Academics Colleges College of Science & Engineering Science & Engineering Learning Outcomes

Science & Engineering Learning Outcomes

These outcomes describe what Winona State students should know and be able to do as future scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators, and technical professionals.

Biology Learning Outcomes

Allied Health Biology Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues, and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.
apply mechanistic understanding of biological processes to human medical practices, including disease diagnosis. Students will be able to use medical data to diagnose different disease states, using case studies and/or laboratory results.
develop laboratory skills relevant to research and diagnosis of human disease. Students will understand laboratory techniques common to cell biology and genetics, including practical application and interpretation.

Biology Bachelor’s Degree and Minor

Students in these programs will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues, and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will also recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.

Biology: Life Science (Teaching) Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues, and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will also recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.
effectively use accepted teaching methods to convey information across multiple disciplines under the general field of biology.
demonstrate and mentor students through science processes by developing, teaching, and evaluating laboratory exercises.

Cell & Molecular Biology Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues, and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.
apply mechanistic understanding of biological processes to human medical practices, including disease diagnosis. Students will be able to use medical data to diagnose different disease states, using case studies and/or laboratory results.
perform cellular and molecular biology techniques commonly used in research labs, explain the concepts behind these techniques, and evaluate and present the data generated. Students will demonstrate an understanding of techniques to isolate DNA, RNA, and proteins. Students will analyze gene expression via PCR and Western blotting. Students will also utilize microscopy to analyze cellular structures.

Ecology Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will also recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.
analyze how biotic and abiotic factors influence the structure and function of ecosystems and how these ecosystems processes shape the distribution, behavior, and population dynamics of organisms.
select, apply, and interpret appropriate ecological sampling and analytical tools—including water quality instrumentation, GIS and GPS technologies, vegetation surveys, and statistical analyses to address defined research questions.
identify and classify organisms to the genus and species level and explain taxonomic relationships based on shared and distinguishing morphological and ecological characteristics.

Environmental Science Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

describe how biological systems are structured and interact at multiple levels of organization (from cells to ecosystems) and analyze how system components work together to maintain homeostasis and respond to environmental changes.
explain how genetic information is stored, transmitted, and expressed in biological systems, and predict how changes in DNA sequences can affect protein structure and function.
describe the flow of energy and matter within and among organisms.
explain the mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow, and apply evolutionary principles to analyze patterns of biological diversity and relationships among organisms.
explain how the structure of biological molecules, cells, and organisms relates to their function, and predict how structural changes can impact biological processes.
understand science as a way of knowing. Students will be able to design experiments, collect and analyze data, use evidence to draw conclusions, think critically, and evaluate scientific claims.
collect, document, and critically interpret quantitative data, including the generation and use of graphs and tables. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and creativity to solve complex biological problems.
communicate complex biological information accurately and clearly in various formats, including written reports and oral presentations.
connect biology with other STEM fields (e.g., chemistry, physics, computer science), collaborate across disciplines, and apply interdisciplinary approaches to solve biological problems.
analyze the relationship between scientific discoveries, societal issues, and the environment. Students will also understand the interdisciplinary nature of science and be able to collaborate with other fields.
build and evaluate models (e.g., conceptual, mathematical, computational). Students will use models to predict outcomes and understand biological systems. Students will recognize the strengths and limitations of different models.
analyze how biotic and abiotic factors influence the structure and function of ecosystems and how these ecosystems processes shape the distribution, behavior, and population dynamics of organisms.
select, apply, and interpret appropriate ecological sampling and analytical tools—including water quality instrumentation, GIS and GPS technologies, vegetation surveys, and statistical analyses to address defined research questions.

Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor’s Degree

Learning outcomes are in development for this program.

Chemistry Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes apply to the ACS Biochemistry, ACS Chemistry, ACS Chemistry (Teaching), ACS Environmental Chemistry, ACS Materials Chemistry, Chemistry, and Physical Science (Teaching) bachelor’s degrees.

These learning outcomes also apply to the Biochemistry, Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and Sustainability minors.

Students in these programs will:

apply scientific and creative reasoning to chemistry problems.
know and apply key concepts of organic, inorganic, analytical or instrumental, physical, and biochemistry.
apply literature searching methods to chemistry topics.
demonstrate competency with chemistry techniques, including instrumentation and software.
practice safe laboratory operations.
communicate in a scientifically appropriate style.
exemplify ethical behavior.
incorporate diverse perspectives through teamwork and other activities.

Computer Science Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes apply to the Applied Computer Science and Computer Science bachelor’s degrees.

These learning outcomes also apply to the Bioinformatics, Computer Science, and Computer Technology minors.

Students in these programs will:

develop and prove the correctness of an algorithm and analyze its complexity.
select proper primary data structures and algorithms, and allocate necessary resources in the design of computer products.
create computer programs that correctly solve appropriately complex problems where the definitions are unstructured.
develop and debug an algorithmic solution using an appropriate programming language.
evaluate technology from an ethics point of view using existing ethical frameworks.
apply new technologies and tools as they arise. Students will demonstrate readiness to incorporate advancements into their professional practice.
communicate and interact effectively when collaborating on large projects.
write formal and informal technical papers for users of technologies.
make presentations for users of technologies.

Composite Materials Engineering Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes apply to the Composite Materials Engineering bachelor’s degree.

Students in this program will:

identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Geoscience Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes apply to the Earth Science, Earth Science (Teaching), Environmental Science, and Geology bachelor’s degrees.

These learning outcomes also apply to the Geoscience and Geospatial Information Science minors.

Students in these programs will:

formulate scientific questions, identify multiple working hypotheses, and select appropriate methods to address a geologic problem in a novel situation.
identify common Earth materials and interpret their composition, origin, and uses.
use specific skills (e.g., map reading, field methods and observations, laboratory methods for analysis, data and image processing) to interpret geological materials, features, and histories.
describe the processes operating at and beneath the Earth’s surface and how those processes create the Earth’s landscapes.
outline the broad physical and biological history of the Earth and the evidence for that history.
summarize the regional geology of both the Upper Midwest and North America.
apply physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics concepts to the study of the Earth and its evolution.
relate science to political, social, and/or cultural contexts.
clearly present geological information orally, graphically, and in writing.
critically evaluate fundamental geoscience literature and other special materials (e.g., photographs, maps, remote sensing data).
articulate the benefits and responsibilities of working as a member of a team.

Mathematics & Statistics Learning Outcomes

Data Science Bachelor’s Degree and Minor

Students in these programs will:

implement and compare statistical and machine learning analyses using appropriate methodology, as well as validate the results using appropriate techniques.
design, critique, and present presentations on data-related projects both individually and as part of a team, where the presentations are meant for a general audience and the tasks involve at least 2 of the following: data management, visualization, and statistical or machine learning analysis.
design and critique visualizations for communicating insightful data stories.
complete projects involving both complex data management and analytic tasks with each of the following types of technologies: low code (e.g., Prep, JMP, Excel), SQL, and a scripting language (e.g., R, Python).
discuss the ethical aspects of data practices and the importance of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in data collection, analysis, and communication.
exhibit proper professional behavior, including reliability, accountability, respect, and effective collaboration in academic and professional settings.

Mathematics (Secondary Teaching) Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

create and interpret mathematical models from content areas such as algebra, number, geometry, calculus, or data.
reason and communicate mathematically through mathematical problem solving.
understand the historical bases of mathematics and its connections to mathematics content in the middle and secondary grades.
demonstrate an understanding of the teaching of mathematics in areas such as effective pedagogy, student learning, and classroom management.

Mathematics Bachelor’s Degree and Minor

Students in this program will:

apply methods of calculus, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and advanced mathematical areas to solve theoretical and applied problems.
construct, analyze, and communicate valid mathematical arguments using axiomatic reasoning and proof techniques.
formulate and interpret mathematical models of real-world or theoretical phenomena using appropriate analytical, computational, and technological tools.
analyze unfamiliar problems, identify underlying structures and patterns, and devise effective strategies for their solution.
independently interpret written mathematics and communicate results clearly and effectively in written, oral, and visual forms.

Statistics Bachelor’s Degree and Minor

Students in this program will:

demonstrate proficiency in collecting, managing, summarizing, and visualizing data.
identify, develop, evaluate, and validate statistical models for analyzing data.
design studies that follow sound statistical principles and practices, including experimental design, sampling strategies, and bias and variability reduction.
apply probability, calculus and linear algebra to explore and justify various statistical methodologies.
communicate (orally and in writing) with both statisticians and non-statisticians regarding study design, data collection, and analysis.
demonstrate proficiency with a variety of statistical tools and technologies.
discuss the ethical aspects of data practices and the importance of integrity, transparency, and responsibility in data collection, analysis, and communication.
exhibit proper professional behavior, including reliability, accountability, respect, and effective collaboration in academic and professional settings.

Physics Learning Outcomes

General Engineering Bachelor’s Degree

Students in this program will:

identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- Performance Indicators:
  - identify engineering, science, or math principles in an engineering problem.
  - formulate an engineering problem so that engineering, science, or math principles can be used to describe it.
  - use engineering, science, or math principles to solve an engineering problem.
  - solve problems based on fundamental principles.
  - proficiently use:
    - Electronics: computational tools.
    - Industrial Statistics: analytical data science tools.
apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- Performance Indicators:
  - apply the engineering design process to produce a solution that meets specific needs.
  - consider public health, safety and welfare in their engineering designs.
  - be sensitive to global, cultural, and social impacts in their engineering designs.
  - consider environmental and economic factors in their engineering designs.
communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Performance Indicators:
  - employ visual communication to convey audience-appropriate information.
  - communicate via writing in an audience-appropriate manner.
  - use effective oral presentation skills to convey information in an audience-appropriate manner.
  - provide constructive written feedback to peers.
recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- Performance Indicators:
  - recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations.
  - make judgments informed by ethical and professional responsibilities.
  - act as professional engineers with integrity and respect for the work of others.
function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- Performance Indicators:
  - show respect for team members and value them.
  - recognize the advantages of working as a team as compared to an individual.
  - collaborate to set goals and a timeline, when given a task.
  - complete their fair share of a project.
develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- Performance Indicators:
  - use physical models and theories to analyze data.
  - make engineering decisions using data.
  - proficiently use:
    - Electronics: appropriate tools to take measurements of electronic circuits and/or components. Students will be able to interpret that data using models.
    - Industrial Statistics: software tools to manage data in various formats.
acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- Performance Indicators:
  - acquire new knowledge from written, oral, video, or online material.
  - apply acquired knowledge to a problem.

Physics Programs

These learning outcomes apply to the Physics, Physics Electronics, Physics (Teaching), and Physical Science (Teaching) bachelor’s degrees.

These learning outcomes also apply to the Physics and Physics Electronics minors.

Students in these programs will:

identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined technical or scientific problems by applying knowledge of mathematics and science and/or technical topics to areas relevant to the discipline.
formulate or design a system, process, procedure, or program for the intended purpose.
develop and conduct experiments or test hypotheses, analyze, interpret data, and use scientific judgment to draw conclusions.
communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
understand ethical and professional responsibilities and the impact of technical and/or scientific solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
function effectively on teams that establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, and analyze risk and uncertainty.