University:
Boston University
Course:
CAS BI 108 | Biology 2
Academic year:

2019
Views:

114

Pages:

15
Author:

Clint W.

Using the ASBMB Certification Exam as a direct assessment of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program BMB •Intense cutting-edge focused program accredited by the ASBMB •Provides a strong foundation in Biology and Chemistry •Prepares one to think critically about questions in biomedical research and biotechnology Careers • research • medicine and health-related fields • secondary education, patent law, science policy, bioethics, science and technology writing General features of the BMB program • ~ 30 participating faculty from Biology and Chemistry • ~ 250 majors • courses are based in the Bio and Chem Depts • faculty teach and advise undergraduate • almost all faculty have funded research programs The BMB curriculum • Foundation courses in biology, chemistry, math and physics • BMB core courses in molecular biology, biochemistry, and physical biochemistry • BMB advanced electives (at least 3 including independent research) Assessment of the BMB program • Learning outcomes developed with help from Biology and Chemistry • Assessment carried out with the help of the Biology Department’s assessment committee Learning Outcomes • Demonstrate mastery of both fundamental and advanced concepts in Biology and Chemistry, with a strong focus on the molecular biological and biochemical components of these disciplines • Demonstrate expertise in the scientific method, including experimental design, critical assessment of the scientific literature, and an understanding of the principles and best practices for the ethical conduct of research. • Attain the technical and/or analytical skills required for employment or post-graduate education in BMB or BMBrelated careers, including professional careers and science education. Current Assessment Methods • Senior survey that includes demographic questions, self-reporting of proficiencies and technical skills, and questions from validated concept inventories in BMB. • Performance in BMB core courses relative to other majors • ASBMB certification exam taken in 2017 Some Findings • Concept inventory questions were answered correctly by a majority of students • 84% of our students participate in independent research • Academic advising was identified as an area for improvement and with the help of CAS advising and Stacy Straaberg Finfrock in Biology student satisfaction with advising is improving • BMB majors perform better in BI 522 and BI 421 than other majors BMB graduates over the past three years Employment in Non-biological field, 6% Medical School, 22% Graduate School or other advanced training, 24% Employment in Biological Field, 49% ASBMB Certification Exam • offered annually only to ASBMB accredited programs • tests both the students’ knowledge of core BMB concepts and the ability to apply these concepts in analytical ways • $25 per student fee that was covered by the miniassessment grant • Exams are graded by the ASBMB and results are sent out the following summer Observations • Students who opted to take the exam had a higher average GPA than those who did not (3.47 vs 3.24) • Students who passed the exam had higher average GPA than those failed (3.57 vs 3.26) • Two students who failed the exam were in the top 10 % of the class and are now in top tier graduate programs (Duke and Johns Hopkins) • No correlation between exam performance and when core courses were taken More Useful Observations BMB students performed proficient or highly proficient on questions covering ASBMB Core Concepts in Quantitative Reasoning, Information Storage, and Structure/Function Example question on quantitative reasoning More Useful Observations BMB students did not do well in questions relating to Energy Transfer Example question on Energy Transfer Moving Forward • Continue offering exam to determine if observed trends are continue (yes, we are applying again for a mini-grant) • Encourage greater participation in taking the exam • Evaluate courses that teach core concepts identified as weaknesses in our students (e.g. Energy Transfer is covered in several BMB foundation and core courses)

Using the ASBMB Certification Exam as a Direct Assessment of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

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