Executive Summary Report for the review of the Biology program – Winter 2022
As part of Redeemer’s institutional quality assurance process, the biology faculty completed a Self-Study Report of the Biology Programs (honours major, general major, and a minor) in September 2021. A review team composed of two external and one internal reviewer performed, due to COVID restrictions, an online visit November 4-5, 2021, meeting with students, faculty, and relevant support staff and senior administration. The team subsequently submitted a final External Reviewers’ Report on February 4, 2022.
The review team praised the biology program for the clear and intentional alignment between the biology program and Redeemer’s mission and vision; faculty engagement with, and mentorship of, students; and students’ ability to develop strong technical skills, especially through extensive hands-on laboratory experience. Areas of improvement include further revisions of program learning outcomes to strengthen areas in writing and use of primary literature; modifications of lab requirements; and exploration of opportunities for enhancing students’ exposure to research such as the use of “big data,” and gaining experience working on faculty research projects.
Based on their response, approved on April 27, 2022, the biology faculty and Redeemer administration have carefully considered the External Reviewers’ Report and prepared a concrete plan, with a timeline, to strengthen the program in response to the recommendations. This plan has been approved by the Academic Quality Assurance Committee and Redeemer’s Senate.
