SLOs for the MS Program
Technical Competence
Students are expected to recognize a number of plant diseases and pathogens by sight; have direct experience in plant disease research at the organism, population or molecular levels; demonstrate experimental skills and ability to use scientific equipment in applied or basic research in plant pathology.
Assessment Strategy
- Courses required for plant pathology M.S. students
- Exit interviews by department head
- Former student surveys
- Thesis defense seminar and exam
- Thesis research in the laboratory, greenhouse, or field
Problem Solving Abilities
Students will demonstrate ability to follow instructions; plan and execute experiments; collect information in an organized and timely manner; and analyze data.
Assessment Strategy
- Thesis research in the laboratory, greenhouse, or field
- Various courses in program of study
Ethical Qualities
Students will be expected to have knowledge of ethical issues in academia and industry involving plant pathology; be aware of safety and health issues; demonstrate ethical practices by acting responsibly in their communities.
Assessment Strategy
- Assessment by major professor and research committee
- New student orientation by department head
- Student seminars and communications courses are also an excellent avenue for addressing ethical issues (such as plagiarism)
Communication Skills
Students will be expected to communicate with advisors and colleagues orally and in writing; present research results through appropriate media (posters, oral presentations, research papers etc.); write and defend thesis.
Assessment Strategy
- Former student surveys
- Presentations and discussions in the classroom and lab
- Sample lectures
- Student seminars and Professional Communications courses (PP 870 and PP871)
- Term papers and grant proposals in courses
- Thesis defense seminar
- Thesis preparation
Life-Long Learning
Students will demonstrate ability to acquire new knowledge by searching and reading the literature, apply it to their research work, and continue learning through their career and lifetimes.
Assessment Strategy
- Coursework assignments
- Journal clubs
- Student seminars and communications course (PP 870 and PP871)
- Thesis writing
Educational Breadth
Students will show evidence that with their expertise and skills of plant pathology they can support research and development, production, and/or extension in industrial, governmental, or academic settings.
Assessment Strategy
- Courses in program of study
- Exit interviews by department head
- Former student surveys
- Participating in research or extension activities under guidance
Inclusion
Students will demonstrate that they can work effectively in a team consisting of supervisors, team members, and/or clients with diverse background, ethnicity, skills, and interests.
Assessment Strategy
- Assessment by major professor of interaction between student and others in the laboratory and department
- Courses outside plant pathology