Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Program Assessment Plan
Utah State University – Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Program Overview
The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. These programs prepare students for research, academia, industry, and public service by developing advanced scientific knowledge, independent research capability, and professional skills. Assessment ensures continuous improvement and alignment with departmental and university goals.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Conduct Original Research — Design and execute research that contributes new knowledge.
- Exhibit Research Progress and Productivity — Demonstrate measurable progress toward degree milestones.
- Master the Scientific Literature — Critically evaluate and synthesize current literature.
- Demonstrate Experimental and Analytical Competence — Apply methods and analysis to produce valid results.
- Communicate Effectively — Present research clearly in oral and written form.
- Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Service — Collaborate across disciplines and contribute to the community.
- Uphold Ethical and Professional Standards — Demonstrate integrity, safety, and professionalism.
- Successfully Complete Thesis or Dissertation — Defend a committee-approved thesis/dissertation (final-year students)
Assessment Methods & Measures
| Criterion | Assessment Method | Tools/Data Sources | Performance Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Research Contribution | Committee evaluation; thesis review | Annual letters; publication record; defense evaluation | ≥90% satisfactory; Ph.D. 2 peer-reviewed publications (or equivalent) |
| Research Progress | Annual reviews and milestone tracking | Supervisor reports; committee letters | Receive feedback; rated satisfactory |
| Literature Mastery | Qualifying exams; proposals; thesis literature chapter | Committee assessments; exam results | Demonstrate mastery |
| Experimental Skills & Data Analysis | Faculty observation; research reports | Lab notebooks; progress reports; defense questioning | All students meet competency expectations |
| Publications & Presentations | Departmental tracking | Publication lists; conference records | 100% present or publish prior to graduation |
| Presentation Skills | Department seminar and defense | Seminar evaluations; committee feedback | Pass required seminar and defense |
| Interdisciplinary Collaboration | Committee review; project records | Committee assessment; interdisciplinary publications | Collaboratory work with other scientists |
| Writing Skills | Thesis evaluation; manuscript review | Committee assessment; Graduate School approval | Writing proficiency at submission |
| Ethics & Professionalism | RCR training; committee feedback | Training records; annual reviews | RCR completion; no unresolved violations |
| Service | Student self-report; faculty confirmation | Department records; CVs | Participate in service activities |
| Thesis / Defense | Final oral defense; Graduate School approval | Defense records; final submission | 100% successful defense and final submission |
Assessment Schedule
- Annual Review: Supervisory committee meets with each student and completes a standardized checklist.
- Seminar Evaluation: Annual departmental seminar (CHEM 7800) with recorded evaluations.
- Qualifying Examination: Ph.D. candidacy examinations (written and oral) as required.
- Program Review: Aggregate data reviewed each spring by the Graduate Studies Committee.
Use of Assessment Results
Data driven actions for continuous improvement. Recent and planned actions include implementing a Graduate Skills Matrix, targeted professional development (writing, presentation, data analysis), and refinements to mentoring and recruitment strategies based on assessment data.
Continuous Improvement Process
- Collect Data (committee letters, seminar and defense outcomes, publication records).
- Analyze Trends (Graduate Studies Committee annual review).
- Implement Actions (curriculum adjustments, workshops, mentoring changes).
- Evaluate Effectiveness (monitor subsequent cohorts).
Sources
Assessment content aligned with departmental resources and graduate program pages: