ENHANCING ASSESSMENT IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES  

The bioassess website is one outcome from a 2006-7 project in Australia, entitled Enhancing assessment in the biological sciences. One of the principal purposes of the project was to develop and disseminate resources to support and enhance the assessment of learning in the biological sciences in Australian universities.

'Biological science' is used here in its broadest sense, encompassing all life sciences. Included are such long-standing disciplines as zoology, botany and anatomy, along with more recently defined fields such as biochemistry, environmental science, genetics and developmental biology. The focus is upon undergraduate study, including broad programs in science and biomedical science, along with more specialised studies such as dietetics, aquaculture and environmental science.

The consultation phases of this project provide a rare snapshot of the 'state of play' in learning, teaching and assessment in the biological sciences in Australia. Through interviews, state-based roundtable discussions and two national seminars, university staff and students described their experiences with assessment, and detailed approaches they believed effective. Highlighted in these discussions were examples of innovation and effective assessment strategies developed on the basis of considered, reflective practice. In addition, recurrent themes of concern around several key issues emerged - none of which are unique to the life sciences.

Drawing upon the combined expertise of the project team (as authors) and our various advisors, we have developed a resource which we believe will further promote effective assessment practice in higher education. The discipline specific focus has enabled a detailed and practice oriented approach to the analysis and writing. Throughout, we have sought to embed and highlight recognised principles of effective assessment - the central role of feedback, for example, and the need for clear alignment between assessment and intended learning outcomes.

We have worked from the principle that assessment serves multiple purposes in higher education. Acknowledging that no single type of assessment will adequately serve all purposes, we have emphasised the particular strengths of each assessment type discussed.

The bioassess website comprises a comprehensive suite of resources covering the types of assessment in use, the key issues for staff, and resources to support enhanced curriculum design and development. In addition, it includes many specific examples written by academic staff from across Australia, available for download in PDF format.


Kerri-Lee Harris, Kerri-Lee Krause, Dawn Gleeson, Mary Peat, Charlotte Taylor and Robin Garnett
June 2007