GRADUATE COUNCIL NEW COURSE/PROGRAM PROPOSAL

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1 ORIGINATING UNIT: Biology TYPE OF ACTION: New course X New program GRADUATE COUNCIL NEW COURSE/PROGRAM PROPOSAL Fully Online Course/Program** Semester and year course/program will take effect: Summer 2017 NEW COURSE or PROGRAM TITLE: Ph.D. in Biology Appropriate computer abbreviation (30 spaces or less): Ph.D. in Biology New course number: N/A Prerequisites for new course: N/A DESCRIPTION OF NEW COURSE OR PROGRAM (catalog copy): Ph.D. in Biology (Added to the existing MA and MS graduate program) Biology Students may pursue the Master of Arts, the Master of Science, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Biology. Prerequisites for the MA and MS: A BA or BS degree with a biology major or 24 semester hours of biology including intermediate or advanced undergraduate courses in cellular and molecular biology, organismal biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, microbiology or their equivalents. Students with majors in other areas may be considered upon request, but may be required to make up any deficiencies in their undergraduate preparations. Scores on the GRE are used as an aid in the overall evaluation of the applicant s graduate potential. As part of their professional training, full-time graduate students in Biology are required to participate in the undergraduate teaching function of the department. This requirement is met by assisting in undergraduate labs, giving laboratory instructions, leading seminars

2 or discussion groups, and grading written assignments and exams. Prerequisites for the Ph.D.: 1) Successful completion of the MS degree at TCU under the direction of a member of the Biology faculty with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. At least 12 hours of graduate coursework for the MS degree must be in Biology; these hours are in addition to hours earned in BIOL and BIOL ) Documented evidence indicating research productivity and the potential to complete the requirements for a Ph.D. Evidence of research productivity should be submitted to the Committee on Graduate Studies (COGS) and can include (but is not limited to) publications in scientific journals or presentations at regional, national, or international scientific meetings. 3) Completed application to the Ph.D. program including a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the student s potential for excellence in research and teaching. 4) Demonstrated ability to serve as a teaching assistant in undergraduate Biology courses at TCU. Biology, MA Requirements The Master of Arts in Biology comprises 36 hours of graduate coursework, including BIOL BIOL BIOL Biology, MS Requirements Scientific Presentation (1 hour) Biology Seminar (1 hour) 22 additional hours in Biology 12 hours of approved electives Limit of 3 hours of assigned problems unless approved by graduate committee or department chair. The Master of Science in Biology comprises 30 hours of graduate coursework, including BIOL BIOL BIOL BIOL BIOL Biology, Ph.D. Scientific Presentation (1 hour) Biology Seminar (1 hour) Thesis Research (3 hours) Thesis Research (3 hours) 13 additional hours in Biology 9 hours of approved electives Limit of 3 hours of assigned problems unless approved by graduate committee or department chair.

3 Requirements The program leading to the Ph.D. in Biology has a research emphasis reflecting the desire to train students in the process of science. An additional program goal is to train students to be effective science communicators and teachers. Students entering the Ph.D. program will have met all of the prerequisites for the program including having successfully defended a master s thesis under the direction of a Biology Faculty member at TCU. Completion of the following courses: BIOL BIOL BIOL BIOL BIOL Graduate Research in Biology (>9 hours) Advanced Teaching in Biology Teaching Practicum in Biology Dissertation Research (6 hours) Dissertation Research (6 hours) At least 3 graduate-level seminar courses (1 hour each) are required. A. Research-specific coursework After successfully defending the M.S. thesis (typically in the spring semester of the second year), the student decides on his/her direction of research and dissertation advisor. Based on the recommendation of the Committee on Graduate Studies in Biology, the Dean appoints a Ph.D. Advisory Committee of at least 5 members, including the dissertation advisor as chair. Students are encouraged to have one committee member from outside of their discipline and one committee member from outside of TCU. The student and advisory committee agree on a detailed plan of study to prepare the student for dissertation research and any additional required coursework. At least nine hours of BIOL Graduate Research in Biology, BIOL Advanced Teaching in Biology, BIOL Teaching Practicum in Biology, and six hours of BIOL Dissertation and 6 hours of BIOL Dissertation are required. Enrollment and participation in at least 3 graduate-level seminars is also required. B. Qualifying examination The student will prepare a written research proposal for his/her dissertation research the summer following the defense of the master s thesis. The specific format of the written research proposal may vary by sub-discipline within biology and will be determined by the dissertation advisory committee in consultation with COGS. For the qualifying examination, the student will give a research proposal presentation to the biology department and defend the research proposal to his/her advisory committee during the fall semester of the third year. The research proposal is evaluated by the advisory committee on a pass/fail basis, and the student will be given up to 2 attempts to pass the examination (the 1 st attempt in the fall semester and the 2 nd attempt in the spring semester of the third year). If the student is unable to pass the examination in 2 attempts, he/she will be terminated from the program. Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a student is formally admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

4 C. Teaching experience As teaching is considered an important part of the graduate training program, each student is required to participate in at least one substantive teaching experience after earning the M.S. in Biology (i.e., typically in years 3-5 of the program). This experience may involve developing and teaching in an undergraduate lab or undergraduate seminar class, or it may involve teaching an undergraduate lecture class. For each substantive teaching experience, the student will prepare a teaching proposal that must be approved by COGS and the Biology Curriculum Committee. During these semesters, the student enrolls in BIOL Teaching Practicum in Biology. D. Dissertation Completion of a dissertation consisting of an original research project directed by a faculty member at TCU. Each student presents a departmental seminar on the dissertation research and defends the dissertation in an oral examination before the advisory committee. At least one paper based on the dissertation research must be published, accepted for publication, or submitted for publication and under active review in an appropriate scientific journal (as determined by the advisory committee). There is no language requirement for the Ph.D. in Biology. Failure to meet these requirements may result in termination from the program. Fully Online Courses/Programs** All online programs, courses, and /or distance learning offerings must meet State Compliance regulations as defined by specific state legislation. TCU Distance Learning is any for-credit instruction provided to a TCU student outside the State of Texas. This includes internships, clinical, video conferencing, online, or any other delivery format that crosses state lines. Contact the Koehler Center for Teaching Excellence for guidelines. Include a letter of support from the Koehler Center with this proposal. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE OR JUSTIFICATION (For a new course, attach proposed syllabus, including course objectives, course outline, and representative bibliography. For a new program attach a statement of the mission and objectives of the new program): See attached mission, goals, and objectives. Describe the intended outcomes of the course or program and how they will be assessed. See attached mission, goals, and objectives. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REQUIRED:

5 Faculty: None Space: None Equipment: None Library: None Financial Aid: We are requesting financial aid (12-month stipend and tuition waiver) for 3 Ph.D. assistantships in the Biology Department. This graduate student financial aid is in addition to the 11 graduate student teaching assistantships (students pursuing either the MA or MS) that we currently receive through Provost-held aid and through College of Science and Engineeringheld aid. Other: None CHANGE IN TEACHING LOAD: Does this change affect any other units of the University? Yes X No If yes, submit supporting statement signed by chair of affected unit. If cross-listed, provide evidence of approval by all curriculum committees appropriate to both the originating and the cross-listed units. Chair of Originating Unit: Signature: Name: Michael Chumley Unit: Biology Revised 11/2013

6 Ph.D. in Biology: Mission, Goals, and Objectives The Department of Biology is proposing to add a Ph.D. degree to their existing graduate program which currently offers both the MA and MS degrees. The addition of the Ph.D. degree will build upon the existing curriculum for the MS degree, and will enhance the current graduate program by allowing high quality students to remain in the program for several more years. Moreover, we feel the addition of the Ph.D. degree will support the teacher-scholar model and strengthen the importance of faculty investment and mentoring of undergraduate students and the pre-health program. Finally, adding a Ph.D. degree will increase the research profile of the Department and will likely increase the quality of all graduate students (both those seeking the MS degree as well as students seeking a Ph.D.) enrolled in the program. This trickle-down effect will spill over into our classrooms and research labs. Mission Statement: The mission of the Ph.D. program in Biology at TCU is to train students to conduct original and innovative research, write grants, communicate their research findings by presenting scientific papers at meetings and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts, know how to revise a manuscript, and develop the skills to become an effective teacher. Typical Progression toward the Degree: 1. 5 years of support provided by teaching assistantships 2. Years 1-2 Full tuition waiver, stipend, and 75% funding for student health insurance Complete MS within first 2 years (9-month stipend in Years 1 and 2) i. Biology Adkins funding for 1 st summer Complete Ph.D. within an additional 3 years (12-month stipend in Years 3-5) i. Ph.D. stipend will begin in June during the 2 nd summer, thereby supporting the student while he/she prepares his/her research proposal for the Ph.D. Complete MS degree at TCU in 4 semesters. Apply to the Ph.D. program in the spring semester of Year 2. Admission to the program will be conditional upon successful completion of the MS degree by the end of the summer following the spring semester of Year 2. The completed application will include a statement of purpose and two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the student s potential for excellence in research and teaching. 3. Summer between Year 2 and Year 3 Prepare written proposal for dissertation research in the summer following defense of MS thesis. This proposal should be submitted to a funding agency (e.g., Dissertation Improvement Grant from the NSF, STAR Fellowship from the EPA, F31 NIH Fellowship) during Year 3 per the grant agency s submission deadlines. The selection of an appropriate funding agency will be determined by the student s advisory committee in consultation with COGS.

7 4. Years 3-5 The student is expected to give a research proposal presentation to the Biology Department and defend the proposal to his/her advisory committee in the fall semester of Year 3. This presentation and defense of the written research proposal will serve as the Qualifying Examination for admission to candidacy. The student will advance to candidacy upon successful completion of the qualifying examination. The exam outcome will be determined by a Pass/Fail vote by the members of the student s dissertation committee. The student will be given up to 2 attempts to pass the exam (1 st attempt in the fall semester and the 2 nd attempt in the spring semester of Year 3). It the student is unable to pass the exam within 2 attempts, he/she will not be permitted to continue in the Ph.D. program. The student will complete any additional coursework as determined by his/her advisory committee, participate in at least one teaching experience, and conduct his/her dissertation research. i. >9 hours of graduate research in biology (BIOL 60320) ii. 12 hours of dissertation research (BIOL and BIOL 90990) iii. 3 hours of advanced teaching (BIOL 60703) iv. 3 hours of graduate teaching experience as described in Ph.D. Requirements, Part C (BIOL 80703) v. 3 hours of graduate level seminar vi. Additional hours (if any) as determined by the advisory committee The student is expected to provide research updates to his/her advisory committee at least once during each fall and spring semester (Research in Progress RIG meeting). Following each RIG meeting the advisory committee will provide the student (and the Committee on Graduate Studies in Biology) with written feedback on his/her research progress to date (within 2 weeks). The student is expected to present his/her dissertation research at a national or international meeting. The student is expected to have at least one paper based on his/her dissertation research published, accepted for publication, or submitted for publication in an appropriate scientific journal (as determined by the dissertation advisory committee) prior to the end of the spring semester in Year 5. The student is expected to give a departmental seminar and defend his/her dissertation research to the advisory committee in the spring semester of Year 5.

8 New Graduate-level Courses in Biology: BIOL Graduate Teaching in Biology Prerequisite: Graduate standing. One semester hour. The purpose of this course is to provide pedagogical training to Biology graduate students. In this course, different educational theories and classroom issues will be discussed. Students will gain experience in classroom management, teaching styles, assessment, exam composition, and creating a syllabus. BIOL Professional Development in Biology Prerequisite: Graduate standing. One semester hour. The course focuses on building the professional skills necessary for graduate students to succeed, both at TCU and in their future careers. Topics covered include CV/ resume preparation, professional communication and networking, conduct at scientific meetings, ethics, time management, and jobs in biology. BIOL Introduction to Scientific Research and Writing Prerequisite: Graduate standing. One semester hour. This course is designed for first-year Biology graduate students pursuing thesis research. Students enrolled in the course will: 1) gain familiarity with research compliance at TCU, 2) be introduced to methods and techniques for finding and acquiring primary literature, 3) discuss strategies for effectively and efficiently reading and understanding the scientific literature, and 4) become familiar with basic aspects of written scientific communication. BIOL Skills and Techniques in Biology Seminar Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. The primary goal of this course is to provide students with hands-on training relevant to various aspects of biological research. Topics to vary, but may include specific bench-top or field techniques, the use of specialized statistical programs or approaches, or advanced methods of scientific communication. May be taken for 1-3 credit hours, depending on the topic. May be repeated for credit up to a total of 6 credit hours. BIOL Graduate Research in Biology Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be taken for 1-6 credit hours per semester. A minimum of 9 hours of BIOL Graduate Research is required for the Ph.D. BIOL Advanced Teaching in Biology Prerequisite: BIOL and permission of instructor. Three semester hours. The purpose of this course is to provide advanced pedagogical training to Biology graduate students. In this course, different educational theories and classroom issues will be discussed, practiced, and observed. Students will gain experience in classroom management, teaching styles, assessment, exam composition, and creating a syllabus. ALL BIOLOGY PH.D. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THIS COURSE. BIOL Teaching Practicum in Biology Prerequisite: BIOL 60703, admission to candidacy in Ph.D., and permission of departmental chair. Supervised curriculum development including but not limited to preparation and delivery of lectures, leading classroom discussions, and student assessment. This course is only offered P/NC. ALL BIOLOGY PH.D. STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE THIS COURSE.

9 BIOL Dissertation Prerequisite: Admission to Ph.D. candidacy and permission of instructor. A minimum of 6 hours of BIOL Dissertation is required. BIOL Dissertation Prerequisite: Six hours of BIOL and permission of instructor. A minimum of 6 hours of BIOL Dissertation is required. Example of a course plan for MS students: Year 1 Fall BIOL Graduate Teaching in Biology BIOL Professional Development in Biology BIOL Introduction to Scientific Research and Writing 2 additional courses (5-7 credit hours) Spring BIOL Scientific Presentation 2-3 additional course (6-9 credit hours) Year 2 Total hours: 8-10 credit hours BIOL Thesis (3 credits) 1 additional course (3-4 credits) Total hours: 6-7 credits Total credit hours: 30 hours Total hours: 7-10 credit hours BIOL Thesis (3 credits) 1 additional course (3-4 credits) Total hours: 6-7 credits

10 Example of a course plan for Ph.D. students: Year 1 Summer Fall Spring BIOL Graduate Teaching in Biology BIOL Scientific Presentation BIOL Professional Development in 2-3 additional course (6-9 credits) Biology BIOL Introduction to Scientific Research and Writing 2 additional courses (5-7 credits) Total hours: 8-10 credit hours Total hours: 7-10 credit hours Year 2 BIOL Thesis (3 credits) 1-2 additional courses (3-4 credits) BIOL Thesis (3 credits) 1-2 additional courses (3-4 credits) Total hours: 6-7 credit hours Total hours: 6-7 credit hours Year 3 BIOL Graduate Research (6 credits) BIOL Graduate Research (1-6 credits) 0-2 additional courses (0-5 credits) BIOL Graduate Research (3 credits) BIOL Advanced Teaching in Biology Year 4 BIOL Graduate Research (6 credits) BIOL Teaching Practicum in Biology BIOL Graduate Research (3 credits) BIOL Graduate Research (6 credits) Year 5 BIOL Graduate Research (6 credits) BIOL Dissertation (6 credits) BIOL Dissertation (6 credits) Total credit hours: ~84 hours

11 Program Competencies: Upon completion of the Ph.D. degree in Biology students should have 1) conducted research in a specialized field of biological science under the guidance of a committee consisting of members of the Graduate Faculty. 2) written and defended a research proposal. 3) presented research at scientific meetings. 4) produced a written record of their research in the form of a dissertation. 5) submitted the major findings of their research to a peer-reviewed journal. 6) gained expertise and experience in the teaching of Biology. Intended Outcomes for Ph.D. Students: 1) Ph.D. students will demonstrate a broad understanding of fundamental biological principles. 2) Ph.D. students will pursue and complete an independent research project in which they apply fundamental biological principles. 3) Ph.D. students will demonstrate effective grant writing skills. 4) Ph.D. students will demonstrate effective teaching skills in Biology. 5) Ph.D. students will demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in communicating results of their research. Methods of Ph.D. Program Assessment: 1) Ph.D. student teaching will be evaluated using various assessment methods including, but not limited to, student course evaluations, faculty assessments, and self-assessment. 2) Ph.D. students will submit a portfolio containing a CV, meeting abstracts, submitted grants (both internal and external), and peer-reviewed manuscripts to the Department of Biology prior to graduation. 3) Ph.D. students will produce a verbal and written record of their research in the form of a public presentation of the results and the traditional written document in the form of a dissertation. 4) In their final year, Ph.D. students are requested to complete a questionnaire and exit interview concerning their academic experience while a student in the Biology Department. Lists of graduating students will be acquired from the office of the Dean of Science and Engineering, and questionnaires will be circulated during the final week of the students final semester. These questionnaires will seek to link the students' perception of their preparation in the biological sciences to success in attaining potential career goals. Additionally, information seeking student opinion on programmatic alterations will be sought. Regarding the curriculum for example, we will ask the following types of questions: how well did the coursework prepare you for your current

12 or desired career path? are there courses that were not offered that you would have like to have taken? and, which courses did you find particularly helpful or useful? Analyses of the questionnaire will be done by the Biology Department Committee on Graduate Studies and forwarded to the entire faculty for programmatic or curricular changes as may be necessary. 5) Ph.D. student placement following degree completion will be tracked to assess the effectiveness of the program in preparing students for careers in various scientific sectors. 6) Questionnaires will be solicited from alumni five years post-graduation. A mailing list will be assembled by the Alumni Affairs Office. The questionnaire will attempt to associate the educational preparation of biology graduates to their career objectives.