Outcomes - M.S., Biology - Seton Hall University

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The Master of Science (M.S.) Program in the Department of Biological Sciences offers a challenging and current curriculum in the field of biological sciences. The program engages a diverse and responsive faculty with excellent teaching skills and scholarship activities. The mission of the M.S. program is to provide graduate students with broad, in-depth biological knowledge, advance their empirical skills, mentor them on how to integrate various scientific disciplines, enhance their ability to interpret research data using logic and reasoning, build on their communication skills, and allow them to understand the applications and limitations of science and research. The M.S. program offers a M.S. in Biology, with the option of a Neuroscience track or a minor in Business Administration, as well as M.S. in Microbiology. The M.S. program trains students in teaching and research, preparing them for a career in the biological related fields. This program also provides a solid foundation for entry into the Ph.D. program. In conclusion, the M.S. program will encourage students to become life-long learners and to contribute to the greater good by developing and sustaining ethical values through their medical, biological, and/or environmental stewardship.

M.S. in Biology

Goal 1: Expand student knowledge in the field of biological sciences.

Objective 1: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life.
Students will learn in depth complex biological concepts at the cellular and molecular level. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to explain and apply their knowledge of:

the molecular basis for the form and function of cells;

the relationship between structure and function at the cellular and molecular level;

the cellular basis of physiological and developmental processes.

Objective 2: Research methods and laboratory skills.
Students will be required to take a wide range of courses that have a laboratory component. Through these courses, graduates will be exposed to a wide range of research techniques that will enhance their understanding on the applicability of science. In addition, students undertaking a research thesis will have the opportunity to develop and execute their own research ideas and construct their own experiments thus expanding their knowledge of research methods and laboratory skills. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Select and use appropriate techniques and methodologies to do research.

Successfully complete laboratory procedures.

Successfully abide laboratory rules and regulations.

Goal 2: Further Develop Skills Related to the Biological Sciences

Objective 1: Critical Thinking.
Students will develop skills of observation and critical reading of texts and environments, will interpret representations of data and models, will understand hypotheses and conclusions, identify gaps in knowledge, formulate scientific questions, and will recognize the synthesis of new ideas. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Identify questions that can be addressed scientifically.

Interpret data and draw conclusions scientifically.

Demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and critically review scientific papers

Objective 2: Scientific Information and Technology Literacy.
Students will excel in scientific literature search, develop proficiency in accurate data collection, conduct proper calibration and use of scientific instrumentation, and develop appropriate use of scientific techniques in experimental design. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Select, use, and appropriately cite select articles from primary literature for the Introduction and Discussion sections of their written assignments and final thesis

Objective 3: Numeracy.
Students will develop the ability to reason and apply complex numerical concepts and equations in their fields of study and research while drawing relevant scientific conclusions. More specifically, graduates are required to take Biostatistics which is important for correctly interpreting scientific data. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Statistically analyze scientific data.

Use mathematical equations to predict or explain biological phenomena.

Objective 4: Communication.
Students will communicate scientific observations, analyses, and arguments in a written format typically required by their future professions. Furthermore, students undertaking a research thesis will have the opportunity to present their results in oral and written formats. Overall, students will develop oral communication skills from formal presentations and informal scientific discourse. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Discuss biological processes using precise scientific terminology.

Prepare written or oral reports in standard scientific format using appropriate analytical tools and presentation software.

Present at professional societies and conferences.

Answer questions from the public or their committee following or during an oral presentation.

Goal 3: Apply Knowledge and Skills of Biological to the Greater Good of Society

Objective 1: Opportunities and Limitations in the Application of Biological Knowledge, Skills, and Research.
Students will be able to integrate scientific, biological knowledge within a social, political and/or historical context while recognizing both the potential and limitations of scientific application. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Apply scientific processes, including designing and conducting experiments and examining hypotheses.
Place their research in a broader scientific context based on current literature.
Evaluate the work of their peers

Objective 2: Professional and Career Development.
Students will be able to implement the knowledge, skills and values of biological sciences into occupational pursuits, making them attractive candidates in today's job market.

M.S., Biology with Business Minor

Goal 1: Expand Student Knowledge in the field of Biological Sciences.

Objective 1: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life
Students will learn in depth complex biological concepts at the cellular and molecular level. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to explain and apply their understanding of:

the molecular basis for the form and function of cells;
the relationship between structure and function at the cellular and molecular level;
the cellular basis of physiological and developmental processes.

Objective 2: Research Methods and Laboratory Skills
Students will be required to take a wide range of courses that have a laboratory component. Through these courses, graduates will be exposed to a wide range of research techniques that will enhance their understanding on the applicability of science. In addition, students undertaking a research thesis will have the opportunity to develop and execute their own research ideas and construct their own experiments thus expanding their knowledge on research methods and laboratory skills. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Select and use appropriate techniques and methodologies to do research.
Successfully complete laboratory procedures.
Successfully abide to laboratory rules and regulations.

Objective 3: Business Administration
Students will understand the financial impacts and applications of Biological Sciences in the pharmaceutical industry. More specifically they will acquire knowledge in organizational and market dynamics, analytical methods and information systems for business, as well as become aware of corporate and accounting considerations. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to explain and apply their understanding of:

the legal environment of business and their professional duties as responsible business leaders;
business knowledge and organizational skills throughout their education;
the major cultural, legal, economic, and geopolitical trends that are influencing the pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets.

Goal 2: Further Develop Skills Related to the Biological Sciences and Business Administration.

Objective 1: Critical Thinking
Students will develop skills of observation and critical reading of texts and environments, will interpret representations of data and models, will understand hypotheses and conclusions, identify gaps in knowledge, formulate scientific questions, and will recognize the synthesis of new ideas. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Identify questions that can be addressed scientifically.
Interpret data and draw conclusions scientifically.
Demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and critically review scientific papers.

Objective 2: Scientific Information and Technology Literacy
Students will excel in scientific literature search, develop proficiency in accurate data collection, conduct proper calibration and use of scientific instrumentation, and develop appropriate use of scientific techniques in experimental design. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Select, use, and appropriately cite select articles from primary literature for the Introduction and Discussion sections of their written assignments and final thesis.

Objective 3: Numeracy
Students will develop the ability to reason and apply complex numerical concepts and equations in their fields of study and research while drawing relevant scientific conclusions. More specifically, graduates are required to take Biostatistics which is important for correctly interpreting scientific data. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Statistically analyze scientific and/or business study data.
Use mathematical equations to predict or explain biological phenomena.
Use information systems to select, manipulate, and process raw data into meaningful information or knowledge necessary to make business decisions, and achieve management efficiency.
Understand, select, and apply appropriate analytical tools to solve problems associated with business administration.

Objective 4: Communication
Students will communicate scientific and business plan observations, analyses, and arguments in a written format typically required by their future professions. . Furthermore, students undertaking a research thesis will have the opportunity to present their results in oral and written formats. Overall, students will develop oral communication skills from formal presentations and informal scientific discourse. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Discuss biological processes using precise scientific terminology.
Prepare written or oral reports in standard scientific format using appropriate analytical tools and presentation software.
Present at professional societies and conferences.
Answer questions from the public or their committee following or during an oral presentation

Goal 3: Apply Knowledge and Skills of Biological Sciences and Business Administration to the Greater Good of Society

Objective 1: Opportunities and Limitations in the Application of Biological and Business Administration Knowledge, Skills, and Research
Students will be able to integrate scientific, biological knowledge within a social, political and/or historical context while recognizing both the potential and limitations of scientific application. Specifically, students will demonstrate their ability to:

Apply scientific processes, including designing and conducting experiments and examining hypotheses.
Place their research in a broader scientific context based on current literature.
Evaluate the work of their peers.
Recognize the importance of ethical implications in business decisions and how to apply this ethical understanding and perspective to various business situations.

Objective 2: Professional and Career Development
Students will be able to implement the knowledge, skills and values of biological sciences and business administration into occupational pursuits, making them attractive candidates in today’s job market.

M.S., Biology - Neuroscience Track

Goal 1: Understand Principles and Concepts of Biological Sciences with a Particular Focus to the Field of Neuroscience

Objective 1: Structure and Function
Students will attain familiarity with neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as well as major concepts, empirical findings and historical trends in neuroscience. Specifically, students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and its interactions with the other organs.

Objective 2: Cellular and Molecular Basis of Life
Students will learn concepts of biology courses in depth. This knowledge will give students an insight into the complexities of biological systems. Specifically, students will exhibit comprehension of basic neuroscience and molecular biology.

Goal 2: Develop Skills Related to Biological Sciences, including Neuroscience

Objective 1: Research Techniques and Scientific Method
Students will familiarize with a variety of techniques commonly used in molecular biology/neuroscience research by hands-on laboratory work, as well as by reading and presenting scientific articles Specifically, students will employ appropriately the relevant techniques and scientific methods in designing experimental studies for thesis preparation, whether research thesis (plan A) or library thesis (plan B).

Objective 2: Information and Technological Literacy
Students will utilize scientific literature searches. Specifically, students will identify and select relevant peer-reviewed experimental as well as review articles for thesis preparation, oral presentations, research papers, posters.

Objective 3: Numeracy
Students will attain familiarity with biostatistics and its applications in the field of biological sciences. Specifically, students will demonstrate competence in correct interpretation of data and statistics derived from scientific literature and also in proper application in the student thesis

Objective 4: Communication Skills (Oral Communication and Reading/Writing)
Students will expand their oral communication skills as well as refine their writing skills. Specifically, students will demonstrate competence to investigate research topics and report their findings in various formats (scientific presentations, debates, group discussions, thesis presentation, research papers, posters).

Goal 3: Apply Knowledge and Skills of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience to the Greater Good of Society

Objective 1: Apply Knowledge, Skills and Values of Biological Sciences when Investigating Career Paths
Specifically, students will apply learned knowledge and skills in selecting paths for further studies or formulating career choices.

Objective 2: Apply Biological Knowledge and Skills Responsibly to Civic, Social and/or Global Issues
Specifically, students will recognize and understand the complexity and impact of scientific advancement for the society, and act responsibly.