Undergraduate Assessment

Program Goals

The Program in Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems educates students to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively as they apply the fundamentals of watershed science to aquatic ecosystem problems. Our graduates are prepared to be successful professionals in private and governmental organizations and students in strong graduate programs.

The Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences educates students to think critically, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively as they apply the fundamentals of fish ecology and aquatic science to problems of fishery and aquatic conservation. Our graduates are prepared to be successful professionals in private and governmental organizations and students in strong graduate programs.

The Program in Freshwater and Marine Ecology integrates freshwater and marine ecology to prepare students for careers that focus on the structure, function, and conservation of aquatic environments—from headwater streams to open oceans. Students explore the biological, chemical, and physical processes that sustain life in water, and they gain hands-on skills in ecology, restoration, conservation, and environmental data analysis. Students learn how to assess scientific evidence, and draw their own conclusions about the processes that underpin freshwater and Marine Systems. Upon completion, graduates have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to embark on ecological careers. 

Learning Objectives

Students graduating with a B.S. in Management and Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems will have demonstrated:

• Competence in applying computing and mathematical methods
• Functional knowledge of the physical and biological, and chemical components of aquatic ecosystems
• Ability to make and analyze observations of aquatic ecosystems
• Ability to understand and apply the principles of aquatic ecosystem restoration
• Effective oral, written, and visualization communication skills
• Understanding of the social context of ecosystem management and restoration in modern society
• Ability to identify, formulate, and develop solutions to ecosystem management and restoration problems using modern analytical tools, synthesizing knowledge from supporting sciences

Students graduating with a B.S. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences will have demonstrated:

• Competence in applying computing and mathematical methods
• Functional knowledge of the physical and biological, chemical components of aquatic ecosystems
• Ability to make and analyze observations of aquatic ecosystems
• Ability to understand and apply the principles of fisheries conservation and management
• Effective oral, written, and visualization communication skills
• Understanding of the social context of ecosystem management and restoration in modern society
• Ability to identify, formulate, and develop solutions to ecosystem management and restoration problems using modern analytical tools, synthesizing knowledge from supporting sciences

Students graduating with a B.S. in Freshwater and Marine Ecology will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles governing aquatic ecosystems, including species interactions, energy flow, and nutrient cycling.
• Analyze the interplay of biological, chemical, and physical processes in freshwater and marine ecosystems from an ecological perspective.
• Apply the scientific method to investigate ecological questions and solve environmental challenges.
• Interpret ecological data from tables, graphs, and models to draw meaningful conclusions.
• Assess the impacts of human activities on aquatic ecosystems and propose evidence-based solutions for conservation and sustainable management.
• Communicate their ideas and findings to an audience through written and oral work

Assessment Plan

Our assessment of undergraduate programs is targeted toward ongoing improvements that ensure all graduating students have the knowledge and skills required to be productive and advance in their professional field of endeavor. At the center of our assessment, we track achievement relative to program learning objectives in classes required of all majors. This information is tracked throughout the school year and is then reviewed, along with course evaluations and other outcomes data, when the department faculty hold an in-service day at the end of spring semester. At this meeting, we make data-based decisions and implement changes for the next school year.

Outcomes Data

Information used to track student progress and success includes:

• Progress on learning objectives is assessed in courses required of all majors. The learning objectives and the classes used for assessment in the FAAS, FWME, and the MRAE majors are available here: Courses used for assessing learning objectives.  Instructors for these courses report on student performance at the annual program review conducted by the faculty in May of each year.
• Students’ ratings on each course and its instructor are collected on every course using the IDEA survey. Feedback includes progress towards achieving the learning outcomes for the course and the effectiveness of the instructor. The syllabus for each course maps the specific learning outcomes for the course to the learning objectives defined in the IDEA survey to facilitate interpretation of IDEA feedback on a course-by-course basis.
• The Department Head evaluates the transcripts of graduating seniors with regard to major requirements and with respect to US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requirements for positions in Fish Biology, Wildlife Biology, Fish and Wildlife Administration, and Hydrology.
• The Department Head and Faculty Advisors meet every semester with the QANR advisor to discuss scheduling, course prerequisites, and other advising issues.
• The Department Head conducts exit interviews with each graduating senior to discuss whether the program has met each student’s particular abilities and interests. Prior to the meeting, each student completes a questionnaire regarding their undergraduate experience. Students are asked to evaluate their achievement on each of the seven learning objectives, with specific follow up in the one-on-one exit interview with the department head. 
• USU Career Services conducts employment and continuing education telephone survey across graduates from all USU colleges. WATS maintains a more complete database of graduate placement, which provides important feedback on the success of our students as professionals.

Data-based Decisions

Program assessment outcomes data are updated throughout the school year and reviewed in advance of an annual in-service day scheduled immediately following the end of the Spring Semester. The faculty agree on modifications to courses, curricula and programs at this meeting, leaving time to develop changes prior to the start of the next academic year. Programmatic issues are also addressed, as needed, during faculty meetings throughout the school year.