SLOs for the PhD Program

Technical Competence

Students are expected to recognize a number of plant diseases and pathogens by sight; have a broad appreciation for how diseases develop at the organism, population and molecular levels; demonstrate excellent experimental skills and ability to use scientific equipment in applied or basic research in plant pathology.

Assessment Strategy

  • Courses required for plant pathology Ph.D. students
  • Dissertation defense seminar and exam
  • Dissertation research in the laboratory, greenhouse, or field
  • Exit interviews by department head
  • Former student surveys
  • Preliminary exam

Problem Solving Abilities

Students will demonstrate ability to identify original and important problems in plant pathology; formulate scientific hypotheses; choose appropriate approaches; design and execute experiments, interpret results; and critically evaluate their own findings and those of others; demonstrate through their work their contributions to extension or theoretical concepts in the field of plant pathology; demonstrate originality and independent thinking.

Assessment Strategy

  • Dissertation research in the laboratory, greenhouse, or field
  • Preliminary exam
  • Various courses in program of study

Ethical Qualities

Students will be expected to have knowledge of ethical issues in academic and industry involving plant pathology; be aware of relevant safety and health issues; demonstrate ethical practices by acting responsibly in their communities and conducting research according to sound international standards.

Assessment Strategy

  • Assessment by major professor and research committee
  • New student orientation by department head
  • Student seminars and professional communications course are also an excellent avenue for addressing ethical issues (such as plagiarism)

Communication Skills

Students will be expected to communicate effectively. They will be able to present research ideas and results with colleagues through appropriate media (posters, oral presentations, research papers etc.); write and defend dissertation; write and publish research manuscripts; and demonstrate basic teaching skills in a classroom setting.

Assessment Strategy

  • Dissertation defense seminar
  • Dissertation preparation
  • Former student surveys
  • Presentations and discussions in the classroom and lab
  • Sample lectures
  • Student seminars and professional communications course (PP 870 and PP 871)
  • Term papers and grant proposals in courses

Life-Long Learning

Students will demonstrate ability to acquire new knowledge by searching and reading the literature critically, apply it to their research work, and continue learning through their career and lifetimes.

Assessment Strategy

  • Coursework assignments
  • Dissertation writing
  • Journal clubs
  • Preliminary exam
  • Student seminars and professional communications course (PP 870 and PP 871)

Educational Breadth

Students will show evidence that they can apply their knowledge of plant pathology and leadership skills 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

  • Committee member from outside the department
  • Preliminary exam
  • Required courses outside plant pathology