The Human Toxicology Program has worked with the University of Iowa Graduate College to develop learning goals and an assessment process that will provide regular insight into students' learning in key areas of the program.

Our learning outcomes will:
•    Provide faculty with clear direction for implementation in the classroom
•    Make expectations explicit to students
•    Focus data collection

The assessment process answered the following questions:
•    What is our program accomplishing?
•    How well is our program influencing student learning?
•    How do we know that our students are learning?
•    How do we improve student learning?
•    On what information can we base celebrating our students’ accomplishments?
•    Have our improvements been effective?

The learning outcomes will be assessed on a yearly basis. The report will be shared with all faculty and students. The following is the template that was used for the process. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Program Director Dr. Peter Thorne, the DGS Director Dr. Gabriele Ludewig, or the Program Administrator David Purdy.

Step 1: Assessment administration in the department

Who will lead the assessment work?

The Human Toxicology Program Director, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Program Administrator will lead the implementation of the plan.

How will assessment information be shared within the department/program? 

An annual meeting of all program faculty and staff will be held in June or July.  At this meeting, the program faculty will review current enrollment and recruitment data, overall student progress, degree completion, proposed or initiated changes in the program or its curriculum, feedback received through course evaluations and/or graduate exit interviews, and progress on student assessment and learning outcomes. Assessment of individual questions on student learning outcomes will be discussed on the schedule indicated in Step 5 of this document. Other specific needs and opportunities for the program will be addressed at the annual meeting as they arise.

What is the plan for production of an annual summary report?

An annual summary report will be created within 60 days of the annual meeting of program faculty and staff. The annual summary report will include the materials that form the basis of discussion at the annual meeting of the program faculty and staff, along with any recommendations made after considering the student learning assessment information presented.

Step 2: Student Learning Outcomes

1) Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the principles of toxicology, including metabolism, toxicity, and risk assessment and specific expertise related to the area of their dissertation (molecular biology, in vitro and/or in vivo techniques, analytical methods)

2) Apply the knowledge and skills of toxicology to conduct independent and innovative research

3) Demonstrate high ethical and professional standards and responsible conduct in research

4) Synthesize the knowledge and skills of toxicology to succeed as a professional in diverse toxicology careers.

Step 3: Graduate Degree Program Curriculum Mapping

Step 4: Previous Assessment Activities

What use has your program made of assessment evidence (formally or informally collected) in the last 5 years?

The program has not had a formal assessment of its curriculum, although there has been annual request of and input from PhD students. Students have wanted more materials regarding professional development. As a result, we created a Professional Development in Toxicology course that all incoming students must take. We have also created a student/alumni LinkedIn page and have been actively creating opportunities for students to learn about resumés, interview skills, job opportunities, etc.

Students have been requesting more opportunities for potential rotations during their first year. We have added six new faculty into the program as a result of students doing rotations in the mentor’s lab and then the mentor joining our program.

Students have also been requesting more opportunities to learn risk assessment. There is currently one course that offers multiple lectures on risk assessment but the goal is to offer additional opportunities to learn risk assessment.

We have also created a Student Advisory Committee that provides feedback to the DEO on ideas of courses and activities that students might wish to include in the program.

Based on evaluation of the effectiveness of GRE scores measuring the success of future student academic progress, the Human Toxicology Program began not requiring GRE scores in August 2020. This decision will be re-evaluated annually.

IDPs are used to assess a student’s current activities and provide a guide for future courses and learning activities.

Step 5: Assessment Planning

What questions, issues, or concerns about student learning in the degree program do you want to address?