Department of Environmental Biology and Ecological Studies

Assessment Report 2005

Submitted by: Deborah L. Beal, Coordinator

1. What learning outcomes goals were the focus of your assessment efforts this academic year?
2. What methods did you use to determine student achievements?
3. What were the results?
4. How do you intend to use the results?

Introduction
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary major that integrates courses in the life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. Faculty from Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Geography, International Studies, Ecological Psychology and History participate in the the program. Additional coursework is required from the fields of Biology and Mathematics. The Environmental Studies program is a new program, beginning it's third year of existance. There are currently 6 faculty involved in the program, working with approximately 35 students, including 24 declared majors, 2 minors, 10 new freshman/transfer students and 1 student who is not on campus, but will graduate this year (2003/2004). We expect to graduate12 majors and 1 minor this spring (May, 2004 commencement). Students have the opportunity to participate in field courses which travel offcampus, internships, independent study and research with professors, travel to scientific meetings and local community service projects such as cleaning up the Illinois River. (ENVS Program Description 2003)

Narrative:
Focus
The focus of this year's assessment efforts was to investigate the role of independent study research which is objective number four of our assesment plan.

4. Apply the understanding of ecological systems (from objectives 1-3) to real life
experiences through internships, field experiences, and scholarly research. (ENVS Assessment Plan 2003)

Methods of Assessment -
Students participating in a independent study research project are assigned grades based on a four stage approach to research. Initially, usually within the first month, students meet with faculty sponsors and develop a project topic. Students then research the project, doing a literature review and decide on and collect materials needed to run the experiment. A research proposal with cited references, outlining the objectives, methods and hypothesis is turned in for a midterm grade. If the project involves animal subjects (except observational studies), the proposal is sent to the Ethical Treatment of Subjects Committee for approval prior to starting the experimental portion of the project. After the project is approved by the faculty sponsor, students run the experiments and collect data. The final report is written in APHA style with an Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and References.

Sample Deadlines from Spring 2005 for Independent Research Projects

Guidelines  for ENVS 412 - Spring 2005

Contact information:
Dr. Deborah Beal
124 Parker                                   
245.3463
beal@ic.edu

Objective:
    The purpose of an independent study is to allow students to pursue a topic or research project not available in a regular classroom setting.  Students are expected to work independently.  However, you must come in weekly during our classtime (1-3 W) to touch base and give an update on your activities. 

Grading

1.  Proposal - due no later than the 4th week of classes.    February 23, 2005      50 points

    What topic will you study this semester?  Do you plan to write a paper or do a project.  Describe the project or give background on your paper (2-3 paragraphs).  Include at least 5 references you will use in the final write up.

    Make sure you talk to me before beginning to research the paper or project.
                                               
2.  Outline or project report end of 2nd month of classes.  March 23, 2005  50 points.


3.  Final write up.  Each project will vary so we will decide on the final write up when you come in to discuss your project.                                             Due reading day         100 points

Students are increasingly desirous of participating in independent research projects. Spring 2005 had 11 students working on independent research projects. Three years ago, only 6 students participated for the entire year. The increase in the number of students desiring to participate in research has caused significant problems for the Environmental Biology program. With only 1 full time faculty member, it has been difficult to supervise projects. In addition, there is no compensation for this type of faculty service, virtually no recognition and very little funding for students. This summer, no funds were allocated to Environmental Biology for student research and funding is never available for faculty. Therefore, it is doubtful that the Environmental Biology program at Illinois College will continue to offer students the opportunity to participate in independent research projects.

Use of results
Results are primarily for strengthening or validating the program. The main audience are faculty involved in the program. Students will also be brought in for review and discussion of the results. Formal reports will also be created and disseminated as requested, primarily to accrediting bodies and the Dean of Academic Affairs. (ENVS Assessment Plan 2003)

References

Environmental Biology website
http://www2.ic.edu/beal/eprogram_html28.htm

Environmental Biology Program Description 2003
http://www2.ic.edu/beal/ENVSprogramdescription.html

Environmental Biology Mission Statement 2003
http://www2.ic.edu/beal/ENVSmissionstatement.html

Environmental Biology Assessment Plan 2003
http://www2.ic.edu/beal/envsprogramassess.html

Environmental Biology Assessment Plan 2004

http://www2.ic.edu/beal/envsassessment2004.html