Graduate Program Learning Goals

The goals of the program are for the students to be able to:

1. Display diversified knowledge of biological concepts, theories and research techniques covered by the core courses and in each student’s area of specialization

• Integrate knowledge across biological sub-disciplines
  • Understand key concepts of molecular, cellular, developmental and biochemical biology such as structure determines function, information storage & processing, signal reception and processing, regulation, movement, and adaptation. 
  • Understand key concepts of evolutionary biology and ecology including the origin of life, natural selection, population and quantitative genetics, ecosystem dynamics, population biology, community ecology, and behavioral ecology.
• Demonstrate ability to derive hypotheses (based on theory) and testable predictions across biological sub-disciplines
• Demonstrate knowledge of form, function, mechanism, organization, scale, hierarchy, diversity and evolution
• Show mastery of subject area- demonstrated by course work, qualifying and comprehensive exams and thesis defense

2. Integrate new knowledge into existing scientific frameworks

• Interpret, evaluate, and critique scientific text, primary literature and seminars
• Structure and contextualize understanding with proper references to literature
• Speculate on significance of scientific data and possible future directions
• Employ a multidisciplinary approach to biological research

3. Engage in and conduct original research

• Use texts, primary literature, presentations and mathematical models to develop scientific hypotheses and predictions based on those hypotheses.
• Appropriately design and perform original experiments and/or collect empirical data in order to test hypotheses
• Organize and interpret data to evaluate hypotheses and place findings into an intellectual framework to plan further experiments
• Use computers in data acquisition and processing and use available software as a tool in data analysis
• Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation, and classical
• Know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals. 

4. Represent and interpret data in quantitative and statistically meaningful forms

• Construct and interpret visual representations of quantitative data
• Use probability and statistical analyses to evaluate and interpret data

5. Communicate scientific understanding in oral, visual, and written forms

• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), biologists, students and the public.

6. Appreciate ethical conduct in science (see NAP.EDU “On Being a Scientist” (1995) (Manifest leadership and social responsibility) including

• The social aspects of scientific pursuit
• Experimental techniques and the treatment of data
• Treatment of human and non-human animal subjects
• Values in science
• Conflicts of interest
• Publication, openness, data access
• The allocation of credit
• Authorship practices
• Error and negligence in science
• Misconduct in science and responses to violations of ethical standards
• The scientist in society

7. Develop a skill set and research record such that they can secure employment in universities, federal agencies, private companies or non-governmental organizations where they can apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the program.