Learning Outcomes for Graduate Students

Students who complete the Environmental Sciences (MS) program will demonstrate significant progress towards the following learning outcomes:

• An understanding of, and the ability to apply, the scientific method, and the capacity to design and conduct a relevant research investigation using qualitative and quantitative techniques;
• The ability to understand and apply systems analysis and simulation modeling techniques to environmental education, management, or research;
• advanced ability to use appropriate technologies (statistical analyses, geographic information systems, field and laboratory techniques);
• An understanding of geologic, biological, chemical, physical, and evolutionary processes and their impact on ecosystems;
• A strong foundation in ecological principles and their application to the description and interpretation of environmental systems;
• An understanding of anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems;
• Knowledge of local plant and animal communities and ecosystem dynamics, and the ability to translate this understanding to regional and global levels;
• Knowledge and field skills in identifying and investigating a core cluster of life groups;
• Expertise in a limited group of organisms, or ecosystems.
• an understanding of the concept of sustainability and its application to the formation and implementation of public policy, decision making, problem identification, ethical dilemmas, creative problem solving, and conflict resolution,
• The ability to function in a professional setting; and
• Respect for the environment and all life within it, and recognition of the many ways of knowing the environment.

Graduates will be able to:

1. Evaluate and implement the scientific process.
2. Contrast important features and components of the ecosystems found in southwest Florida.
3. Apply the science of ecology to specific issues the field of environmental studies.

Content/discipline knowledge and skills are assessed at the college and departmental levels through mechanisms:

1. Assessment I - Scientific Process Proposal: Environmental Studies students design a research project, compose a written proposal, and then defend it in an oral presentation. These proposals are critiqued by objective, outside reviewers for their adherence to the scientific method. (ISC 3120 Scientific Process)
2. Assessment II - Senior Project: Environmental Studies students must complete a research project or scholarly activity as a Senior Project. The results of this work are presented in a college-wide forum and evaluated by a team of faculty and environmental professionals form off-campus. (EVR 4910 Senior Project Research and EVR 4911 Senior Project Presentation)
3. Assessment III - Ecology Concepts Evaluation: Environmental Studies students will be assessed for their knowledge of ecological concepts and local natural history with a pre- and post-evaluation in General Ecology. The evaluation instrument was developed by the entire faculty, and administered and evaluated by the course instructor(s). (PCB 3043C General Ecology)

Graduates will be able to:

1. Employ the conventions of standard written English.
2. Select a topic, and develop it for a specific audience and purpose, with respect for diverse perspectives.
3. Select, organize, and relate ideas and information with coherence, clarity, and unity.

Communication skills are assessed as part of the General Education Program through papers, exams, and projects completed in ENC 1101 Composition I, ENC 1102 Composition II, and HUM 2510 Understanding the Visual and Performing Arts. Communication skills are also assessed in the capstone courses, EVR 4910 Senior Project Research and EVR 4911 Senior Project Presentation.

Graduates will be able to:

1. Select and organize information.
2. Identify assumptions and underlying relationships.
3. Synthesize information, and draw reasoned inferences.
4. Formulate an appropriate problem solving strategy.
5. Evaluate the feasibility of the strategy.

Critical thinking skills are assessed as part of the General Education Program through papers, exams, and projects completed ENC 1101 Composition I, ENC 1102 Composition II, and HUM 2510 Understanding the Visual and Performing Arts. Critical thinking skills are also assessed in the capstone courses, EVR 4910 Senior Project Research and EVR 4911 Senior Project Presentation