Policies, Standards and Guidelines for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology Program

May 17, 2017

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 046-17

 

In accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Act of 1994," in pursuance of an outcomes-based quality assurance system as advocated under CMO No. 46, s. 2012, and for the purpose of rationalizing the Marine Biology education in the country by virtue of Commission en banc Resolution No. 231-2017 dated March 28, 2017, the following policies, standards and guidelines (PSGs) are hereby adopted and promulgated by the Commission.

ARTICLE I

Introduction

SECTION 1. Rationale. —

Based on the Guidelines for the Implementation of CMO No. 46, series of 2012, this PSG implements the "shift to learning competency-based standards/outcomes-based education." It specifies the 'core competencies' expected of BS Marine Biology graduates "regardless of the type of HEI they graduate from." However, in "recognition of the spirit of outcomes-based education and . . . of the typology of HEIs," this PSG also provides "ample space for HEIs to innovate in the curriculum in line with the assessment of how best to achieve learning outcomes in their particular contexts and their respective missions . . . ."

ARTICLE II

Authority to Operate

SECTION 2. Government Authority. —

All private higher education institutions (PHEIs) intending to offer Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BS Marine Bio) must first secure proper authority from the Commission in accordance with this PSG. All PHEIs with existing BS Biology program are required to shift to an outcomes-based approach. State universities and colleges (SUCs), and local colleges and universities (LUCs) should likewise strictly adhere to the provisions in these policies and standards.

ARTICLE III

General Provisions

Per Section 13 of RA No. 7722, the higher education institutions shall exercise academic freedom in its curricular offerings but must comply with the minimum requirements for specific academic programs, the general education distribution requirements and the specific professional courses.

SECTION 3. The Articles that follow give minimum standards and other requirements and prescriptions. The minimum standards are expressed as a minimum set of desired program outcomes which are given in Article IV, Section 6. The CHED designed a curriculum to attain such outcomes. This curriculum is shown in Article V, Section 9 as a sample curriculum. The number of units of this curriculum is herein prescribed as the "minimum unit requirement" under Section 13 of RA 7722. In designing the curriculum the CHED employed a curriculum map which is shown in Article V, Section 10 as a sample curriculum map.

Using a learner-centered/outcomes-based approach the CHED also determined appropriate curriculum delivery methods shown in Article V, Section 11. The sample course syllabi given in Article V, Section 12 show some of these methods.

Based on the curriculum and the means of its delivery, the CHED determined the physical resource requirements for the library, laboratories and other facilities and the human resource requirements in terms of administration and faculty. See Article VI.

SECTION 4. The HEIs are allowed to design curricula suited to their own contexts and missions provided that they can demonstrate that the same leads to the attainment of the required minimum set of outcomes, albeit by a different route. In the same vein, they have latitude in terms of curriculum delivery and in terms of specification and deployment of human and physical resources as long as they can show that the attainment of the program outcomes and satisfaction of program educational objectives can be assured by the alternative means they propose.

The HEIs can use the CHED Implementation Handbook for Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) and the Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA) as a guide in making their submissions from sections in Article VII, Section 19.

These PSGs reflect the reform towards outcomes-based education. Likewise, it is based on K to 12 reform education system and on the CHED proposed GE program.

ARTICLE IV

Program Specifications

SECTION 5. Program Description. —

5.1 Degree Name

The degree program described herein shall be called Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology (BS Marine Biology).

5.2 Nature of the Field of Study

Marine Science by definition is the branch of knowledge which deals with the science of the sea and all the life and the processes and interactions in it. Marine Biology as a discipline in higher education, finds its role in the creation of human resource that will steward the vast marine resources of the Philippines. Considering that the Philippines has the 5th longest coastline in the world (36,289 kilometers) and the strategic location of the Philippines in the heart of the Coral Triangle. More importantly, the Philippines has been identified globally as the Center of the Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity. The major importance of marine resources in food, medicine, tourism, materials, energy, climate, security and pharmaceuticals should be acknowledged.

Therefore, Marine Science and Marine Biology are fields that need to be given attention and priority by the Philippine government. Being an archipelagic country, the Philippines needs to develop manpower to help manage, sustain and enhance marine resources.

The global trend of Marine Biology is to highlight the function of biodiversity not only as a resource but as a strategy for resilience to global change. This is reflected in the recommended curriculum of the Program.

5.3 Program Goals

The program aims to develop graduates that will have a clear recognition and understanding of the dynamics of the marine life and its ecosystem through actual field/hands-on experience which will provide the foundations for future careers in marine biology, conservation, oceanography, biomedicine, molecular biology, university teaching, fisheries, etc.

Graduates of the BS Marine Biology program should be able to:

a. Apply the scientific process in general problem solving

b. Have skills that can contribute to the management of tropical marine resources

c. Pursue further careers in related fields (e.g., research, teaching, resource management, etc.)

d. Have knowledge to promote sustainable utilization of marine resources.

5.4 Specific professions/careers/occupations or trades that BS Marine Biology graduates may go into

BS Marine Biology graduates can take career paths in coastal and marine related professions including marine resource management. Specific areas can be in fisheries, oceanography, conservation and biodiversity, environmental biology, research, pollution and siltation control and management, hazard mitigation, coastal land use, tourism, marine archaeology, science communication and education.

5.5 Allied Fields

Marine Biology is allied to biology, chemistry, pharmacy, fisheries, physics, oceanography, marine science, biotechnology, forestry, environmental science, natural resource management.

Specialists from these fields can teach the majors and elective courses in the program.

SECTION 6. The standards for the BS Marine Biology program are expressed in the following minimum set of learning outcomes:

6.1 Common to all baccalaureate programs in all types of institutions

a) articulate the latest developments in their specific field of practice. (PQF level 6 descriptor)

b) effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino languages.

c) work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. (PQF level 6 descriptor)

d) demonstrate professional, social, and ethical responsibility, especially in practicing intellectual property rights and sustainable development.

e) preserve and promote "Filipino historical and cultural heritage." (based on RA 7722)

6.2 Common to the Science and Mathematics Disciplines

f) demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding in the core areas of physical and natural sciences

g) apply critical and problem solving skills using the scientific method

h) interpret relevant scientific data and make judgments that include reflection on relevant scientific and ethical issues

i) carry out basic mathematical and statistical computations and use appropriate technologies in (a) the analysis of data; and (b) in pattern recognition, generalization, abstraction, critical analysis and problem solving

j) communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions, both, orally and in writing, to other scientists, decision makers and the public

k) relate science and mathematics to the other disciplines

l) design and perform safe and responsible techniques and procedures in laboratory or field practices

m) critically evaluate input from others

n) appreciate the limitations and implications of science in everyday life

o) commit to the integrity of data

6.3 Specific to BS Marine Biology

The graduates of the BS Marine Biology program should be able to:

p) demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding in the core areas of marine biology

q) search, gather, evaluate and utilize information as it relates to natural science

r) communicate the inter-relatedness of the ocean processes to overall human quality of life

s) demonstrate knowledge on how to sustainably manage marine resource

t) apply knowledge and skills learned in response to national issues and global concerns

6.4 Common to a horizontal type as defined in CMO No. 46, series of 2012

• For professional institutions: a service orientation in one's profession

• For colleges: an ability to participate in various types of employment, development activities, and public discourses particularly in response to the needs of the communities one serves

• For universities: an ability to participate in the generation of new knowledge or in research and development projects

Graduates of State Universities and Colleges must, in addition, have the competencies to support "national, regional and local development plans." (RA 7722)

The HEIs, at its option, may adopt mission-related program outcomes that are not included in the minimum set.

SECTION 7. Sample Performance Indicators. —

Performance indicators (PIs) assist in the evaluation of student learning or the achievement of the program outcomes. These are demonstrable traits developed not only through the core or discipline-specific courses but more importantly through their collective experiences.

To achieve the program outcomes, graduates of the BS Marine Biology program are expected to possess a wide range of knowledge, skills and values as follows:

A. Knowledge

• Taxonomy

• Biological and ocean processes

• Land-sea interaction

• Laws and policies related to the dynamics of the environment

• Marine resource assessment (coral reefs, sea grass & seaweeds, mangroves, fisheries)

B. Problem-solving

• Evaluate problems of the marine environment

• Field sampling design

• Spatial planning and mapping

• Benchmarking

• Data collection, processing and analysis

• Field and laboratory instrumentation

• Specimen processing (including preservation)

• Synthesize and communicate the data to useful forms

C. Decision-making and resource management

• Search, integrate and formulate optimal solutions to problems

• ICRM: Integrative Planning and Management

• Resource valuation

• Participatory management

• Communicate information to stakeholders appropriately (both written and oral)

D. Creativity and flexibility

• Generation of new information

• Appropriate application of new information

E. Ethics and integrity

• Data integrity and honesty in the reporting data

F. Value Formation

• Stewardship

• Sustainability

ARTICLE V

Curriculum

SECTION 8. Curriculum Description. —

The curriculum for BS Marine Biology should be built around a well-defined core of subjects that covers the fundamental aspects in sufficient depth and at the same time allow for flexibility to cover areas and applications in the allied disciplines. The curriculum should also provide the necessary background in natural and physical sciences, and communication to prepare the graduates for both the industry and higher levels of technical expertise.

The Policies and Standards make the recommendations on most of the BS Marine Biology curriculum and the content of each course. The purpose of this is to ensure a common standard for the BS Marine Biology degree. However, the individual institutions are given the flexibility to offer courses and topics of their preference for the remainder of the curriculum and the course contents that are unspecified. It is also emphasized that flexibility is allowed as long as the basic topics are covered.

SECTION 9. Sample Curriculum. —

9.1 Curriculum Components

The components of the BS Marine Biology curriculum are listed in Table 1 together with the minimum number of units in each component.

Table1. Components of the BS Marine Bio curriculum and their corresponding units

COMPONENTS	UNITS
a. General Education Curriculum	36
b. Foundation Courses	43
c. Core Courses	42
d. Electives	9
e. Thesis	6
f. Practicum	3
g. National Service Training Program (NSTP)	6
h. Physical Education (PE)	8
Total	153

9.1.1 General Education (GE) Courses

The general education and legislated courses follow existing CHED Guidelines on General Education.

Table 2. GE courses and corresponding units

Core GE courses (24 units)

1. Understanding the Self (Nature of identity) 2. Readings in Philippine History 3. Mathematics in the Modern World (application of mathematics in daily life) 4. Purposive Communication (Writing, speaking and presenting to different audiences) 5. Art Appreciation 6. Science, Technology and Society 7. Ethics 8. The Contemporary World (Globalization and its impact on individuals, communities and nations)

3 units 3 units 3 units   3 units   3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units

Elective courses (9 units)

9. Mathematics, Science and Technology (e.g., Information Technology) 10. Arts and Humanities (e.g., Entrepreneurship) 11. Social Sciences and Philosophy (e.g., Economics, Development and Population)

3 units   3 units 3 units

Rizal course (3 units)

* will follow the HEIs general offering for as long as the minimum number of units per course are met.

9.1.2 Foundation Courses (43 units)

The BS Marine Biology program should have a balance foundation of the physical and natural science courses which will be essential in the integration of science-based approaches in dealing with marine biology related cases.

The program requires 7 units of Mathematics, 10 units of Chemistry, 6 units of Physics, 17 units of Biology and 3 units of Earth Science. A.) Mathematics until Calculus and Inferential Statistics B.) General Chemistry until Biochemistry C.) Physics until Thermodynamics and D.) Biology until Ecology and Genetics.

Table 3. Foundation Courses courses and corresponding units

AREA	COURSES	Units
Mathematics	Calculus (Integrative) (4) Inferential Statistics and Biometry (3)	7
Chemistry	Inorganic Chemistry (3) Organic Chemistry (4) Biochemistry (3)	10
Physics	Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Gravitational Theory (3) Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics (3)	6
Biology	Cell and Molecular Biology (4) General Physiology (3) Developmental and Reproductive Biology (3) Ecology (3) Genetics (4) * All Bio Courses should include laboratory Component	17
Earth Science	To include climate change and inter-connectivity, spatial planning (in the context of the Marine Environment), Geology, tele-connections, monsoon, El Niño-Southern Oscillations, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, cyclone (with lab)	3

TOTAL

43

* will follow the HEIs general offering for as long as the minimum number of units per course are met.

9.1.3 Core Courses (42 units)

Table 4 lists the marine biology core courses that should be taken by students in the program. The minimum number of required units per area is also given. Each core course shall have a minimum of 2 units lecture and 1-2 units laboratory. Laboratory units may also include field work.

Table 4. Marine Biology core courses and corresponding units.

COURSES	UNITS
Coral Reefs *	3
Elements of Research (to include field sampling design)	3
Integrated Coastal/Marine Resource Management	4
Oceanography I	4
Oceanography II	4
Marine Zoology I (Invertebrate)	4
Marine Zoology II (Vertebrate)	4
Marine Botany (Plants-Mangrove, Sea grass, Algae)	4
Marine Microbiology and Fungi	4
Marine Ecology	4
Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution	4
TOTAL	42

* Coral Reefs: Philippines is in the middle of the coral triangle

9.1.4 Electives (9 units)

The Marine Biology department/units have particular strength and orientation. The elective courses will allow flexibility and accommodate the special interests/niche of the various departments. Higher education institutions may offer electives according to their faculty expertise, institutional resources and thrusts. Shown below are sample electives for the BS Marine Biology program. Each elective shall have a minimum equivalent of 3 units, recommended as 2 units lecture and 1 unit laboratory. Laboratory units may also include field work.

The number of units assigned to the electives is left to the discretion of the institution.

Table 5. List of sample electives

Electives

• Ichthyology • Fishery Management • Mariculture/Silviculture • Marine Chemistry • Marine Biochemistry • Marine Natural Products • Marine Pollution • Marine Birds • Marine Mammals • Marine Plankton

• Marine Reptiles • Meiofauna • Phycology • Marine Protected Areas • Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System • Scientific Diving • Marine Biotechnology

9.1.5 Thesis (6 units)

The thesis component of the BS Marine Biology program is an initiation of the student to conduct scientific research. Under this component a competent adviser is expected to guide and show the student the rigors of the scientific investigation.

The process of a scientific investigation is the same regardless of the level of degree (MS or PhD). The difference between a BS Thesis to that of an MS or PhD Thesis lies in the scope and complexity of the investigation or the questions being addressed only.

Typically should address questions that demonstrate knowledge of topic, capacity to interpret results and synthesize relevant information.

The unit is divided into three parts of two (2) units each starting second (2nd) semester of 3rd year level. A three part thesis is as follows:

• 2nd semester 3rd year level — Development of Problem, Sampling Design & Method of the Study (2 units);

• 1st semester 4th year level — Data Gathering & Data Analysis (2 units);

• and 2nd semester 4th year level — Write-up & Presentation of Results (2 units).

9.1.6 Practicum (3 unit lab = 144 hours)

The BS Marine Biology program includes a Practicum component which is equivalent to a minimum of 3 units. This can be in the form of training or professional exposure in museums, scientific expedition, mariculture, MPAs, scientific laboratories, research projects, etc. This is recommended to be offered in the summer of 3rd year level.

9.2 Sample Program of Study

The sample program of study with the recommended sequence of courses is given in Table 6. Institutions may modify the curriculum to suit their particular requirements and thrusts. Institutions may also choose to offer certain courses during the summer. It should be noted that the ideal contact hours during non-thesis semesters is 27-33 hours per week while during thesis semesters the ideal is 21-27 hours per week.

Table 6. Sample program of study and recommended sequence of courses

Year	Course (First Semester)	Units	Year	Course (Second Semester)	Units
1	Foundation Physics I	3 (1)	1	Foundation Physics II	3 (1)
	Foundation Math I	4		Foundation Math II	3
	Foundation Chem I	3 (1)		Foundation Chem II	4 (2)
	Foundation Bio I	4 (1)		Foundation Bio II	3 (1)
	GE 9 ( )	3		GE 10 ( )	3
	PE I	2		PE II	2
	NSTP I	3		NSTP II	3
	Total	22 (3)		Total	21 (4)
	Total contact hours = 28			Total contact hours = 29
2	Oceanography I	4 (2)	2	Oceanography II	4 (2)
	Foundation Chem III	3 (1)		Earth Science	3 (1)
	Foundation Bio III	3 (1)		Foundation Bio IV	3 (1)
	GE 5 ( )	3		GE 4 ( )	3
	GE 2 ( )	3		GE 11 ( )	3
	GE 1 ( )	3		GE 7 ( )	3
	PE III	2		PE IV	2
	Total	21 (4)		Total	21 (4)
	Total contact hours = 29			Total contact hours = 29
3	Marine Botany	4 (2)	3	Marine Ecology	4 (2)
	Marine Zoology I	4 (2)		Elements of Research	3
	Elective Marine Bio I	3 (1)		Elective Marine Bio II	3 (1)
	Foundation Bio V	4 (1)		GE 3 ( )	3
	Total	15 (6)		GE 8 ( )	3
				Thesis	2
	Total contact hours = 27			Total	18 (3)
				Total contact hours = 24
3 Summer	Practicum	3
4	Coral Reefs	3 (1)	4	Marine Micro & Fungi	4 (2)
	Marine Zoology II	4 (2)		Integrated Coastal/Marine
	Elective Marine Bio III	3 (1)		Resources Management	4 (2)
	GE 6 ( )	3		Systematics	4 (2)
	Rizal	3		Thesis	2
	Thesis	2		Total	14 (6)
	Total	18 (4)
	Total contact hours = 26			Total contact hours = 26

Note: Credited Units (Lab Units)

 

SECTION 10. Curriculum Map and Course Map. —

Based on the required minimum set of program outcomes, the CHED has determined a program of study that leads to the attainment of the outcomes. This program of study specifies a set of courses sequenced based on flow of content, with each course having a specified title, description, course outcome and credit unit. For this purpose, a sample curriculum map (Annex A) is included as part of the PSGs. It is a matrix of all courses and the minimum set of program outcomes showing which outcome each course addresses and in what way. The map also determines whether the outcomes are aligned with the curriculum.

Higher education institutions shall formulate its curriculum map based on its own set of program outcomes and courses.

A sample curriculum map can be found in Annex A.

A sample course map can be found in Annex C.

SECTION 11. Sample Means of Curriculum Delivery. —

The mode of delivery of each course is indicated in the course syllabi discussed below.

SECTION 12. Sample Syllabi for Core Marine Biology Courses. —

The course specifications provided in this CMO in Annex B apply only to the core courses and indicate the minimum topics to be covered in each area. The HEIs shall formulate the syllabus for all the courses in their respective BS Marine Biology program.

It is suggested that the introductory and/or concluding part of each course present an informative survey of advances and prospects in this area in order to elicit more interest from the student. The course must continue to impart skills to the student through field work or hands on experience.

ARTICLE VI

Required Resources

SECTION 13. Administration. —

The BS Marine Biology Program shall be administered by a Marine Biology/Science department or a unit under the Biology or Fisheries department headed by its own chair/director/coordinator and having its own set of full-time faculty.

The minimum qualifications of the head of the unit that implements the degree program are the following:

13.1 Head of the marine biology/science unit/department

The head of the unit/department must be at least a master's degree holder in marine biology/science or in any of the identified allied fields (refer to Article IV, Section 5.5) or in any of the discipline for which the unit/department offers a program.

SECTION 14. Faculty. —

The optimize delivery of the core courses and achieve the set program outcomes, the department/unit offering the BS Marine Biology program should have at least five (5) full-time faculty with at least a Master's degree in Marine Biology or in any of the identified allied fields.

Marine Biology is a critical discipline in this century. There should be a faculty development plan to send faculty to graduate school and/or attend some continuing education programs. The faculty should also undertake research activities and publish research outputs, give lectures and present papers in regional/national/international conferences, symposia, and seminars. They should also be active members of recognized professional associations.

SECTION 15. Library. —

Library personnel, facilities and holdings should conform to existing CHED requirements for libraries which are embodied in separate CHED issuances.

The HEI is likewise encouraged to maintain journals and other non-print materials relevant to marine biology education to aid the faculty and students in their academic work. CD-ROMs could complement a library's book collection but should not be considered as a replacement for the same.

Internet access is encouraged but should not be made a substitute for book holdings and/or on-line subscription to books and journals.

Libraries shall participate in inter-institutional activities and cooperative programs whereby resource sharing is encouraged.

SECTION 16. Laboratory. —

HEIs should provide the appropriate facilities and equipment to ensure the effective delivery of the course and achievement of program outcomes. There should be a system of updating and enhancing the needed facilities and equipment to be provided to the students. The following are the minimum facilities and equipment a HEIs should have:

• field sampling/collection equipment (includes plankton net, secchi disk, transect, manta board, core, sieves & niskin water sampler or similar device)

• wet laboratory with aquarium setup

• weighing scale

• GPS

• underwater camera

• incubator

• drying oven

• field thermometer, salinometer, & PH meter

• a good ratio of Microscope to students (not greater than 1:5)

• an access to seawater

ARTICLE VII

Quality Assurance

SECTION 17. Assessment and Evaluation. —

The institution/department shall have in place a program assessment and evaluation system. The HEI must show this in their syllabi and catalogue. Institutions may refer to the CHED Implementation Handbook for Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the Institutional Sustainability assessment (ISA) for guidance.

SECTION 18. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Systems. —

The HEI shall maintain at all times a high standard of instruction and delivery through the establishment of a program level Continuous Quality Improvement system. Institution/department must show organizational and process plans, and implementation strategies. Institutions may refer to the CHED Implementation Handbook for Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the Institutional Sustainability assessment (ISA) for guidance.

SECTION 19. CHED Monitoring and Evaluation. —

The CHED, in harmony with existing guidelines on monitoring and evaluation, shall conduct regular monitoring on the compliance of respective HEIs to these policies and standards. An outcomes-based assessment instrument shall be used during the conduct of monitoring and evaluation.

Using the CHED Implementation Handbook for OBE and ISA as reference, a HEI shall develop the following items which will be submitted to CHED when they apply for a permit for a new program:

1. The complete set of program outcomes, including its proposed additional program outcomes.

2. Its proposed curriculum and its justification including a curriculum map.

3. Proposed performance indicators for each outcome. Proposed measurement system for the level of attainment of each indicator.

4. Proposed outcomes-based syllabus for each course.

5. Proposed system of program assessment and evaluation.

6. Proposed system of program Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).

ARTICLE VIII

Transitory, Repealing and Effectivity Provisions

SECTION 20. Transitory Provision. —

All private HEIs, state universities and colleges (SUCs) and local universities and colleges (LUCs) with existing authorization to operate the Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology program are hereby given a period of three (3) years from the effectivity thereof to fully comply with the requirements in this CMO. However, the prescribed minimum curricular requirements in this CMO shall be implemented starting Academic Year 2018-2019.

SECTION 21. Repealing Clause. —

All CHED issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this CMO, are hereby repealed.

SECTION 22. Effectivity Clause. —

This CMO shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation. This CMO shall be implemented beginning Academic Year 2018-2019.

Quezon City, Philippines, May 17, 2017.

For the Commission:

(SGD.) PATRICIA B. LICUANAN, Ph.D.Chairperson

ANNEX A

Curriculum Mapping — BS Marine Biology

ANNEX B

Course Specificationsy

ANNEX C

Course Map of the BS Marine Biology Curriculum