Learning Goals

From BCRCWiki

1. Skills
   1. Ability to observe and describe nature accurately
      1. Develop data collection strategies
      2. Use standard assays and techniques
      3. Be familiar with standard instrumentation
   2. Ability to find, evaluate, and appropriately utilize diverse information resources
      1. Assess the reliability of information resources
      2. Navigate and use the Primary Literature
   3. Ability to construct logical arguments in biology
      1. Reason across hierarchical scales of organization (physical, chemical, biological, ecological)
      2. Generate and state testable hypotheses
      3. Develop and elaborate models
   4. Ability to critique logical arguments in biology
      1. Design experiments to test hypotheses
      2. Recognize possible outcomes and assess the probability of occurrences
      3. Collect, organize, and analyze relevant data
      4. Draw conclusions and evaluate their relative quality
   5. Ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively both orally, graphically, and in writing
   6. Ability to work effectively in a team
   7. Ability to apply problem-solving to learning
      1. Develop strategies for identifying deficits in knowledge
      2. Acquire information gathering and study skills
      3. Self-assess progress in learning
   8. Ability to apply quantitative reasoning and computational techniques to biological questions
      1. Organize, transform, and analyze raw data
      2. Construct and interpret figures, graphs, and plots
      3. Analyze data using statistical methods
2. Perspectives
   1. Appreciation that learning changes "how one thinks" as well as "what one knows"
   2. Appreciation for self-motivated, curiosity-driven learning
   3. Ability to approach novel problems with flexibility, creativity, and confidence
   4. Appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge
   5. Appreciation that the pursuit of science can be exciting and fulfilling
   6. Confidence in oneself as a College-Trained Biologist
   7. Appreciation for the diversity of living things and the diversity of approaches used to study them
   8. Appreciation for the impact of biological science on the environment and society
   9. Recognition of the importance of ethics in science
   10. Appreciation of science as a human endeavor