Marine Science Program

Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
(AY 2019-2020)

AY 2017-2018

AY 2016-2017

AY 2015-2016

AY 2014-2015

AY 2012-2013

Program Student Learning Outcomes(PSLOS)

At the completion of Marine Science Program the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geomorphological, physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
2. Apply fundamental knowledge of marine sciences towards identifying and critically analyzing and outlining potential solutions for local, regional and global problems relating to marine systems.
3. Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
4. Communicate effectively, in written and oral forms, utilizing the language and concepts of marine science.

PSLO Assessment Report Summary

What we found:

The Marine Science Program assessment focused on just two of the MS_PSLO (1 and 3) during the academic year 2019-2020 (Fall 2019 & Spring 2020).

What we looked at:

1. MS_PSLO_1: Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geomorphological, physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
Fall 2019-Marine Biology (MR 120) 13 out of 14 students (93%) completed the course with satisfaction and exceeding the targeted score of 70% for the SLOs in relations to cellular structures and functions as well as classifying various marine life forms.

Spring 2020 – Oceanography (MR240) 14 out of 14 students (100%) completed the SLOs 1 through 4 with satisfaction, which exceeds the target of 70%. However, SLOs 5 through 8 was not covered due to COVID 19 pandemic.

MS_PSLO_3: Apply the scientific process to formulate hypotheses, design experiments, and collect and analyze data from which valid scientific conclusions are drawn.
Fall 2019 – Ichthyology (MR230) Out of 18 students assigned to report on a minor fish collection research project, 14 students (77%) completed this project satisfactorily while 4 failed to comply with all the assigned aspects of reporting on the scientific methodology.

Spring 2020 – Marine Biology Field Study (MR254) Of the 8 students who completed the Field Study class, only 4 of them (50%) successfully completed a survey of fishes collected from a sea grass habitat thus failing to meet a reasonable success standard (typically 70% or higher). The required report asks students to report their findings in a scientific format and express their conclusions based on the data collected and their knowledge of biological sciences. While the cancellation of part of the semester may have played a factor in this low success rate, the students did have the data they needed to complete this assignment.

What we are planning to work on:

• Continue revising course outlines
• Ongoing investigation to improve marine science student tracking to determine how many students are seeking advance related degrees and how many are employed in related fields.
• As always, we will continue to push or top students into considering transfer options as they graduate and assist them in finding scholarships to lessen this financial burden.
• We will continue to work with UH Manoa and Hilo in regards to our consortium grants (NSF-ATE and LSAMP) which have greatly enhanced the tools and funding we can use in support of our program and provided more opportunities for your students to continue their studies following graduation from COM-FSM.

Recommendations for students:

• Actively interact with respective faculty members.
• Take full advantage of tutoring services.
• Attend class regularly and arrive on time.
• Avoid procrastination when comes to assessments. Plan your time and be prepared.
• Explore the web for educational resources online to improve learning.
• Continue to work with advisors.
• Participate in student internships and research opportunities.

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