Program: Tropical Plant Pathology (PhD)
Degree: Doctorate
Date: Thu Nov 12, 2009 - 11:27:56 am
1) List your program's student learning outcomes (SLOs).
TPP students communicate effectively.
TPP studentsc are competent and knowledgeable biologists.
TPP students conduct research in plant pathology.
2) Where are your program's SLOs published?
Department Website URL: Student Handbook. URL, if available online: Information Sheet, Flyer, or Brochure URL, if available online: UHM Catalog. Page Number: Course Syllabi. URL, if available online: 
Other: With graduate chair as we edit and refine them Other: 3) Upload your program's current curriculum map(s) as a PDF.
- File (03/16/2020)
4) What percentage of courses have the course SLOs explicitly stated on the course syllabus, department website, or other publicly available document? (Check one)
0%
1-50% 51-80% 81-99% 100%5) State the SLO(s) that was Assessed, Targeted, or Studied
TPP students communicate effectively.
TPP students are competent and knowledgeable biologists.
TPP students conduct research in plant pathology.
6) State the Assessment Question(s) and/or Goal(s) of Assessment Activity
TPP students communicate effectively.
•TPP students will write and defend a thesis of original phytopathological research.
•TPP students will present the findings of their research in oral and/or poster formats in scientific forums.
•TPP students will publish the results of their research in peer-reviewed journals.
TPP students are competent and knowledgeable biologists.
•TPP students will have a basic understanding of molecular biology and genetics.
•TPP students will demonstrate a general knowledge of the four major pathogen groups.
•TPP students will possess understanding of plant disease epidemiology.
•TPP students will have strong knowledge of their specialized field of study.
TPP students conduct research in plant pathology.
•TPP students will propose and formulate research objectives to address relevant plant pathological questions.
•TPP students will conduct research using appropriate design and methods.
•TPP students will collect, interpret, and summarize data relevant to plant disease.
7) State the Type(s) of Evidence Gathered
SLO 1. Communication. We are looking for excellent English as evidenced in course work grant proposals, papers, and reports; publication of abstracts and peer-reviewed publications; public speaking in seminars, workshops and scientific meetings; and presentation at seminars and scientific meetings.
SLO 2. Competency and Knowledge. We are evaluating competency in plant pathology specifically and in biology, molecular biology, and genetics in general. Grades in courses and in thesis/dissertation defense are measures.
SLO 3. Phytopathological Research Skills. We look for evidence of analysis, independence, management of disease, diagnosis of disease, interpretation of literature, technical skills, and isolation of pathogens. We gather evidence from courses, student publications, and student presentations.
8) State How the Evidence was Interpreted, Evaluated, or Analyzed
We employed a heuristic analysis combined with faculty comments. The degree requirements are being reviewed by the graduate faculty and may be modified for relevance.
9) State How Many Pieces of Evidence Were Collected
We evaluated 25 pieces of evidence in the form of publications, course work, presentations, and employment.
10) Summarize the Actual Results
The program is meeting most of the goals. The proposals seminars that were given were deemed acceptable. The Defenses conducted for graduating students were found to be sufficient by the faculty. Graduates secured employment in industry or academia related to their studies in plant pathology. Course work was completed with satisfactory competency - no students were placed on probation. Several students presented their research in symposia and at national meetings.
11) Briefly Describe the Distribution and Discussion of Results
The TPP faculty distribute, share and discuss the results amongst themselves.
12) Describe Conclusions and Discoveries
We find that the TPP program is meeting its goals and producing acceptable graduates. We are not where we want to be on the competency and knowledge in plant disease however. We are now discussing how to address that issue. Students are graduating, publishing, and continuing on in successful careers related to plant pathology.
13) Use of Results/Program Modifications: State How the Program Used the Results --or-- Explain Planned Use of Results
We are now discussing how to address greater competency in plant pathology. It is too early in our discussions to state what the final outcome will be.
14) Reflect on the Assessment Process
It would be very beneficial to have a staff member whose sole duty is to collect and collate data rather than relying upon individual, voluntary submission of data. This is a weakness in system because not every faculty member is into or believes in the current assessment activities.
15) Other Important Information
None
16) FOR DISTANCE PROGRAMS ONLY: Explain how your program/department has adapted its assessment of student learning in the on-campus program to assess student learning in the distance education program.
Not applicable
17) FOR DISTANCE PROGRAMS ONLY: Summarize the actual student learning assessment results that compare the achievement of students in the on-campus program to students in the distance education program.
Not applicable