College of Science Assessment Overview

Our assessment mission, philosophy, and goals with links to additional assessment resources in the college's departments of Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computer Science, Geosciencnes, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics.

Philosophy

USU's College of Science is committed to a rigorous and ongoing assessment process.

The majority of the work on the direct assessment of the curriculum, including individual courses, majors, emphases and minors is conducted by the five departments. They are guided in their assessment by the dean's office, but each has developed individualized assessment plans and practices based on disciplinary standards and best practices, their unique faculty and students and professional accrediting bodies.

Mission Statement

The College of Science embraces the University's mission of teaching, research, and service as well as the mission of fostering the intellectual, personal, and cultural development of students in the context of science disciplines.

In teaching, the mission is to incorporate scientific inquiry into the critical thinking skills of all students in an effort to produce scientifically literate citizens, to provide students entering various professions with the necessary scientific foundation for the pursuit of these professions, and to produce broadly trained scholars of science with contemporary knowledge.

In research, the mission is to discover new scientific knowledge, develop new technologies, and to convey that knowledge for the benefit of all humankind.

In service, the mission is to deliver scientific knowledge and provide instruction beyond the University through Distance Education, Cooperative Extension Services, research collaborations, and outreach activities.

Goals

  • Increase the quality of teaching at all levels throughout the College, including the development of high quality courses in various formats to enhance University Studies and Distance Education.
  • Maintain and improve the quality of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Assist departments in developing and supporting selected research emphases where excellence will be achieved and enhanced.
  • Increase the number of minorities and women at all levels within the College.
  • Increase the level of financial support for students, faculty, and departments through selected development initiatives.
  • Promote the general public's understanding of science through outreach activities and service to various constituencies, such as individual citizens, community groups, and K-12 schools.

Resources

Departmental Assessment