Degree Level Expectations, Learning Outcomes, Indicators of Achievement and the Program Requirements that Support the Learning Outcomes

Transcription

1 Department/Academic Unit: DBMS/Graduate Program in Biochemistry Degree Program: MSc Degree Level Expectations, Learning Outcomes, Indicators of Achievement and the Program Requirements that Support the Learning Outcomes Expectations Learning Outcomes Indicators of Achievement Relevant Courses and academic requirements Depth and breadth of knowledge A thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of biochemistry and molecular biology that will support the student s future activities in the academic sector (e.g. PhD in biomedical research, teachers college, MBA, medicine, law, pharmacy, optometry), government (Health Canada regulatory affairs) or industry (research, development, marketing positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies) Successful completion of course requirements. Positive feedback from supervisor and advisory committee on progress. Depth of knowledge displayed during graduate courses, research proposal review and seminar. Preparation and successful defence of an MSc thesis. The MSc program in Biochemistry requires the completion of three 3 unit graduate courses plus a mandatory seminar course (BCHM 830). Graduate courses offered include: BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823, BCHM 824, BCHM 828 and BCH 841. With the permission of the Graduate Program Committee students may take double numbered undergraduate courses (BCHM 810*, BCHM 811*, BCHM 832*) to fill gaps in their undergraduate education. An up to date and critical awareness of current issues in their specific field of study. Each student has an advisory committee consisting of their supervisor and two other faculty members, at least one of whom must be a member of the Biochemistry Graduate Program. Students meet yearly with their advisory committee to review their progress. BCHM 824: Topics in Biophysical Chemistry. This methods course provides the theoretical background for commonly used biophysical techniques as well as hands on experience with state of the art instrumentation. Students gain experience in sample preparation, data collection, analysis of results and trouble shooting. BCHM 828: Research Project in Biochemistry. Students read key publications in their field selected in

2 consultation with their supervisor, write a series of short essays and prepare a research proposal that must be defended in front of the advisory committee. This course introduces the student to their field of research, provides experience in constructing a feasible and clearly written research proposal and generates a research plan for the student to follow. BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823. These seminar style courses focus on current topics in Molecular Biology, Metabolic Control and Protein Structure and Function, respectively. Students present papers and reviews on topics chosen by the faculty with emphasis on the critical evaluation of data, conclusions and interpretations and the significance and implications of the findings. BCHM 841: Current Topics in Biochemistry. This course includes sessions on bioinformatics, database searching, working with the literature (reading, writing and critiquing papers) and includes student presentations on membranes and protein folding and structure. BCHM830: Biochemistry Seminar Program. This compulsory course includes a weekly seminar series featuring invited experts, faculty and graduate students. Students attend all seminars and deliver a 30 minute seminar in their second year. The seminar is evaluated by the faculty and written feedback on communication skills and research progress is provided to the

3 student. Research proposal review. If a student does not enroll in BCHM 828 they must submit a research proposal and defend it in front of their Advisory Committee within 9 months of entering the program. Writing and oral defense of MSc thesis. Thorough. Do all relate back to LOs; seems they can be embellished. Quite thorough mapping suggests that students leave with more than what is articulated under LO heading. Research and scholarship The ability to design an experimental approach to test a specific hypothesis in biochemistry. The skill and competence to accurately and reproducibly obtain experimental data that advances their specific field of research. The ability to critically analyze, logically interpret and evaluate their experimental data. An understanding of the current literature relevant to their research area sufficient to allow them to place their research results into context and to draw informed and appropriate conclusions concerning their findings. Integrity and honesty in the scientific process. Positive feedback from supervisor and student advisory committee on progress Successful completion of graduate courses and seminar, including the ability to field questions related to their research methods and conclusions Presentations and publications resulting from their research efforts Ability to write and defend their MSc thesis BCHM 824 provides an introduction to methods and techniques used in biochemical research. Students gain experience in experimental design, sample preparation, data collection, problemsolving and critical analysis of results. BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823 and BCHM 841 give students the opportunity to read key papers in the literature and to gain experience in critical analysis and the interpretation and evaluation of experimental data. BCHM 828 ensures that students have read the current literature in their field and have reviewed it in a critical manner. The Research Proposal review requires students to design a coherent set of experiments to address one or more specific objectives or hypotheses. Integrity and ethics in data presentation and interpretation are discussed in BCHM

4 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823 and BCHM 841. Successful completion of MSc thesis research and oral defense of the written thesis. Application of Knowledge The ability to apply knowledge to design an experimental approach that meets a research objective or critically tests a hypothesis. The ability to apply their knowledge of biochemistry to make informed judgements regarding complex current issues in biotechnology and human health. Successful performance in seminarstyle graduate courses. Successful performance during the research proposal review and MSc oral defense Required coursework, including BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823 and BCHM 841 provide examples of successful published biochemical research. Annual committee meetings. The Research Proposal Review and MSc thesis research and defense. Professional capacity/autonomy The knowledge, intellectual independence and self learning skills required for continuing professional development. The attributes necessary to support academic, personal and professional success, including mentoring, teaching, management, leadership and interpersonal skills. A solid grasp of ethical principles and practices so that they can make sound decisions and judgements with respect to academic integrity and the responsible conduct of research. Successful design and completion of a research project. Presentation and interpretation of research results in seminars, abstracts, publications and thesis. Appropriate supervision and guidance of undergraduate students in laboratory courses Students have the opportunity to work as Teaching Assistants in the undergraduate BCHM laboratory courses to gain teaching, leadership and interpersonal skills. Mentoring by supervisor, colleagues and other faculty members. Students are encouraged to participate in the School of Graduate Studies Expanding Horizons Workshops which includes sessions on management and leadership skills, integrity and ethical conduct, society and civic responsibilities and career development. Students receive mandatory safety training in use of chemicals (WHIMS course), biohazards (Biosafety course) and radioisotopes (Radiation Safety Course) through Environmental Health and Safety. Students whose research involves animals must take QACS 799, which includes theoretical ethics and hands on training

5 offered by the Office of the University Veterinarian. Guidelines and norms expected for integrity and ethics in data presentation and interpretation are discussed in BCHM 820, BCHM 822 BCHM 823 and BCHM 841. Successful completion and oral defense of MSc thesis. Communication Skills The ability to communicate ideas, results and conclusions effectively to experts in the field through written reports/publications and oral presentation The ability to articulate the importance and relevance of their research findings to diverse audiences. Evaluation of oral presentations and essays in graduate courses. Successful preparation and oral defense of the research proposal. Successful presentation of research progress in seminars, abstracts and publications. Ability to communicate effectively in their capacity as a teaching assistant to undergraduate students. BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823 and BCHM 841 provide experience in giving oral and PowerPoint presentations in a small group setting. Weekly written critiques marked by faculty provide feedback on the writing skills and critical analysis. BCHM 828 provides feedback on oral and written skills and on the ability to effectively communicate, summarize and critique research findings. Successful preparation and oral defense of MSc thesis. BCHM830 seminar tests the ability of students to clearly and effectively organize their results and communicate them to a diverse audience. School of Graduate Studies workshops on communication and interpersonal skills. MSc thesis research and defense. Awareness of limits of knowledge An understanding of the assumptions upon which their research is based, the limitations of their research methods and the possibility of alternative interpretation of results. The ability to accept and act on Ability to critique results and conclusions of published research in graduate courses. Responses to questions during the research proposal review, seminar and thesis demonstrating an BCHM 820, BCHM 822, BCHM 823 and BCHM 841 courses emphasize limitations of research techniques and accurate interpretation of research data. Mentoring by thesis supervisor, colleagues and other faculty members.

6 constructive criticism. Awareness that science is progressive in nature and that new findings can cause current theories to be rejected, replaced, or reinterpreted by new conceptual frameworks. understanding of research limitations and alternative interpretations. MSc seminar, thesis research and defense.