Program Purpose

---

The Biology masters degree is designed to provide advanced training in ecology and evolutionary biology. Students will address contemporary biological problems relying upon current theory and a variety of research tools. Areas of current research interest and expertise in our department include phylogenetic systematics, phylogeography, evolutionary ecology, population biology, ecosystem dynamics, biostatistics, organismal biology, and conservation biology. Many students find this training ideal for competitive job placement upon completing their degree. For example, public or private agencies and organizations seek individuals that approach problems synergistically with an understanding of organisms both in nature and in the lab. Other students will find the Biology MS program an excellent foundation for admission to top-tier PhD programs in ecology, systematics, evolution, organismal biology, and related fields. Coursework in this program is highly flexible and intended to provide a solid foundation for problem solving and post-graduate learning; the emphasis in training, however, is on student-driven independent research and opportunities to share this research within the department, at national or international meetings, and through the preparation of a thesis ultimately publishable in peer-reviewed journals. With active field-research programs, core facilities that range from environment-controlled laboratories to DNA sequencing, a natural history museum with associated research collections for specimen-based study, and a talented, collegial faculty that interact at a variety of levels, students can expect the Biology MS program to provide a learning environment that is challenging, stimulating, and enabling.

 

Graduate Catalog

 

Learning Outcomes

---

Area Specialization

Students will describe the current state of the discipline in their area of specialization (e.g., key theories and research practices in ecology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics) as well as use advanced biological concepts to interpret, analyze, and solve biological problems. (BYU AIMS 2, 4)

Research Skills and Tools

Students will conduct research using appropriate tools and techniques within their focused area of graduate study (e.g., ecology, evolutionary biology). (BYU AIMS 2, 4)

Teaching Skills

Students will be able to teach in the biological sciences by demonstrating an expert understanding of basic biological concepts, foundational theories, and key relationships from the molecular to ecosystem level. (BYU AIMS 4)

Evidence of Learning

---

Direct Measures

1. Students will pass an oral comprehensive examination administered by their faculty graduate committee.
2. Students will perform original research resulting in the development of a research-based thesis that will lead to at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
3. Students will take the graduate orientation course which includes teaching strategies and will participate as a teaching assistant for a course in biology. Each student will also have the opportunity to develop a teaching portfolio.

Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement

---

1. The Graduate Coordinator will:
   1. Ensure graduate students have the opportunity to develop teaching skills and place qualified candidates in positions where they will have a meaningful teaching experience.
   2. Establish program improvements that involve department policy, program outcomes, and/or curriculum changes.
   3. Participate in the modification of learning outcomes and the plan for collecting related evidence of student learning.
2. The assessment data are analyzed and summarized by the Graduated Coordinator and presented to the faculty each year at an annual retreat. From the ensuing discussions, appropriate plans are made to improve student learning.
3. The department has a graduate faculty committee that assesses the quality of the program. Evaluation is normally done on an ad hoc basis. Proposals for improvement are submitted and discussed at graduate faculty meetings. If the graduate faculty votes to implement changes and if the department chair approves, the Graduate Coordinator will implement the changes. Changes that require approval from the College and/or University will be presented to the College Graduate Council by the Department representative.
4. In addition to internal assessment, the graduate program undergoes an external review about every 10 years by graduate faculty from other universities. Our last external review in 2005 gave us several ideas for improvement that we are currently implementing.