Learning Outcomes for Botany Degrees at Miami University


AB in Botany:

  1. Overarching Goal: Develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the life sciences.
  2. Understanding and doing Science: Develop an understanding of the scientific method and know how to apply that understanding to gain knowledge.
    • Demonstrate how to collect, summarize, analyze and interpret scientific data.
    • Develop the skills to communicate research findings and scientific knowledge to experts and non-specialists.
    • Demonstrate the qualities of an effective and responsible researcher.
  3. Developing and synthesizing core knowledge:
    • Understand the chemical and molecular bases of living systems.
    • Understand the structure and functions of plants, how they interact with other organisms, and how they function within ecological and global systems.
    • Recognize the scope of biological diversity, and understand how evolution generates that diversity and associated adaptations.

BS in Botany:

  1. Overarching Goal: Develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in the life sciences.
  2. Understanding and doing Science: Develop an understanding of the scientific method and know how to apply that understanding to gain knowledge.
    • Demonstrate how to collect, summarize, analyze and interpret scientific data.
    • Develop the skills to communicate research findings and scientific knowledge to experts and non-specialists.
    • Demonstrate the qualities of an effective and responsible researcher.
  3. Developing and synthesizing core knowledge:
    • Integrate knowledge from the physical sciences, statistics, math, and biology.
    • Understand the chemical and molecular bases of living systems.
    • Understand the structure and functions of plants, how they interact with other organisms, and how they function within ecological and global systems.
    • Recognize the scope of biological diversity, and understand how evolution generates that diversity and associated adaptations.

M.S. in Botany:

  1. Synthesizing current knowledge: M.S. students will be able to summarize major theories/research in their field and related fields of study, identify significant problems/questions related to their field, and develop testable hypotheses that address those questions.
  2. Conducting original research: M.S. students will be able to test a hypothesis they have developed or a pre-existing hypothesis of importance in their field and/or develop novel research techniques.
  3. Communicating ideas: M.S. students will develop effective, scientifically appropriate written and oral communication skills.
  4. Teaching and mentoring of others: Students will develop effective leadership and pedagogical skills, including mentorship in lab and teaching.

Ph.D. in Botany:

  1. Synthesizing current knowledge: Ph.D. students will be able to summarize major theories/research in their field and related fields of study, identify significant problems/questions related to their field, and develop testable hypotheses to address those questions.
  2. Conducting original research: Ph.D. students will be able to test hypotheses they have developed using discipline appropriate techniques and produce new knowledge that significantly advances understanding of important questions in their field.
  3. Communicating ideas: Ph.D. students will develop effective, scientifically appropriate written and oral communication skills.
  4. Teaching and mentoring of others: Ph.D. students will develop effective leadership and pedagogical skills, including mentorship in the lab and teaching.

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