Marine Science Program

Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
(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.

Show Program Matrix

• I=Introduced
• D=Demonstrated
• M=Mastery at a level appropriate for graduation

MARINE SCIENCE PROGRAM MATRIX
Required Course:	PLO#1	PLO#2	PLO#3	PLO#4
MR 120:Marine Biology w/lab	I,D	I	I,D	I,D
MR 240: Oceanography w/lab	I,D,M	I	D	D
MR 210: Marine Ecology	D	I,D	D	D
MR 254: Marine Biology Field Studies	D,M	D,M	D,M	M
MR 230: Ichthyology w/lab	D,M	D	D,M	D,M
MR 250: Fishery Biology & Management	I,D	I,D,M	I,D	D
MR 201: Aquaculture w/lab	I,D	I,D,M	I,D	D
SC 230: Introduction to Chemistry w/lab	I		I,D	D
MS 150 Introduction to Statistics			I

The above matrix shows the relation between PSLOs, the courses in a program and the expected level of mastery.

PSLO Assessment Report Summary

What we looked at:

The Marine Science Program assessment focused on just two of the MS_PSLO during the academic year 2017-2018 (Fall 2017 & Spring 2018).

What we found:

MS_PSLO_1: Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of geological, geomorphological, physical, chemical, and biological oceanography.
Spring 2018– Marine Biology (MR120)

• Students who took and completed the course obtained an overall average of at least 84%, exceeding the targeted score of 70% for the SLOs for cellular structure and functions as well as classifying various marine life forms (to the levels of Phyla, Class and Family).

Fall 2018 – Oceanography (MR240)

• Students who took and completed this course exceeded the targeted score of 70% (scoring just under 79% on questions relating to the science of Plate Tectonics and Sea-Floor Spreading) as an indicator for this particular SLO. Target was met.

MS_PSLO_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.

Spring 2017 – Fisheries Biology and Management (MR250)

• Students who took and completed the MR 250 exceeded the targeted score of 70% on the measured SLOs except for SLO 9 (state the major biological parameters used in stock assessment, notably: stock abundance, fishing effort, catch rate, growth, recruitment, mortality, and yield) and SLO 10 (list and describe the needs for fisheries management, compare and contrast the management tools that can be adopted in assuring a sustainable development of the exploited resource) where they scored 58% and 63%. Consequently, more in depth explanations need to be given in class on these two SLOs in order for the students to demonstrate the required level of mastery for an associate degree.

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 2017 – Ichthyology (MR230)

• Students who completed this course successfully replicated a simple scientific research project based on literature the students read and modified it to our conditions and supplies. The very undertaking and completion of this midterm lab project demonstrated competence in scientific methodology and therefore 100% completion for the outcome in regards to all aspects of scientific methodology seems valid.

Spring 2018 – Marine Biology Field Study (MR254)

• Students were tasked with completing and reporting a coral reef survey assignment requiring them to collect data in the field, analyze the collected data, and report their findings along with any significant conclusions they came across. While all of the students completed the field aspects of this project (conducting the survey and data collection), only 5 of 9 (55%) successfully completed this project to acceptable analysis and reporting levels.

What we are planning to work on:

• Revising outlines
• We will focus on more ways in developing better "student study skills". As stated in previous summary reports, this is an issue that is found across all programs.
• Further investigation on improving favorable transfer options for our Marine Science graduates.
• Inventory our graduates and the jobs/careers they pursue following both COM-FSM graduations and graduations from other colleges and universities.

Recommendations for students:

• Interact meaningfully with faculty.
• Spend significant time and effort studying and practicing.
• Take advantage of the advertised 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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