PROPOSAL 1 NEW CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE PROGRAM

Transcription

1 PROPOSAL 1 NEW CERTIFICATE OR DEGREE PROGRAM 1. PROPOSED PROGRAM TITLE Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science 2. CIP CODE REQUESTED CONTACT PERSON Robyn Hannigan, PhD Gregory Russell, PhD, JD Arkansas State University Arkansas State University Dept. of Chemistry & Physics Dept. of Criminology, Sociology, & Geog. PO Box 419 PO Box 2410 State University, AR State University, AR hannigan@astate.edu grussell@astate.edu (870) (870) PROPOSED STARTING DATE January PROGRAM SUMMARY Provide a general description of the proposed program. Include overview of any curriculum additions or modifications; program costs; faculty resources, library resources, facilities and equipment; purpose of the program; and any information that will serve as introduction to the program. List existing degree programs that support the proposed program. The College of Sciences and Mathematics and College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Arkansas State University - Jonesboro proposes to develop a cross-disciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science. It is anticipated that the program will have a significantly higher demand than the discipline-specific majors of Chemistry, Biology, and Criminology. This degree is highly appropriate in light of the importance of developing a technically skilled scientifically competent workforce. The proposed B.S. degree is required to support economic development to the state and region through knowledge-based federal, regional, state, and private-sector development arising out of the need for qualified quantitative scientists trained in the fields of science and forensic criminology. This cross-disciplinary program integrates the knowledge and technical skills of several disciplines in the science and techniques related to criminal investigations. Forensic science plays a critical role in the justice system by providing scientific and foundational information for criminal investigations and the courts. Forensic science - the application of the methods of science to legal matters - is an exciting, complex and cross-disciplinary program of study. In it one employs the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics, as well as social science theory and law, to help solve crimes and serve

2 justice. P-1 The proposed program is based on the recommendations of the 2004 National Institute of Justice Special Report Education and Training in Forensic Science: A guide for forensic science laboratories, educational institutions, and students. The BS in Forensic Science will provide students with crossdisciplinary training with emphasis areas in Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology. Forensic Chemistry refers to the analytical chemical methods used to analyze controlled substances (e.g., explosives, illegal drugs) as well as the analysis of fibers, glass, soil, paint and other materials. Forensic Biology refers to DNA analysis, serology, biochemical analysis of human tissues, human anatomy including forensic anthropology, and new sub-disciplines such as forensic entomology. Forensic Science is an applied science that covers an array of disciplines. An undergraduate degree must combine a strong foundation in the natural sciences with extensive laboratory training. As a model undergraduate program, our proposed program will provide a strong science foundation that emphasizes the scientific method and the application of problem-solving skills in both the classroom and laboratory setting. Students in the program will acquire the scientific writing, public speaking, laboratory, and computer skills that prepare them to become forensic science professionals. Through the involvement of faculty and forensic science practitioners our program will provide the networking opportunities the students require ensuring that they gain employment in the field and remain active in the field upon graduation. Students will be exposed to a breadth of forensic science disciplines, will be acculturated into the forensic science and justice communities, and will be trained sufficiently to gain certification upon graduation. All activities within the program will ensure that students gain real-world experience in preparation for practice upon graduation. Most forensic science employment occurs in a laboratory setting. Results of laboratory analyses are typically used by law enforcement to investigate crimes, identify or eliminate suspects, and assist courts in reaching fair and just determinations. Due to the fundamental importance of analytical results to the criminal justice system, students will be trained in analytical methods, ethics, and legal evidence so that they graduate from the program with strong science backgrounds and a depth of understanding regarding their role and responsibility in the justice system. Relationship to Institutional Role and Mission This proposal is an extension of a well-established need for broadly based cross-disciplinary technical training of undergraduate students to meet state, regional and national needs in the coming years. The program is in direct support of the University s mission to educate leaders. The University is continuing to expand its research and teaching capacities. Forensic Science offers a unique cross-disciplinary setting in which to utilize the interdisciplinary research strengths of University faculty and develop new and exciting 2

3 P-1 educational opportunities for our students. Given the increased need for trained scientists in Arkansas and nationally it is clear that degree programs at the Bachelor s level are required to foster interdepartmental and intercollegiate undergraduate student training and research. 6. NEED FOR THE PROGRAM Provide survey data (number not percentage) on student interest (number of students planning to enroll), job availability, corporate demands and employment/wage projections. Focus mostly on state needs and less on regional and national needs, unless applicable to the program. Survey data can be obtained by telephone, letters of interest, student inquiry, etc. Focus mostly on state needs for undergraduate programs; and state, regional and national needs for graduate programs. Provide names/types of organizations/businesses surveyed. Letters of support should address the following when relevant: the number of current/anticipated job vacancies, whether the degree is desired or required for advancement, the increase in wages projected based on additional education, etc. Indicate if employer tuition assistance is provided or other enrollment incentives. Interest in forensic science has increased dramatically in the past 10 years. In response to this interest many universities have begun to offer degrees in forensic science, primarily at the graduate level. 89 colleges and universities in the U.S. claim to offer a program of study in forensic science. Of these only 17 are undergraduate programs and of these programs only five provide cross-disciplinary training across the natural sciences while also providing legal ethics and evidence training (Appendix A). There is no such program in the Arkansas. Given the recent dramatic surge in interest in the field stimulated, in part, by television shows such as CSI and the nationalinternational schema associated with terroristic threats, students are seeking undergraduate training that will provide them entry into their field through applied training. This trend is mirrored in other fields such as environmental science, where students seek cross-disciplinary training in the sciences to solve global and local environmental problems. The time for training students behind disciplinary electric fences is gone. Although these boundaries have been knocked down to a large extent at the graduate level, 21st century undergraduate education requires that these disciplinary boundaries be dropped and that undergraduate students be broadly trained. Student Interest and Demand 2004 surveys conducted among prospective and new Arkansas State University (Select a Major fairs, Freshman Preview days) undergraduate students inquiring about majors in criminology and the natural sciences were overwhelmingly interested in the possibility of majoring in forensic science. Of the 120 students interviewed, 33% were interested in pursuing a forensic science degree. Of the remaining 67%, 27% were specifically interested in a 3

4 P-1 chemistry or biochemistry degree leading to a career in forensic science (Appendix B) telephone surveys of northeast Arkansas high school students indicated that of the 75 students interviewed, 80% were basing the choice of University based on available majors with nearly 20% seeking a forensic science degree. When they were informed that they could attend ASU and earn such a degree all were excited by the possibility. Of the remaining 80% of high school students interviewed, 63% intended to complete a degree at a state school with 79% of these students interested in the possibilities offered by a forensic science degree. A 2004 survey of science students enrolled in freshman level introductory science courses indicated that 36% of these students would select a major in forensic science if it were available. The above information indicates substantial student interest in a Forensic Science undergraduate program. Survey of Employment Opportunities It is anticipated that over the next decade more than 10,000 BS level forensic scientists will be needed to fill jobs at the 320 forensic laboratories in the U.S. and Canada as well as the private-sector and federal forensic testing facilities. Results of a 1996 survey indicate that the majority of crime lab directors responding require applicants to have B.S. degrees with a preference for forensic chemistry/biochemistry, followed by biology with a requirement for a substantial number of chemistry and other natural science courses (Furton, K.G., Hsu, Y.L. and Cole, M.D. What educational background is required by crime laboratory directors?, J. Forensic Sci. 1999; 44: ). A simple search of current openings for BS Forensic Science applicants on January 21, 2005 yielded over 29 open positions across the country with this list generated only from jobs listed with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. Government positions currently open include over thirty entry level positions requiring BS level training in forensic science. It is important to note that training in our proposed program will not only train students for careers in forensic science but given the rigor of the curriculum, our students will be better prepared for entry level positions in industry including molecular biotechnology, clinical chemistry, biochemistry, industrial chemistry, just to name a few. We believe that considerable demand and a breadth of employment opportunities exist for graduates of the B.S. in Forensic Science. In the Fall of 2004, we conducted a community needs survey to determine if demand existed for students who earned a B.S. degree in Forensic Science. Potential employers included federal agencies, state agencies, city and county agencies, and private firms (Appendix C). The results indicated that there is strong interest on the part of employers for students with such a degree. Some of the employers were very excited to hear about the possibility of a bachelors program in this field being offered at ASU. They expressed concern that there was a shortage of skilled analytical scientists with cross-training across the sciences and criminology, and that this deficiency would negatively impact their organizations in the coming years. Partnerships between these employers and the university will be established in the form of undergraduate 4

5 P-1 internships for B.S. students. These partnerships will be used to create internship and training opportunities for students in the proposed undergraduate program. When asked how many new employees in the forensic sciences they anticipated hiring in the next five years, the regional crime laboratories and police organizations estimated needing from up to 10 per year to approximately 100 within the next five years. The smaller privatesector employers estimated needing from 2-3 graduates per year. When asked about available summer jobs or internships in which students could participate, most of those surveyed said such opportunities were available. The regional and state employers appear to be eager to enter a partnership with the university in providing a collaborative learning environment (Appendix C). These employers were especially interested in students who focused on the area of forensic chemistry, that integrated a strong understanding of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and criminology, and who had work and field experience including experience writing technical reports and communicating analytical results to non-scientists. Therefore, the proposed bachelors program would directly meet the needs of area employers. In addition, given the national need for trained forensic scientists the proposed program will enhance student employment opportunities and allow the development of state human resources through the development of a nationally recognized undergraduate forensic science program. Service to the Community Arkansas has several rapidly growing communities faced with a variety of justice, homeland security, and criminal challenges. In order to efficiently and effectively manage future challenges and ensure that the available workforce is prepared to meet societal needs, well-trained forensic science professionals in city, state, and national agencies, and laboratories will continually be needed. Moreover, the B.S. in Forensic Science is expected to provide additional important analytical experience and opportunities for continuing education for practitioners through involvement with research projects, internships, and volunteer instruction by practitioners and faculty, and through cooperative grants between justice agencies at the state, regional, and federal level. 7. CURRICULUM OUTLINE Provide curriculum outline by semester Give total number of semester credit hours required for the program Identify new courses (provide course descriptions) Identify required general education courses, core courses and major courses Identify courses currently offered via distance technology State program admission requirements Describe specified learning outcomes and course examination procedures. Include a copy of the course evaluation to be completed by the student. The proposed program curriculum is based on the recommendations of the National Institutes of Justice 2004 report Education and Training in Forensic Science: A guide for forensic science laboratories, educational institutions, and students ( 5

6 P-1 University General Education General Education courses are those that the University requires that students take to complete the BS degree. Some forensic degree coursework will count towards fulfilling these requirements. The proposed program has carefully selected general education courses that complement the student s main program of study. All students will be required to complete 46 hours of general education courses (Table 1). Natural Science Core Certain natural science courses will be required for any student in the program. Unlike other criminal justice professions, forensic science requires a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. All students will be required to complete 35 natural science hours (12 under general education) (Table 2). Forensic Science Core All students will be required to complete 6 hours in courses that cover the core elements of forensic science, which includes a survey of applied forensic science (Table 2) Criminology Core All students are required to complete 6 hours in criminology introducing students to ethics and criminal law. Students will gain insight into the responsibility of forensic scientists in the analysis and presentation of data (Table 2). Forensic Science Laboratory Core Forensic Science is inherently a laboratory-intensive field of study. All students will be required to complete a minimum of 8 hours of forensic science specific laboratory courses. These courses will provide the students broad training in the concepts of individualization, reconstruction, association, and chain of custody. In addition, students will be required to complete an internship/research experience in forensic science. Through these courses students will gain hands-on experience in the application of scientific analysis to the justice system (Table 2). Specialized Science Courses Our program will be a cross-disciplinary degree that includes substantial laboratory work and an emphasis on advanced (upper level) coursework in chemistry and biology. Students will use these courses to specialize in one of two degree tracks: Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology. All students will be required to complete a minimum of 16 hours in upper level courses within their chosen track with a minimum of three of these courses being laboratory courses (Table 3). Elective Courses Students will be advised to select elective courses (up to 26 hours) that 6

7 P-1 provide them greater depth in their specific field of study. These courses will both meet the demands of the job market and ensure that students seeking post-baccalaureate training in forensic science gain admission to the most selective programs in the US (Table 3). Summary of Credit Hours 46 General Education hours 23 hours Natural Science Core 16 hours Specialized Core 6 hours Forensic Science Core 6 hours Criminology Core 8 hours Forensic Science Laboratory Core 23 hours of Elective Courses Total Hours for Degree: 128 A sample undergraduate schedule outlining the ideal order of courses is provided in Table 4. 7

8 P-1 Table 1. General education courses required for B.S. Forensic Science. * indicates courses required for the major and fulfilling the general education requirements of the University. All students, regardless of degree track will be required to complete those courses marked by *. New course proposals are located in the proposal supplement p. 39. Composition - 6 hrs. ENG 1003, Freshman English I, 3.0 hrs. ENG 1013, Freshman English II, 3.0 hrs. Mathematics hrs. MATH 2204, Calculus I, 4.0 hrs. Critical Thinking - 3 hrs. Understanding Global Issues - 3 hrs. SOC 2233, Intro. Cultural Anthropology, 3.0 hrs. Arts & Humanities - 9 hrs. (Must complete 3 courses from this section. At least one must be a fine arts course. At least one must be a humanities course.) Fine Arts: MUS 2503, Fine Arts - Musical, 3.0 hrs. THEA 2503, Fine Arts - Theatre, 3.0 hrs. ART 2503, Fine Arts - Visual, 3.0 hrs Humanities: ENG 2003, Intro Lit of West World I, 3.0 hrs. ENG 2013, Intro Lit of West World II, 3.0 hrs. PHIL 1103, Intro to Philosophy, 3.0 hrs. Social Sciences - 9 hrs. (From the following courses, at least one course must be selected from HIST 2763, HIST 2773, or POSC 2103.) ECON 2313, Prin. of Macroeconomics, 3.0 hrs. ECON 2333, Econ. Issues and Concepts, 3.0 hrs. HIST 2763, The U.S. to 1876, 3.0 hrs. HIST 2773, The U.S. since 1876, 3.0 hrs. PHIL 1103, Intro. to Philosophy, 3. 0 hrs. POSC 1003, Intro. to Politics, 3.0 hrs. POSC 2103, Intro. to U.S. Government, 3.0 hrs. *PSY 2103, Intro. to Psychology, 3.0 hrs. SOC 2213, Intro. to Sociology, 3.0 hrs. Science - 8 hrs. Life Sciences: *BIOL 1013, Biology of the Cell, 3.0 hrs. *BIOL 1021, Lab for Bio of the Cell, 1.0 hrs. Physical Sciences: *CHEM 1013, Gen Chemistry I, 3.0 hrs. *CHEM 1011, Lab for Gen Chem I, 1.0 hrs. Health and Wellness - 2 hrs. PE 1002, Concepts of Fitness, 2.0 hrs Enhancements - 3 hrs. *ENG 3043, Technical Writing 8

9 P-1 Table 2. Natural Science Core, Forensic Science Core, Criminology Core, and Forensic Science Laboratory Core required for all students (59 hours). New courses are noted by *, FOSC Forensic Science. Natural Science Core 23 hours CHEM 1023 General Chemistry II (3 hr) CHEM 1021 General Chemistry II Lab (1 hr) CHEM 3103 Organic Chemistry I (3 hr) CHEM 3101 Organic Chemistry I Lab (1 hr) CHEM 3113 Organic Chemistry II (3 hr) CHEM 3111 Organic Chemistry II Lab (1 hr) PHYS 2054 General Physics I (4 hr) PHYS 2064 General Physics II (4 hr) STAT 3233 Applied Statistics (3 hr) Forensic Science Core 6 hours *FOSC 2013 Forensic Science Survey (3 hr) *FOSC 2113 Forensic Science Professional Practice (3 hr) Criminology Core 6 hours CRIM 2253 Criminal Investigation (3 hr) CRIM 2263 Criminal Evidence and Procedure (3 hr) Forensic Laboratory Science 7-9 hours *FOSC Practical Training in Forensic Science (4-6 hr) BIOL 4141 Microtechnique (1 hr) BIOL 4142 Laboratory for Microtechnique (2 hr) 9

10 P-1 Table 3. Specialized Core and Elective Courses. Two degree tracks will be offered Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology. New courses are noted by *. FORENSIC CHEMISTRY Specialized Core 16 hours CHEM 3054 Quantitative Chemistry (4 hr) CHEM 4204 Inorganic Chemistry (4 hr) CHEM 4224 Instrumentation (4 hr) CHEM 3154 Survey of Phys. Chemistry (4 hr) Additional Courses 23 hours min. CHEM 4243 Biochemistry (3 hr) CHEM 4241 Lab for Biochemistry (1 hr) CHEM 4263 Radiochemical Techniques (3 hr) ENVR 4203 Envr. Toxicology: Mech. & Imp. (3 hr) * FOSC Spec. Prob. in Forensic Sci. (1-3 hr) * CHEM 4353 Adv. Analytical Chem. (3 hr) CHEM 4254 Mass Spectrometry (4 hr) BIOL 3313 Genetics (3 hr) BIOL 3311 Laboratory for Genetics (1 hr) BIOL 4123 Human Genetics (3 hr) BIOL 4121 Lab for Human Genetics (1 hr) ENVR 4121 Radiation Safety (1 hr) FORENSIC BIOLOGY Specialized Core 16 hours BIOL 3313 Genetics (3 hr) BIOL 3311 Laboratory for Genetics (1 hr) CHEM 4243 Biochemistry (3 hr) CHEM 4241 Lab for Biochemistry (1 hr) CHEM 4224 Instrumentation (4 hr) BIOL 4123 Human Genetics (3 hr) BIOL 4121 Lab for Human Genetics (1 hr) Elective Courses 23 hours min. BIOL 4014 Microbiology (4 hr) BIOL 4133 Cell Biology (3 hr) BIOL 4131 Cell Biology Lab (1 hr) BIOL 4272 Immunology (3 hr) BIOL 4282 Laboratory for Immunology (1 hr) CHEM 4243 Biochemistry (3 hr) CHEM 4241 Lab for Biochemistry (1 hr) CHEM 3054 Quantitative Chemistry (4 hr) * FOSC Spec. Prob. in Forensic Sci. (1-3 hr) ENVR 4121 Radiation Safety (1 hr) Additional Electives (3 hr) 10

11 P-1 Table 4. Ideal schedule of courses for students pursuing a B.S. degree in Forensic Science with an emphasis in Forensic Chemistry (Forensic Biology option differs only in elective courses). Completion of the program within four years requires that students maintain a full time enrollment course load of 16 hours per semester. FIRST YEAR FALL ENG 1003, Freshman English I, 3 hr CHEM 1013, Gen. Chemistry I, 3 hr CHEM 1011, Lab for Gen. Chemistry I, 1 hr Critical Thinking, 3 hr Fine Arts/Humanities Gen. Ed. 3 hr PSY 2103, Intro. to Psychology, 3 hr SPRING ENG 1013, Freshman English II, 3 hr Fine Arts/Humanities Gen. Ed., 3 hr PE 1002, Concepts of Fitness, 2 hr MATH 2204, Calculus I, 4 hr CHEM 1023 General Chemistry II, 3 hr CHEM 1021 General Chemistry II Lab, 1 hr SECOND YEAR FALL Social Science Gen. Ed., 3 hr CRIM 2253 Criminal Investigation, 3 hr BIOL 1013, Biology of the Cell, 3 hr BIOL 1021, Lab for Biol. Cell, 1 hr PHYS 2054 General Physics I, 4 hr FOSC 2013 Forensic Science Survey, 3 hr SPRING Social Sciences Gen. Ed., 3 hr PHYS 2064 General Physics II, 4 hr STAT 3233 Applied Statistics, 3 hr CRIM 2263 Criminal Evid. & Proc., 3 hr FOSC 2113 For. Sci. Prof. Practice, 3 hr THIRD YEAR FALL Fine Arts/Humanities Gen. Ed., 3 hr CHEM 3103 Organic Chemistry I, 3 hr CHEM 3101 Organic Chemistry I Lab, 1 hr BIOL 4141 Microtechniques, 1 hr BIOL 4142 Lab for Microtechniques, 2 hr CHEM 4204 Inorganic Chemistry, 4 hr FOSC 4271 Special Prob. For. Sci., 1 hr FOURTH YEAR FALL FOSC Practical Training in Forensic Science (4-6 hr) CHEM 4224 Instrumentation (4 hr) FOSC or CHEM/BIOL upper level electives SPRING FOSC or CHEM/BIOL upper level electives SPRING CHEM 3113 Organic Chemistry II, 3 hr CHEM 3111 Organic Chemistry II Lab, 1 hr CHEM 3054 Quantitative Chemistry, 4 hr CHEM 3154 Survey of Phys. Chemistry, 4 hr ENG 3043, Technical Writing, 3 hr Admission Requirements Students seeking to declare a major in Forensic Science may do so at any point in their academic career. However, due to the rigors of the curriculum it is recommended that students begin their program of study at the beginning of their first year. Students must maintain a minimum overall and major GPA of 2.5. The rigorous curriculum requires that students be motivated and responsible. We expect, given the stringent upper level technical courses 11

12 P-1 required, that our students will meet if not exceed the high academic standards set by the faculty. Course Sharing Courses common to both degree tracks (Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology) will be offered with the prefix FOSC. Due to the cross-disciplinary of forensic science many of the courses taken by our students in this program will be team-taught involving faculty from chemistry, geology, biology, and criminology. Mechanisms within the University exist to allow a team-teaching approach, thus ensuring that our proposed program meet its goals of providing a rigorous cross-disciplinary program integrating natural sciences and criminal justice. 8. FACULTY List the names and credentials of all faculty teaching courses in the proposed program. (For associate and above: A minimum of one full-time faculty member with appropriate credentials is required.) Total number of faculty required (number of existing faculty, number of new faculty). For new faculty provide the expected credentials/experience and expected hire date. For proposed graduate programs provide the curriculum vita for faculty teaching in the program, and the expected credentials for new faculty and expected hire date. Current faculty (Table 5) is comprised of 29 tenured and/or tenure-track faculty in the colleges of Science & Mathematics and Humanities & Social Sciences. Involved faculty includes Chemistry (9), Biological Sciences (9), Criminology, Sociology & Geography (5) and additional faculty from the departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Computer Science, College of Agriculture, and the Arkansas Biosciences Institute (8). At least two new faculty in the College of Science and Mathematics will be added in All of the departments involved in the proposed program and the associated colleges are committed to the development and growth of the proposed program and will assist in targeting future open positions in the related departments in support of this program. All faculty needs will be met through current faculty. These faculty are experts in a wide variety of fields including genetics, analytical chemistry, anthropology, and crime scene investigation. These faculty members add considerable breadth and depth to the program. Table 5. Program Faculty. Curriculum Vitae are located in Appendix D. Chemistry Burns, William A., Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Associate Professor of Chemistry Draganjac, Mark, Ph.D. The University of Iowa, Professor of Chemistry Dowling, Carolyn B., Ph.D. University of Rochester, Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry Hahn, Juliet, Ph.D. SUNY-Stony Brook, Assistant Professor of Chemistry 12

13 P-1 Hannigan, Robyn E., Ph.D. University of Rochester, Associate Professor of Chemistry Kudryashov, Sergey, Ph.D. Moscow State University, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics Mace, Kimberly A., Ph.D. Texas A&M, Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry Panigot, Michael, J., Ph.D. Case Western Reserve University, Associate Professor of Chemistry Reeve, Scott W., Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Associate Professor of Chemistry Biological Sciences Buchanan, Roger A., Ph.D. University of Delaware, Associate Professor of Zoology Gilmore, David F., Ph.D. University of Connecticut, Assistant Professor of Environmental Biology Grippo, Anne A., Ph.D. University of North Carolina, Associate Professor of Biology Grippo, Richard S., Ph.D. Penn State University, Associate Professor of Environmental Biology Johnson, Ronald L., D.A. University of Northern Colorado, Professor of Zoology Loutsch, Jeannette, Ph.D. St. Louis University, Assistant Professor of Biology McKay, Tanja, Ph.D. Kansas State University, Assistant Professor of Entomology Romero, Aldemaro, Ph.D. University of Miami, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences Srivatsan, Malathi, Ph.D. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences Trauth, Stan E., Ph.D. Auburn University, Professor of Zoology Criminology, Sociology, and Geography Chu, Doris, Ph.D. SUNY, Albany, Assistant Professor of Criminology Lemley, Ellen, Ph.D. Washington State University, Assistant Professor of Criminology Russell, Gregory, J.D. University of Akron, Ph.D. University of Georgia, Associate Professor of Criminology Salinger, Larry, Ph.D. Washington State University, Associate Professor of Criminology Additional Faculty from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Computer Science, College of Agriculture and Arkansas Biosciences Institute Awika, Joseph, Ph.D. Texas A&M University, Assistant Professor of Food Science and Technology Cramer, Carole, Ph.D. University of California Irvine, Professor of Biology and Agriculture, Executive Director ABI ASU Hood, Elizabeth, Ph.D., Washington University, Professor of Plant Biotechnology and Associate Vice Chancellor of Research and Technology Transfer Huang, Xiuzhen, Ph.D. Texas A&M, Assistant Professor of Computer Science 13

14 P-1 Jenness, Jeffrey, Ph.D. University of Missouri-Rolla, Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Science Phillips, Greg C., Ph.D. University of Kentucky, Dean of Agriculture and Professor of Agriculture 9. DESCRIPTION OF RESOURCES Current library resources in the field Current instructional facilities including classrooms, instructional equipment and technology, laboratories (if applicable) New resources required, including costs and acquisition plan Use of Technology The program will be housed in the Laboratory Sciences complex, which has state-of-the-art laboratories and modern equipment. Equipment is currently available for the laboratory portions of all courses included in the curriculum. As the tenured and tenure-track faculty in the program are all active researchers, their laboratories are also equipped with new, cutting edge equipment that will support undergraduate laboratory training and research. All of the classrooms and each of the teaching laboratories are multi-media equipped with computer projectors, internet access, and VCRs and/or DVD players. Thus, in each classroom it is easy to access, display, and interact with the Internet and digital multimedia. Arkansas State University's Center for Learning Technologies assists faculty with new and emerging technologies in support of instruction and research. The Center houses its own server, dedicated to the needs of faculty, with both full-time and part-time staff dedicated to providing technical support. The server has ample room to house additional projects along with an ability to provide access to other institutions. Facilities and Support The ASU main campus library is prepared to support a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science with its current budget. The library is currently supporting bachelors programs in biology, chemistry, criminology, computer science, physics, mathematics, and sociology. The library service model used by ASU is to provide on-site core subject collections focused on the local academic programs and to use the rich resources available through interlibrary loan agreements with regional institutions. The Dean B. Ellis library at ASU has specialized librarians who provide research, reference, and library skills instruction for ASU science students and faculty. These librarians are responsible for developing the science reference collection and serving as the subject liaison to the science faculty. There will be no need to fund a librarian position to support this new program. The ASU library policy of securing university-wide site licenses to electronic databases and full text journal collections is important to ASU. The ASU library has limited access to the major science databases and full text journals. Agricola, Biological and Agricultural Index, and JSTOR are some of the 14

15 P-1 important library databases ASU faculty and students access from offices, labs, and from their homes. The ASU library spends much of its acquisitions budget on science resources. The library has a good start at a core journal collection in the forensic science, especially important are the full text journals. Additional funds will need to be added to the library's budget to enable the expansion of the monographic and serials collections as this degree program grows. Existing student services are adequate to initially support the proposed degree program. Admissions, registration, and general student services are available on the ASU main campus and are adequate to begin offering the degree as scheduled. Clerical support for program recruitment, application and follow-up monitoring will be managed by departmental faculty and staff and will not directly involve additional resources needed from student services. The B.S. Forensic Science faculty and staff are housed in the Laboratory Sciences and Wilson Hall-International Student Center complexes. The majority of classes including all laboratory training will be in the Laboratory Sciences complex which has an area of 61,000 ft2, 80% of which is utilized by the Biological Sciences and Chemistry and Physics departments. This space includes 13 research laboratories, six instructional laboratories, and office space to house faculty and undergraduate research students. In addition, there are three shared equipment laboratories and other shared equipment. The Laboratory Science complex is equipped with a fully functioning darkroom, autoclaves, ice machine, and glass/machine shop. The teaching laboratories are equipped with microscopes (compound, petrographic and dissecting), refrigerators and freezers, an incubation chamber, PCR and electrophoretic equipment, BioPak monitors and miscellaneous equipment such as balances, water baths, etc. Individual departmental resources include ion chromatographs, high-pressure liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and miscellaneous field equipment. All the major equipment to support the proposed curriculum is currently available. Additional teaching and research resources are located in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute building which houses state of the art genetic fingerprinting technologies, molecular identification equipment, and analytical chemistry equipment, including the only laboratory in the region to house and operate a laser ablation mass spectrometry system which is dedicated to forensic science method development. 10. NEW PROGRAM COSTS Expenditures for the first 3 years of program operation New administrative costs Number of new faculty (full-time and part-time) and costs New library resources and costs New/renovated facilities and costs New instructional equipment and costs 15

16 P-1 Distance delivery costs (if applicable) Other new costs (graduate assistants, secretarial support, supplies, faculty development, faculty/students research, etc.) No new costs (Explain) No additional funds are requested in support of the proposed program. The proposed program will utilize $10,000 per year to support the further development of the forensic science monographic and serials collection in the Dean B. Ellis library at ASU garnered from the Student Library Fee. Funding for this program will consist of re-allocated monies presently existing in the science programs at ASU. 11. SOURCES OF FUNDING Income for the first 3 years of program operation Reallocation from which department, program, etc. Tuition and fees (projected number of students multiplied by tuition/fees) State revenues (projected number of students multiplied by state general revenues) Other (grants, employers, special tuition rates, mandatory technology fees, program specific fees, etc.) The development of a cross-disciplinary B.S. degree program in Forensic Science will provide a significant avenue for Arkansas State University to serve the needs of the region and meet the demands for increasing education in Forensic Science. A fully functioning B.S. degree program can be started without requesting any new funds to meet the demand of the region. It is the long-range intention to expand the program by hiring new faculty and additional support staff. These funds will be requested through the local budgeting process in place on the ASU campus. Thus, the initial budgetary impact is considered extremely cost-efficient and appropriate for FTE costs for undergraduate education in the sciences. 12. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART REFLECTING NEW PROGRAM Proposed program will be housed in (department/college) The Forensic Science Program will be housed under the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Participating faculty are currently housed in both the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Humanities and Social Science. Directorship of the program will rotate between the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences every 3 years. 13. SPECIALIZED REQUIREMENTS Specialized accreditation requirements for program (name of accrediting agency) 16

17 P-1 Licensure/certification requirements for student entry into the field Provide documentation of Agency/Board approvals (education, nursing-- initial approval required, health-professions, counseling, etc.) A cross-disciplinary B.S. degree program in Forensic Science requires no specialized accreditation at this time. However, within the first five years of operation the program will seek accreditation from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences through the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission ( _id=fepac). Accreditation will allow the program to both better serve our students and serve as a catalyst for the development and maintenance of a top-flight forensic science undergraduate curriculum. 14. BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVAL Provide the date that the Board approved the proposed program May 6, SIMILAR PROGRAMS List institutions offering program Proposed undergraduate program list institutions in Arkansas Proposed master s program list institutions in Arkansas and region Proposed doctoral program list institutions in Arkansas, region, and nation Why is proposed program needed if offered at other institutions in Arkansas or region? Similar Program(S) In Arkansas And In Surrounding States At the present time, ASU is the only public institution offering B.S. degree programs in Northeast Arkansas. Other regional educational options in the region include the University of Memphis, the University of Arkansas Little Rock (UALR), the University of Arkansas campuses at Fayetteville, Pine Bluff, Fort Smith, Little Rock, Medical Sciences, and Monticello, Arkansas Tech University, Harding University, Henderson State University, Hendrix College, John Brown University, Lyon College, Ouachita Baptist University, Philander Smith College, Southern Arkansas University, University of Central Arkansas, and University of the Ozarks. None of these campuses currently offer a degree program at the undergraduate or graduate level in forensic science. The proposed B.S. in Forensic Science would be the only one in the state and region, therefore there is no concern about duplication of efforts. Moreover, given the high demand for the major and growing job market in forensic science, the student population is more than sufficient for the ASU program to meet its projected enrollment of a minimum of 15 students per year. This is a conservative estimate. Based on the current interest of ASU students 17

18 P-1 and the projected needs of employers, we anticipate that we will easily meet and exceed our enrollment goals. Appendix A contains a summary of available undergraduate programs in forensic sciences in the US. Program Uniqueness The proposed ASU degree will offer an integrative and analytically oriented approach with its areas of specialization in Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology. The distinctive research and teaching interests of our faculty add to the uniqueness of our program. Rather than compete with other schools, our program will complement degree programs throughout the state and region, and will provide training and educational opportunities that strengthen the economic base of the state. Moreover, the program will attract significant numbers of students to the state, thus growing the qualified base of potential employees in forensic science, chemistry and molecular biology fields. 16. DESEGREGATION State the total number of students, number of black students, and number of other minority students enrolled in related degree programs (if applicable) Projected enrollments It is expected that a minimum of 15 new full-time students will be admitted for January 2006 entry into the program. After initial growth in the program during the first two years we estimate that new undergraduate students will be admitted each year for a total of undergraduate students ( FTE) after five years. Table 2. Size of Program Number of Students Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Enrolled FTE Expected time for program completion It is anticipated that students will complete this degree within four years. This is consistent with the University Four-Year guarantee program. Course offerings and upper level elective course rotations will allow all coursework to be completed within four years. Diversity The Forensic Science Faculty are aware of Arkansas State University s diversity initiatives and are in full support of continuing to develop and maintain such initiatives. Faculty and staff will work with the staff of 18

19 P-1 ASU s Admissions Office to determine the best methods of recruitment and retention of students from a wide range of backgrounds. Diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds will be addressed in recruitment in the following ways: 1. Faculty and Staff of ASU recognize and appreciate the value of diversity and will work to support the well-being and success of all students in a multicultural community. 2. ASU has complied with the Americans with Disabilities Act audit of facilities and programs and is implementing action in identified areas of need. 3. Forensic Science faculty and staff will participate in training in the areas of sexual harassment, diversity, and disabilities. 4. Forensic Science faculty and staff will work with the staff of ASU s Admissions Office to determine the best methods of recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds. 5. ASU s policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Antidiscrimination policies will be clearly presented and stated in all publications. In addition to working in concert with ASU initiatives, the faculty in the participating departments in the Forensic Science program have over the past several years developed two externally funded researchintensive undergraduate programs that will be synergistically linked to recruitment efforts in the proposed B.S. program. Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site (REU) Research Internships in Science of the Environment is a National Science Foundation-sponsored REU site in environmental sciences (DBI ) that brings ten under-represented minority students from across the U.S. to the ASU main campus for a summer research experience. To date, three of our current graduate students (two Ph.D. and one M.S. Biology) have been recruited as a direct result of REU experiences. Through connections with REU programs across the country, ASU students will be able to participate in research training at other Universities. Presently there is no mechanism to meet the professional goals of the current B.S. student preferring a degree in Forensic Science. Based on surveys done by the participating faculty in preparation for this proposal, we are confident that we can recruit and better serve a more diverse student population through a B.S. program in Forensic Science. 19

20 P-1 McNair Scholars Program The McNair Program at ASU is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is directed by a current Forensic Science faculty member (Dr. R. Hannigan). The McNair program at ASU is dedicated solely to serving students majoring in science, engineering, and math. McNair programs specifically serve the educational and professional needs of first generation, low income and minority students with the goal of preparing these students to complete their B.S., eventually earn a doctorate degree, and ultimately enter the professorate. The ASU McNair program staff and faculty mentors have strong linkages with McNair programs across the country. Through the McNair Program, forensic science students will gain access to additional research opportunities, providing additional hands-on experience required in today s competitive job market. 17. INSTITUTIONAL AGREEMENTS/MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) If the courses or academic support services will be provided by other institutions or organizations, include a copy of the signed MOU that outlines the responsibilities of each party and the effective dates of the agreement. 18. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUESTED BY ADHE STAFF 20