PNB Undergraduate Major Assessment Plan
Program Goals
The goals of the Physiology and Neurobiology undergraduate BS program are to ensure
that students:
 Gain a fundamental understanding of physiological mechanisms.
 Are able to apply the scientific method to problems in physiology and neurobiology.
 Develop an appreciation of the importance of physiological and neurobiological
principles basic to all animal groups, including humans.
 Appreciate PNB career possibilities
Program Implementation
The Physiology & Neurobiology undergraduate BS program has the following alignment of
goals and objectives/outcomes:
Goal 1: Students will gain a fundamental understanding of physiological
mechanisms.
Objective 1.1: Students will be able to explain structure and functional mechanisms of
animals, including humans, from the molecular to the organism level.
Outcome 1.11: PNB graduates will be able to describe the structure of organs and
organ systems in animals and humans.
Outcome 1.12: PNB graduates will be able to describe the function of organs and
organ systems in animals and humans.
Outcome 1.13: PNB graduates will e able to relate structure to function of organs
and organ systems in animals and humans.
Outcome 1:14: PNB graduates will be able to describe the molecular and cellular
basis of tissues and organs in animals and humans.
Objective 1.2: Students will be able to describe each animal organ system and its
relatedness to animal and human health.
Outcome 1.21: PNB graduates will be able to relate the structure and function of
organs and organ systems to animal and human health.
Outcome 1.22: PNB graduates will be able to describe the structure and function of
the nervous system.
Outcome 1.23: PNB graduates will be able to describe the molecular and cellular
basis of nervous system structure and function.
Outcome 1.24: PNB graduates will be able to compare/constrast anatomy and
physiological mechanisms across animal taxa.
PNB Undergraduate Major Assessment Plan
Goal 2: Students will learn to apply the scientific method to problems in physiology
and neurobiology.
Objective 2.1: Students will be able to formulate research questions and testable
hypotheses.
Outcome 2.11: PNB graduates will be able to articulate scientific hypotheses.
Objective 2.2: Students will be able to develop laboratory skills for the collection of data.
Outcome 2.21: PNB graduates will be able to record observations and
measurements in an organized way, e.g., laboratory notebook.
Objective 2.3: Students will be able to analyze and interpret data.
Outcome 2.31: PNB graduates will be able to interpret observations and
measurements in scientific terms
Objective 2.4: Students will be able to describe, verbally and in writing, research ideas and
conclusions.
Outcome 2.41: PNB graduates will be able to summarize observations and
measurements in tables and/or figures.
Outcome 2.42: PNB graduates will be able to describe and discuss findings
verbally and in writing.
Goal 3: Students will appreciate the importance of physiological and neurobiological
principles basic to all animal groups, including humans.
Objective 3.1: Students will be able to relate physiological and neurobiological principles
to scientific advances in medicine and biology.
Outcome 3.11: PNB graduates will be able to explain the physiological and
neurobiological principles underlying scientific advances in medicine and biology.
Goal 4: Graduates with PNB majors will appreciated PNB career possibilities.
Objective 4.1: Students will be able to incorporate their training in physiology and
neurobiology to reach career and postbaccalaureate goals (i.e., Medical/Dental School,
Graduate School, Teaching.)
Outcome 4.11: PNB graduates will be able to pursue career and postgraduate
options in physiology and neurobiology.