Senate Bill 1819-08
UNIVERSITY SENATE
UNVERSITY AT ALBANY
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Introduced by:
The Undergraduate Academic Council
University Policy and Planning Council
Date:
February 25, 2019
Proposal to Establish an Undergraduate Minor in Forensic Science
IT IS HEREBY PROPOSED THAT THE FOLLOWING BE ADOPTED:
1. That the University Senate approves the attached program proposal as submitted by the
College of Arts and Sciences and approved by UAC and UPPC
2. That this takes effect for the Fall 2019 semester.
3. That this proposal be forwarded to President Havidán Rodríguez for approval.
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in Forensic Science)Revised.docx
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University at Albany – State University of New York
College of Arts and Sciences
Course and Program Action Form
Proposal No.
18-177
Please check one:
Course Proposal
X Program Proposal
REVISED 1/17/19 and 1/22/19
Please mark all that apply:
New Course
Revision of:
Number
Description
Cross-Listing
Title
Prerequisites
Shared-Resources Course
Credits
Deactivate/Activate Course (boldface & underline as
appropriate)
X Other (specify): New Minor in Forensic
Science
Department:
Biological Sciences
Effective Semester, Year: Fall 2019
Course Number Current:
New:
Credits:
Course Title:
Course Description to appear in Bulletin:
The Minor in Forensic Science offers the required foundational scientific coursework to understand and perform some
of the common methodologies and analyses commonly used in today’s Forensic Science laboratories. The proposed
Minor provides an attractive option for students with declared majors in the natural and physical sciences, law,
computer science, and homeland security, and includes a minimum of 24 graduation credits, including ABIO 130, 131,
201, 202Z, 212, 175, and 477 plus ACHM 120 and 121. All interested students must have completed ABIO175 and
ABIO 212 Genetics (or an equivalent) with at least a final grade of a C before applying for the Minor in Forensic
Science. Each student must apply through the Forensic Science Program. The Director of the Forensic Science
Program will then review interested applicants for possible acceptance into the Minor with no more than twenty
students being enrolled into the program each year. A student enrolled as BS or BA in Biology, BS in
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology or BS in Human Biology degree programs cannot declare a Minor in Forensic Science.
Admission
Declaration of the Minor in Forensic Science must be made by application to the Department of Biological Sciences
Forensic Science Program. Admission into the Minor in Forensic Science will be determined from applications received
on or before a February 15 deadline.
Admission Criteria
•
The student must have completed or enrolled in at least 56 credits
•
The student’s cumulative grade point average for all coursework at the University at Albany must be 3.00 or
higher at the time of evaluation
•
The courses ABIO 175 and ABIO 212 must have been completed prior to applying to the minor. ABIO 212
must have been completed with a minimum grade of C or better
If qualified applications exceed the number of available spaces, the following criteria will be used sequentially to select
students to the program:
•
Overall GPA
•
GPA in the required program courses (ABIO 175 and 212)
•
Student’s Written Statement of reason for seeking to undertake a Minor in Forensic Science
Prerequisites statement to be appended to description in Bulletin:
Prerequisite(s): ABIO 175
ABIO 212 must have been completed with a minimum grade of C or better
If S/U is to be designated as the only grading system in the course, check
here:
This course is (will be) cross listed with (i.e., CAS ###):
This course is (will be) a shared-resources course with (i.e., CAS ###):
Explanation of proposal:
(Undergraduate Course/Program proposals: please address the effect on the department’s General Education competency plan)
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in Forensic Science)Revised.docx
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In today’s world of ever-changing state-of-the-art technology, learning basic concepts and techniques in Forensic
Science and the Forensic Scientist’s role during an investigation is extremely important, especially understanding the
connection of applied Forensic Science with the criminal justice system and various governmental agencies such as
Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, etc. The proposed Minor in
Forensic Science will introduce students to the proper procedures and practices for processing different types of crime
scenes and the various technology used in Forensic Science laboratories. More importantly, this minor will discuss
several controversial topics such as ethics, law, policy, etc. and their impact on the field of Forensic Science.
The resources to fund this minor are from a 2017-2018 Compact Plan awarded to the Department of Biological
Sciences Forensic Science Initiative. With the support of the University and CAS, the 2017-2018 Compact Plan
provided the much-needed resources to support the programs current and future needs in first hiring two full time
lecturers (Drs. Arati Iyengar and Ryan Thurman), and then upgrading the Forensic Science laboratories with state-of-
art equipment and software.
Currently, the University at Albany Department of Biological Sciences offers a specialty M.S. in Forensic Biology
program. The M.S. in Forensic Biology program has been very successful in attracting, retaining, and graduating some
of the best and brightest students. For example, we have graduated since 2003 over one hundred and fifteen students
from our graduate-level Forensic Biology program with most being employed as full-time forensic scientists in public or
private accredited laboratories throughout the world.
There continues to be a heightened interest in the Department of Biological Science Forensic Science program and
coursework. For instance, resources from the Compact Plan were used to design and then instruct a new non-majors
course ABIO 175 (3 credits) Forensic Science Investigation. Many of the two hundred students enrolled in ABIO 175
each semester over the past two years have declared majors in criminal justice, digital forensic, business
administration, forensic accounting, homeland security and cybersecurity, psychology, etc. This lecture-based course
was developed to introduce campus-wide students to the various methodologies and applications used in the forensic
science with discussion on various topics that include analyses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA
analysis, crime scene, pattern analysis, drug chemistry, quality assurance and the law. Furthermore, students enrolled
in the Minor in Forensic Science will complete the laboratory course ABIO 477 Forensic Science (3). ABIO 477
Forensic Science will provide each student in the minor the hands-on experience to commonly used Forensic Science
methodology and state-of-the-art instrumentation and software.
Other departments or schools which offer similar or related courses and which have certified that this proposal does not
overlap their offering:
N/A
If this proposal is for an interdisciplinary program, please indicate the Department where the major/minor will be
Department of Biological Sciences
Chair of Proposing Department (TYPE NAME)
Administrative Manager or Department Secretary (TYPE NAME)
Date
Richard Cunningham
Caren Stark
11/15/18
Approved by Chair(s) of Departments having cross-listed
course(s) [Copy of e-mail approval(s) on following page.]
Date
Dean of College
Date
Kathleen Gersowitz
12/21/18
Chair of Academic Programs Committee
Date
Dean of Undergraduate or Graduate Studies
Date
Oliver Elison Timm
12/5/18
Form: CAS Course and Program Action Form (revised 10/19/16)
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in Forensic Science)Revised.docx
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Minor in Forensic Science (24 credits)
Required Coursework:
ABIO 130 General Biology I (3)
ABIO 131 General Biology II (3)
ABIO 175 Forensic Science Investigation (3)
ABIO 201 Introduction to Biological Investigations I (1)
ABIO 202Z Introduction to Biological Investigations II (1)
ABIO 212 Genetics (4)
ABIO 477 Forensic Science (3)
ACHM 120 General Chemistry I (3)
ACHM 121 General Chemistry II (3)
A BIO 130 (formerly A BIO 121) General Biology: Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics (3)
Formerly A BIO 121. First course in a two semester sequence which offers a comprehensive
survey of the structures and functions common to all living systems at the molecular, cellular,
organismal, and population levels. This course emphasizes molecular and cell biology, and
genetics. May not be taken for credit by students who have credit for A BIO 111 or A BIO 121.
A BIO 131 (formerly A BIO 120) General Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology (3)
Formerly A BIO 120. Second course in a two semester sequence which offers a comprehensive
survey of the structures and functions common to all living systems at the molecular, cellular,
organismal, and population levels. This course emphasizes evolutionary principles, ecology,
anatomy and physiology. May not be taken for credit by students who have credit for A BIO 110
or A BIO 120. Students must complete A BIO 131 with a C- or better to register for A BIO 212Y or
A BIO 217. Prerequisite(s): A BIO 130 or A BIO 121.
ABIO 175 (3) Forensic Science Investigation (Approved)
This course will introduce various methodologies and applications used in the forensic science.
Topics discussed will include analyses of physical evidence, principles of serology and DNA
analysis, crime scene, ballistics, fingerprint analysis, drug analysis, and quality assurance.
A BIO 201 (formerly A BIO 122) Introduction to Biological Investigations I (1)
First course in a two-semester laboratory sequence designed for biology majors. Students will
learn the process of scientific investigation, collaborate in designing, conducting and analyzing
experiments, develop the ability to communicate in scientific format and gain expertise in a
variety of laboratory instrumentation, techniques, skills and procedures. One laboratory period
per week. May not be taken by students with credit for A BIO 110 or A BIO 122. Prerequisite(s):
A BIO 130 or 121, A BIO 131 or 120, and A CHM 120, 121, 124, 125. Offered fall semester only.
Course fee applies. Consult the Schedule of Classes.
A BIO 202Z (formerly A BIO 123Z) Introduction to Biological Investigations II (1)
Second course in a two-semester laboratory sequence designed for biology majors. Students will
learn the process of scientific investigation, collaborate in designing, conducting and analyzing
experiments, develop the ability to communicate in scientific format and gain expertise in a
variety of laboratory instrumentation, techniques, skills and procedures. One laboratory period
per week. May not be taken by students with credit for A BIO 111 or 123Z. Prerequisite(s): A BIO
130 or 121, A BIO 131 or 120, A BIO 201, and A CHM 120, 121, 124, 125. Offered spring
semester only.
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A BIO 212Y Introductory Genetics (4)
Genetics from the classical Mendelian Laws of inheritance to molecular genetics. Topics will
include DNA structure and replication; Mendelian genetics and recombination; population,
fungal, somatic cell, and bacterial genetics; gene organization; the genetic code; mechanisms of
gene expression and regulation; and applications of genetic technology. Three class periods and
one discussion section. Prerequisite(s): A BIO 130 or 121 and A BIO 131 or 120, with a grade
of C- or better in A BIO 121 or A BIO 131. Students must complete A BIO 212Y with a C or better
to register for A BIO 365.
ABIO 477(3) Forensic Science (Approved)
Forensic Science (ABIO 477) will introduce students to commonly used forensic science
techniques. Topics covered in this laboratory course will include pattern evidence, microscopy,
ballistics, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, toxicology, crime scene collection, laboratory
safety and quality assurance. Students will follow standard operating procedures with regard to
documentation, sample preparation, data collection and analysis and reporting (junior standing
or permission of instructor).
A CHM 120 General Chemistry I (3)
Atomic theory, quantitative relationships in chemical change, electronic structure of atoms and
chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, and states of matter.
A CHM 121 General Chemistry II (3)
Elementary principles of chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics, and kinetics; electrochemistry;
descriptive chemistry of the elements and their compounds. Prerequisite(s): A CHM 120 or 130.
The required 9 credits of advanced coursework (coursework requiring at least one pre-requisite
for the Minor in Forensic Science [24 credits]) will include the following: ABIO 201 (1), ABIO 202Z
(1), ABIO 212 (4), and ABIO 477 (3).
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in Forensic Science)Revised.docx
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From: Gervasi, Christine
Sent: Tuesday, November 6, 2018 7:31 AM
To: Orokos, Donald D <dorokos@albany.edu>
Subject: proposed Forensic Science minor
Hi Don,
As discussed, Forensic Science minors will be able to take ABIO201 and
ABIO202 and I am happy to arrange a seat in a lab upon request.
Christine
Christine Gervasi, PhD
Department of Biological Sciences, 109
State University of New York at Albany
cgervasi@albany.edu
From: Niu, Li
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2018 3:00 PM
To: Orokos, Donald D <dorokos@albany.edu>
Cc: Cunningham, Richard P <rcunningham@albany.edu>; Stark, Caren
<cstark@albany.edu>
Subject: RE: A New Minor in Forensic Science
Don,
I support your proposal.
Li
____________________________
Li Niu
Professor and Chair
Dept. Chemistry
University at Albany, SUNY
Albany, NY 12222
Phone (518) 591-8819
Fax (518) 442-3462
Lab website http://www.albany.edu/niulab/
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in Forensic Science)Revised.docx
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From: Orokos, Donald D
Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 10:55 AM
To: Niu, Li <lniu@albany.edu>
Cc: Cunningham, Richard P <rcunningham@albany.edu>; Stark, Caren
<cstark@albany.edu>; Orokos, Donald D <dorokos@albany.edu>
Subject: A New Minor in Forensic Science
Dear Li—
I hope your semester is going well. The Department of Biological Sciences is
planning to submit to CAS/University Governance a proposal for a 24-credit
Minor in Forensic Science. Two of the required courses for this minor include
ACHM 120 and 121. For this proposal to move forward, I would need an e-mail
from you stating the Department of Chemistry’s approval and willingness to
support the two General Chemistry course requirements for this minor. We are
creating a restricted minor so we anticipate no more than 20 students accepted
into the minor each year. The Department will seek future approval from you
before we consider going above the maximum twenty enrollment. Please see
the attached Course Action Form for additional information.
Many thanks Li,
Don
Proposal Title:
_________________________________________________________________
College or
School
_____________________
Department ________________________________
Program Director
or Sponsor
_____________________
Email _____________________________________
Action Category
☐Program Proposal
☐Other (describe)
Does this proposal include any space
resource implications? Approx. sq. ft.
needed:
_________
☐Yes
☐No
Action Type
☐New
☐Revision
☐Deactivation
☐Other (describe)
Does the Office of Finanical Aid identify
this as a Gainful Employment
Program (GEP)?
☐Yes
☐No
Brief Description of Proposal: (attach additional pages if necessary)
When submitting a program proposal please submit this form to indicate the
resource implications of the proposal.
Version 2.0 03/23/18
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in
Forensic Science) Campus Impact
Form
Minor in Forensic Science
CAS
Biology
Donald Orokos/Richard Cunningham
dorokos@albany.edu
The Minor in Forensic Science (24 credits) offers the required foundational scientific
coursework to understand and perform some of the common methodologies and analyses
used in today’s Forensic Science laboratories. The Forensic Science minor provides an
attractive option for students with declared majors in the natural and physical sciences, law,
computer science, and homeland security.
Each student must complete 24 credits of
required coursework.
Required Coursework:
ABIO 130 General Biology I (3)
ABIO 131 General Biology II (3)
ABIO 175 Forensic Science Investigation (3)
ABIO 201 Introduction to Biological Investigations I (1)
ABIO 202Z Introduction to Biological Investigations II (1)
ABIO 212 Genetics (4)
ABIO 477 Forensic Science (3)
ACHM 120 General Chemistry I (3)
ACHM 121 General Chemistry II (3)
The required 9 credits of advanced coursework (coursework requiring at least one
pre-requisite) for the Minor in Forensic Science (24 credits) will include the following: ABIO
201 (1), ABIO 202Z (1), ABIO 212 (4), and ABIO 477 (3).
The Minor is funded by a 2017-2018 Compact Plan awarded to the Department of Biological
Sciences Forensic Science Initiative.
18-177 BIO (OT-New Minor in
Forensic Science) Campus Impact
Form
The Minor in Forensic Science (24 credits) offers the required foundational scientific
coursework to understand and perform some of the common methodologies and analyses
used in today’s Forensic Science laboratories. The Forensic Science minor provides an
attractive option for students with declared majors in the natural and physical sciences, law,
computer science, and homeland security. Each student must complete 24 credits of
required coursework.
Required Coursework:
ABIO 130 General Biology I (3)
ABIO 131 General Biology II (3)
ABIO 175 Forensic Science Investigation (3)
ABIO 201 Introduction to Biological Investigations I (1)
ABIO 202Z Introduction to Biological Investigations II (1)
ABIO 212 Genetics (4)
ABIO 477 Forensic Science (3)
ACHM 120 General Chemistry I (3)
ACHM 121 General Chemistry II (3)
The required 9 credits of advanced coursework (coursework requiring at least one
pre-requisite) for the Minor in Forensic Science (24 credits) will include the following: ABIO
201 (1), ABIO 202Z (1), ABIO 212 (4), and ABIO 477 (3).
The Minor is funded by a 2017-2018 Compact Plan awarded to the Department of Biological
Sciences Forensic Science Initiative.
Is there an impact on other service units? Please attach documentation that you have consulted with each unit
listed below:
Yes
No
☐
☐
ITS
☐
☐
University Libraries
☐
☐
Scientific Core Facilities
☐
☐
Other services (i.e., advisement, parking, facilities, security),
Is there an impact on other academic programs? Please list all academic departments consulted regarding
impact and attach documentation.
Faculty and Staff (attach additional pages if necessary)
(a) Describe new faculty hiring needed during the next 3 years
(b) Explain how program will be administered for the purposes of admissions, advising, course offerings, etc.
Discuss the available support staff.
Version 2.0 03/23/18
please list:
■
■
■
■
Chemistry Department
ACHM 120 (3) General Chemistry I
ACHM 121 (3) General Chemistry II
The Department of Biological Sciences proposed Minor in Forensic Science Program does
not anticipate any new hires for the purposes of admission, advising, course offerings, etc.
over the next three years. The Department of Biological Sciences recently hired two
full-time lecturers (Drs. Arati Iyengar and Ryan Thurman) assigned to instruct the required
courses and work with the current Director in providing advisement, admissions, and other
assigned duties for the Forensic Science Programs.
Additional Department of Biological Sciences Support: The Minor in Forensic Science will
have access to all administrative support offered through the Department of Biological
Sciences.
Program Expenses
List all resources that will be engaged specifically as a result of the proposed program (e.g., a new
faculty position or additional library resources). If they represent a continuing cost, new resources
for a given year should be included in the subsequent year(s), with adjustments for inflation or
negotiated compensation.
Program Expense Categories
Expenses (in dollars)
Prior to
implementation
Academic
Year 1:
Academic
Year 2:
Academic
Year 3:
Academic
Year 4:
Academic
Year 5:
(a) Personnel (including
faculty and all others)
(b) Library
(c) Equipment
(d) Laboratories
(e) Supplies
(f) Capital Expenses
(g) Student stipends or
scholarships
(h) Other (specify):
Sum of Rows Above
$
$
$
$
$
$
Explanatory Notes (add additional pages as needed):
Version 2.0 03/23/18
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
APPROVALS
Department Chair
_______________________________________________
_____________________
Department Chair
Date
Dean
_______________________________________________
_____________________
Dean
Date
UPPC Chair
_______________________________________________
_____________________
UPPC Chair
Date
•
It is the sponsoring department’s responsibility to request and attach all required
documentation and to obtain all required signatures (with the exception of the chair of
UPPC’s) before presenting the documentation.
•
Completed forms should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Education, the Office of
Graduate Education, or both as appropriate.
•
When the Chair of UPPC has received the proposal from the appropriate office(s), s/he will notify
you that it has been placed on the UPPC agenda and invite you to attend the meeting.
Version 2.0 03/23/18
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
__________________
Department Chair
12/4/18
Kathleen Gersowitz 12/21/18
