School of Science

The purpose of Academic Assessment and Improvement at Marist College is to provide information and support in the area of learning outcomes assessment. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Science is to encourage intellectual development in the natural, physical and health sciences and to instill an inquisitive nature, lifelong quest for knowledge and responsibility to be ethical and productive members of our global community.

Undergraduate Environmental Science & Policy Mission

The Department of Environmental Science & Policy educates students to become professionals ready to understand and solve society’s challenging environmental issues. Three concentrations — Assessment, Science, and Policy — allow for different areas of emphasis. Within each concentration, students can choose from a wide range of courses to build a strong foundation in both the applied and theoretical aspects of their area of expertise. The program allows students the flexibility to pursue their individual related passion, whether that interest is in the scientific, political, economic, legal, social, or natural resource realm of environmental issues.

Located in the scenic and historic Hudson Valley, our curriculum offers numerous opportunities for hands-on study at nearby field sites. Some courses include labs taught on the Hudson River aboard our recently acquired 28’ research vessel.

The curriculum extends beyond coursework through internship and research opportunities included in our major requirements. These opportunities expose students to different environmentally-focused career paths and prepare them to be competitive candidates either in the professional sector or in graduate school.

As a result of combining our curriculum with extensive individual guidance and attention from faculty, the Department has gained a reputation among employers in both government and private sectors for molding students into citizens with a high-level of environmental consciousness and scientific talent who are well-prepared for challenging environmental careers; and employers extol the level of knowledge and skills our students can and have demonstrated fresh out of college.

The curriculum’s flexibility also allows students who wish to pursue graduate studies to schedule a comprehensive undergraduate research experience, which has a very successful record of placing students in excellent graduate programs. Some features of the program are: extensive hands-on field or laboratory experience utilizing the most up-to-date laboratory equipment, regional and national conference presentation opportunities, and placement guidance into graduate school.

The interdisciplinary nature of our curriculum is also well-suited to accommodate dual majors and minors, and is particularly beneficial to students interested in: biology, zoology, ecology, geology, hydrology, climatology, botany, social sciences, health sciences, liberal arts, business, international affairs, and many other areas of studies.

Undergraduate Environmental Science & Policy Outcomes

1. Students will gain a thorough understanding of components and dynamics of the natural world, being capable of identifying its prominent features and interactions.
2. Students will gain a thorough understanding of major environmental problems confronting humanity and other species, analyzing and evaluating their effects.
3. Students will create strategies for solving these challenges.
4. Students will analyze and evaluate Hudson River Valley ecosystems and be involved with creative efforts to maintain their integrity.
5. Students will be well-prepared for entering the workforce and graduate and professional schools.

Undergraduate Biology Mission

The mission of the Marist Department of Biology is to provide an outstanding and supportive educational environment in which students and faculty flourish as they seek to better understand the biological sciences and their practical applications.

Undergraduate Biology Goals

1. Understanding of the scientific method.
2. Understanding of chemical bonding, reactions, and enzyme action.
3. Distinguish between macromolecules.
4. Explain the microanatomy of the cell and transport across membranes.
5. Demonstrate the principles of cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
6. Discuss mitotic and meiotic cell divisions.
7. Explain molecular genetics, chromosome structure, and the central dogma.
8. Familiarity with the construction of scientific investigations.
9. Ability to describe and use basic biological concepts.
10. Familiarity with the basic areas of biological thought- Genetics.
11. Familiarity with the basic areas of biological thought- Evolution.
12. Familiarity with the basic areas of biological thought- Ecology.

Undergraduate Biology Objectives

1. Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of mammalian anatomy.
2. Students will be able to use microscopy to accurately describe microscopic objects.
3. Students will be able to perform techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
4. Students will be able to perform searches in electronic databases for sources of information and be able to assess the reliability of that information.
5. Students will be able to professionally communicate results of information searches both orally and in writing.

Undergraduate Chemistry Goals and Objectives

1. Students will acquire a systematic understanding of the physical world.

a. Students will be able to solve problems through the understanding and application of fundamental scientific principles of chemistry and physics.

b. Students will have acceptable skills in laboratory procedure.

2. Students will disseminate new discoveries to the scientific community.

a. Students will have the ability to communicate effectively through written work and oral presentation.

b. Students will understand ethical values and how they may apply to their future careers.

Undergraduate Athletic Training Goals and Objectives

1. To prepare the athletic training student for a transition into professional practice as competent and appropriately credentialed health care providers.

a. Students will earn the BOC Credential upon graduation, allowing them to practice as Certified Athletic Trainers.

b. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in professional knowledge content area of Injury Prevention & Health Promotion.

c. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in professional knowledge content area of Clinical Examination & Diagnosis.

d. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in professional knowledge content area of Acute Care of Injury & Illness.

e. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in professional knowledge content area of Therapeutic Interventions, Psychosocial Strategies & Referral.

f. Students will demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities in professional knowledge content area of Healthcare Administration, and Professional Development & Responsibility.

2. To promote and maintain high standards in the recruitment and retention of academically-capable students

a. Students will show appropriate progression through the Professional Phase of the academic curriculum

3. To develop healthcare practitioners that are capable of delivering evidence-informed patient care in across a variety of settings.

a. Clinical education sites will provide students with experiences in a variety of settings, including high schools, universities, and clinics, with preceptors who demonstrate a commitment to teaching and learning while serving as role models for professional development.

b. Students will demonstrate the application of evidence-based principles through research, writing, and presentation.

4. To prepare students for gainful employment in the Athletic Training profession or for continued education at the graduate level.

a. Students will become quality candidates for post-graduation employment.

b. Students will become quality candidates for graduate program admission.

Doctorate of Physical Therapy Goals

1. Merge hands-on skills, ethical care, clinical judgment, and critical inquiry to promote optimal participation of current and future clients throughout their lifespan. Implement practical skills to inform and guide their decisions.
2. Proficiently administer all aspects of the Patient/Client Management Model
3. Become autonomous movement specialists prepared in all aspects of patient care for disorders of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and integumentary systems for individuals throughout the lifespan.
4. Within the scope of PT practice, integrate health promotion, fitness, wellness, disease prevention, and innovative strategies to achieve optimal participation of their patients/clients.
5. Practice the highest standards of ethical and legal practice and ascribe to the American Physical Therapy Association’s Core Values and Code of Ethics.
6. Recognize the benefits and needs of providing physical therapy to the entire person, not solely the impairment, functional limitations, and disorders they present.
7. Value and respect individuals regardless of race, religion, sex, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, or domestic violence victim status.
8. Commit to the importance of providing advocacy, leadership, and service to the profession as well as to local and global communities.