Transferable Skills Badge in Biology
Biology majors and minors can earn an FGCU Oral Communication Transferable Skills Digital Badge by using work you are already doing in Biology courses. No extra classes. No extra
tuition—just a focused way to showcase your speaking skills to employers and graduate
programs.
Many Spring 2026 Biology courses will offer badge-ready oral communication assignments. Complete three qualifying assignments and submit them in the FGCU badge Canvas course
to earn an official university-verified credential in oral communication.
Important: You do not need to finish everything in one semester. Students may collect badge artifacts over multiple semesters and apply once they have three qualifying oral communication artifacts ready to submit.
Learn how to get started.
Why Oral Communication Matters for Biology Students
Employers consistently rank oral communication as one of the top skills they look for in new hires. As a biologist, you will be expected to explain complex data, present research findings, advocate for resources, and collaborate with teams across disciplines—in labs, clinics, agencies, and industry.
The Oral Communication badge helps you:
-
- Strengthen your ability to present scientific ideas clearly and confidently.
- Show employers evidence of your communication skills beyond course titles and grades.
- Tell your “skill story” in interviews, personal statements, and professional networking.
How the Oral Communication Badge Works
The badge is a verified micro-credential recorded in your FGCU Canvas Credentials account. To earn it, you will complete two phases:
Phase 1 – Build Your Oral Communication Portfolio
1. Register for the Oral Communication Badge.
Visit the FGCU Transferable Skills website, select Oral Communication, and complete the registration using your FGCU email. You will be added to a separate Canvas badge course.
2. Complete three oral-communication artifacts (over one or more semesters).
Use presentations, poster talks, interviews, or other speaking assignments from Biology courses and approved co-curricular experiences. At least two artifacts must come from courses.
3. Write short reflection essays.
For each artifact you will complete a 300–500 word reflection in Canvas (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result) explaining how your work demonstrates the badge criteria.
4. Submit artifacts and reflections in the badge Canvas course.
Upload files or links and confirm reviewers can access your recording, slides, or other materials.
Phase 2 – Badge Interview & Claiming Your Credential
1. Complete a brief interview.
After your portfolio is approved, you will sign up for a short interview (in person or online) where you talk through your artifacts and describe your communication strengths.
2. Claim and share your badge.
When you pass, you will receive a notification to accept your badge. You can then add it to LinkedIn, your résumé, and any ePortfolio or personal website.
Biology’s Commitment to Your Communication Skills
The Department of Biological Sciences is intentionally embedding oral communication experiences across the curriculum. Many of our lecture, lab, field, and capstone courses already require presentations, poster sessions, and other forms of scientific speaking.
Beginning in Spring 2026, the courses listed below include assignments that can be used as artifacts toward the Oral Communication badge. Your instructor will confirm which assignment(s) are badge-eligible and provide submission details.
Spring 2026 Biology Courses with Oral Communication Badge Opportunities
If you are enrolled in one of the following courses/CRNs, you will have a built-in
opportunity to create an artifact for the Oral Communication badge.
| Course | Title | Faculty | CRN(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCB 2010C | Microbiology with Laboratory | Prof. Mitchell | 10485 |
| MCB 2010C | Microbiology with Laboratory | Prof. Goulet-Miller | 16875, 14134, 10482 |
| PCB 3023C | Cell Biology | Dr. Michael | 14062 |
| PCB 3023C | Cell Biology | Dr. Fredericks | 10491, 10492 |
| ISC 31230C | Scientific Process | Dr. Demers | 16882 |
| ISC 31230C | Scientific Process | Dr. Michael | 10544 |
| BSC 3440 | Animal Nutrition | Prof. Palmtag | 15778 |
| ZOO 3464C | Field Herpetology of SWFL | Dr. Durso | 16489 |
| PCB 4233C | Immunology | Dr. Mujtaba | 10506 |
| ZOO 4405 | Sea Turtle Biology | Dr. Ware | 16881 |
| BSC 4422C | Methods in Biotechnology | Dr. James | 10538 |
| BSC 4434C | Bioinformatics | Dr. Johnson | 17015 |
| BSC 4911 | Senior Project II: Presentation | Dr. Johnson | 16127 |
| BSC 4930 | Evolutionary Ecology | Dr. Gunnels | 16910 |
Note: Course offerings and CRNs are subject to change. Always confirm your schedule in Gulfline and review your course syllabus for assignment details.
Ready to Get Started?
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- Check whether you are enrolled in any of the Spring 2026 courses listed above.
- Talk with your instructor about which assignment(s) in the course can be used as an Oral Communication badge artifact.
- Register for the Oral Communication badge through the FGCU Transferable Skills website.
- Complete your assignment, follow the badge reflection instructions in Canvas, and save all files in a safe place.
Questions?
For questions about Biology courses and assignments:
Contact the Department of Biological Sciences or your course instructor.
For questions about registering for or completing the badge:
Email digitalbadges@fgcu.edu.
