activities, as determined from Alumni Survey and the Employer Survey data administered by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning, and Research Assessment Schedule as measured by:
  
  • graduates checking the “very much” on the category “have the practical skills necessary to obtain employment in your field”, on the Alumni Survey at least 80% of the time.
  • employers checking the “good” and “excellent” on the category, “Overall, how does the employee’s quality of education in his/her area of specialization (or major) compare with that of other employees in comparable positions” on the Middle Tennessee State University Employer Survey at least 80% of the time.
  
  
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met ???
  Alumni survey data reporting format changed. On scale of 1-3 (1 = very little, 2 = somewhat, and 3 = very much) student average was 2.24
  Departmental standard must be revised from percentage to new reporting format
  Employer Survey not Available
  
  
  
  
• All graduates will demonstrate biological knowledge and understanding, as determined by satisfactory completion of required oral and written exams for the MS degree.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  All students receiving the MS Degree (9) MS) successfully completed the oral and written exams.
  
  

4. Graduates will understand the methods of science. (M.S. in Biology)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• All graduate students will investigate, interpret, and present scientific research, as evidenced by the satisfactory completion of a required seminar course.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  All graduate students completes two required seminar courses during their graduate program.
  
  
• All graduates will feel prepared to pursue research-related careers, as determined from Alumni Survey administered by the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research Assessment Schedule as measured by:
  graduates checking the “very much” on the category
  “understanding/applying scientific principles and methods” on the
  Alumni
  Survey at least 80% of the time.
  
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met ???
  
  Alumni survey data reporting format changed. On scale of 1-3 (1 = very little, 2 = somewhat, and 3 = very much) student response average was 2.24
  
  Departmental standard must be revised from percentage to new reporting format
  
  

5. Graduate students will be prepared for employment and advanced graduate or professional study in discipline-related areas. (M.S. in Biology)
Related MTSU Learning Outcomes:
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences Learning Outcomes:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Percent of graduates employed in discipline-related areas or accepted for additional graduate/professional training will be above 80%, as determined from Alumni and departmental records.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Not Met
  
  Alumni Survey data:
  Employed in field (Q # 22) 41%
  Enrolled in graduate/Professional School (Q # 25) 35%, for a total of 76% (goal was 80%)
  
  
• Percent of graduates who express satisfaction with the degree program will be above 80%, as determined from Alumni survey data.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met ???
  Alumni survey data reporting format changed. On scale of 1-4 (1 = very dissatisfied, 2 = dissatisfied, 3 = satisfied, and 4 = very satisfied) student response average was 3.65
  
  Departmental standard must be revised from percentage to new reporting format
  
  

General Goals

1. Faculty will provide meaningful instruction and be available and willing to assist students. (Undergraduate (BS in Biology))
Related MTSU General Goals: 1 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Scores will be in the top two categories of "almost always" and "usually" 80% of the time in:
  * instructor appears well prepared for class
  * instructor is accessible to talk with students on course materials outside of class, * class sessions are relevant to the course subject matter
  * instructor treats students in a courteous and/or respectful manner, as measured by the "MTSU Student Evaluation of Faculty Performance" questionnaire.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met:
  
  Fall ’04 Spring ‘05
  96.9% 99.4%
  88.1% 90.5%
  97.0% 99.5%
  96.7% 98.9%
  
  

2. To offer service courses designed to support the goals of the MTSU General Studies Program and other degree programs. (Undergraduate (BS in Biology))
Related MTSU General Goals: 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Non-majors will demonstrate an ability to make value judgments on issues related to the science of biology, as assessed by Academic Profile and/or College BASE, scores on the Academic Profile demonstrating an understanding and ability to apply scientific principles will be at the 90% level or greater
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Academic Profile data presentation format does not allow for this comparison. Performance standard statement will be revised
  
  

3. To provide majors opportunities for scholarly activities and experiences in the methods of science, including data analysis and report writing. (Undergraduate (BS in Biology))
Related MTSU General Goals: 1 4
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Satisfactory completion of a required independent research project in a required upper division course (currently Biology 4240, Ecology).
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  All graduates (BS) took Ecology 4240 or equivalent.
  
  
  
• Satisfactory completion of Biology 3230, Biological Literature, required of all biology majors.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  All graduates (BS) took BIOL 323 or equivalent.
  
  
  
• A minimum of 20% of the annual number of graduates will have an additional undergraduate research experience, as measured by taking BIOL 4280 (Undergraduate Research) and/or presenting papers at undergraduate symposia or state academy of science.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  During the year, 41 undergraduate students were formally engaged in undergraduate research and participated in 52 presentations at national/state/local meetings. 41 of 97 = 42%
  
  
  
• At least 10% of the annual number of graduates will participate in internships (BIOL 3200) appropriate for their major.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  During the academic year, 14 students took BIOL 3200. 14 of 97 = 14%.
  
  
  

4. To provide students with appropriate up to date equipment/technology and facilities (Undergraduate (BS in Biology))
Related MTSU General Goals: 1 4 7
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• The department will secure through internal and external funding sources at least $100,000 of equipment per year.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  The department secured in excess of $200,000 in equipment during the year.
  
  
  
• The department will maintain vigorous verbal and written communications to inform and educate university and legislative leaders of dire facility needs. An annual log will show at least one communication with each entity.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Personal communications with Rep. Hood, Coleman; presentation to Alumni Group, presentation to College of B & A Advisory group, Newspaper interview (DNJ), Sidelines, Tennessean.
  
  

5. To provide opportunities for scholarly activities as part of the graduate program. (Graduate (MS in Biology))
Related MTSU General Goals: 1 4
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• All graduate students will participate in scholarly research, evidenced by successful completion of a required thesis.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  All MS students (9 ) completed the thesis.
  
  
• At least 75% of students graduating will have published or presented research at scientific meetings/symposia/etc. as evidenced by departmental records of such activities.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Graduate students made at least 36 presentations last year; 9 students graduated and 8 made at least one presentation (90%).
  
  
• At least 75 % of tenured/tenure track faculty will be a member of the graduate faculty.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  29 of 34 eligible faculty are members (85%)
  
  
• At least 50% of graduate faculty will serve on graduate committees or as thesis advisor.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  22 of 29 eligible faculty served on committees (76%)
  
  
  

6. The department will promote research at all levels. (Research/Creative Activity)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• At least 75% of faculty directing undergraduate/graduate student research will seek external/internal support through submission of funding proposals.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Undergraduate students of thirteen of fifteen faculty directing research received funding and seven of nine graduating (MS) students were funded from research scholarships/extra-departmental sources. 20/24 = 83%
  
  
  
  
• The annual number of papers published by departmental faculty/students in refereed journals will average 25% of the number of tenured/tenure track faculty.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  21 refereed (17 national, 4 state) papers involving 14 faculty were published
  by the 34 TT departmental faculty (21/34= 61%).
  
  
• The annual number of presentations by departmental faculty/students at state, regional, national and international meetings will average 50% of the number of tenured/tenure track faculty.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  There were 4 international, 20 national and 59 regional/state presentations (83/34 = 244%).
  
  
  

7. The department will submit grant/contract proposals. (Research/Creative Activity)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Annual grant/contract proposal submissions will total $2,500,000 with an award goal of $1,000,000 per year.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Grant submissions totaled over $2,670,000 and awards/current year funding totaled $2,695,000.
  
  

8. Department faculty will provide a high level of service activities to the university, their professional orginizations, and other external public/private entities. (Public/Professional/University Service)
Related MTSU General Goals: 2 4 6
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• At least 25% of the tenure track faculty will be involved in university committees outside the department.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  At least 15 TT faculty served on committees outside the department (15/34 = 44%).
  
  
  
• The annual number of program chairs, session chairs, offices held, and other activities supporting professional organizations will average 50% of the number of tenured/tenure track faculty.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Tenure Track faculty held 48 such positions during the reporting period (48/34 = 141.
  
  
  
• Professional service type activities (presentations, consultations, training sessions) will average 300% of the number of tenured/tenure track faculty per year.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Faculty performed 324 such activities (324/34= 923%)
  
  
  

9. The Environmental Education Center will be the primary departmental service effort with K-12 constituents. (Public/Professional/University Service)
Related MTSU General Goals: 4 6
Related College of Basic and Applied Sciences General Goals:

Measurable Objective(s):

• Center personnel will carry out at least 20 in-service presentations/in-service activities/workshops as part of unfunded activities and as funded by grants and contracts.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Three faculty carried out at least 110 activities. Grant funded personnel are reported elsewhere.
  
  
  
• Center personnel will initiate/maintain annual contact with city, county, and state educational entities. An annual log will show at least one communication with each entity.
  Responsible Person: Chairperson. Completion Date: 6/30/2005
  
  Results: Objective Met
  Center personnel met with all entities.
  
  

Impacts

Learning Outcome:
Beginning Fall, 2004, all entering Biology students seeking the B.S. degree are required to complete two semesters of calculus or one calculus and one statistics. This change was made as an effort to ensure that all students understand data collection, manipulation, and analysis. Two new emphasis areas were added in the previous year as an attempt to allow a greater level of preparation for specialized advanced studies. We have also greatly increased emphasis on undergraduate research and participation in presentations as an effort to increase students’ ability to “think” as scientists. Since scores on the MFT declined this year, the undergraduate curriculum committee has been charged with investigating the addition of a required senior seminar.

General Studies:
We continue to meet all objectives for instruction, research,/creative activity, and public service. As indicated earlier, MFT results are less than what we expect. We have adopted the topics list for the ETS GRE and MFT exams as our best definition of a well-trained biologist. We are in the beginning stages of determining topic coverage and linkage for each of our core courses. Over the next several months we will be working on assessing the degree of articulation between the topics covered in our curriculum and the topics list provided by ETS. We continue to be concerned with students taking the MFT seriously and will be considering ways to improve student interest in doing well.