Liberal Arts: Natural Science

(Biology) Option

Ruth Young

Program Review Team Members Ruth Young

Professor, Biology Program Coordinator and Program ReviewTeam Leader, Department of Natural Sciences, NECC

Marcy VozzellaAssistant Professor, Chair of Natural Sciences, NECC

Mariana VilhenaInstructor, Department of Natural Sciences, NECC

Stephen MathisProfessor, English Department, NECC

Gary HeisermannAssistant Professor, Biology Department, Salem State College

Peter GainesAssistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Program Mission Statement

The Liberal Arts/Biology Program is designed to prepare students for further study towards the bachelor’s degree in biology by providing coursework and laboratory experiences in biology and other natural sciences, as well as a background in mathematics and the liberal arts.

Consistent with College’s Values

Engage our students Collaborative learning Diverse environment Serve other programs High standard of excellence Resource for the community

Hidden Prerequisites

(College Reading) Introductory Chemistry Math sequence up to and including Advanced

Algebra and Trigonometry

Areas of Strength

Dynamic and diverse faculty Student interest in the program Minority interest in the program Academic support for students Expanding and exciting course offerings

Areas for Improvement

Laboratory safety procedures Low number of graduates Many students drop out Inadequate plan for dealing with

underprepared students

Areas for Improvement

Number of full-time chemistry or physics faculty members

Availability of full-time faculty to teach in LA/Biology option

Outdated technology in the classrooms and laboratories

Inadequate financial resources

Resources Requested

New desktop computers for the laboratories Electrophoresis equipment Additional wall outlets in laboratories White boards for laboratories A venting system for the microbiology

laboratory Product Contracts for faculty to work over the

summer cleaning out labs