Biology Innovation in Teaching Award (BITA)

Awarded annually, as appropriate.

Nomination Criteria

The nominee is an individual who motivates students to learn through innovative curricula and teaching methods. The nominee should demonstrate a deep knowledge of their field and commitment to the department and university. He or she may have developed and implemented new courses, new laboratories or new programmes that add to the diversity and range of learning opportunities for Biology student, or done so through major revisions to existing courses. Innovations may be technical, philosophical, or involve novel extensions of the curriculum via exploration of new fields of study; the term innovation is to be considered broadly, but tangible recent contributions are expected.

Eligibility

The nominee will be considered for contributions to teaching in the Biology Department, including field courses, in the last academic year. She or he must be on faculty with a primary appointment in Biology, or a full time Adjunct member of the department.

Nomination

By peers of faculty, via self-nomination, or via suggestion of the Undergraduate Studies Committee in Biology. The nominator may suggest what specific contributions the nominee should be recognized for in a brief statement sent by email or post to the Undergraduate Chair (ugchbiol@queensu.ca) which will be included with the file.

The nominee should then submit:

• a cover letter of no more than two single-spaced pages explaining what novel contributions were made to teaching innovation in Biology.
  
• a list of all courses taught and their role in the course in the last three academic years.
  
• a list of courses developed as new preparations or substantially upgraded, with a brief description of the activities undertaken in each course.
  
• USAT scores will not be considered in evaluating the BITA, but the nominee may optionally provide selected quotations from the written portion of the USAT that convey how students perceived innovative teaching techniques.
  

Evaluation

The BITA will be judged by a panel consisting of the Head, Associate Head, Undergraduate Chair, and two representatives from the Department Student Council (usually from upper years).

Key Dates and Presentation of the Award

Nominations will be solicited for the last business day of February, with application packages due the last business day of March. When presented, the award, consisting of a plaque and a cheque for $500, will be presented at the May Staff Meeting.