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Implementation - Unique Program - Page 1

ARIZONA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICERS GUIDELINES FOR REQUESTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AUTHORIZATION FOR NEW STANDALONE MINOR

Requests for Implementation Authorization must be submitted in a timely manner to receive approval by the Chief Academic Officers prior to submission to the Arizona Board of Regents for approval at a regular Board meeting. In each request, please provide the following information.

I. PROGRAM NAME AND DESCRIPTION AND CIP CODE*

A. DEGREE(S), DEPARTMENT AND COLLEGE AND CIP CODE Astrobiology – Graduate minor. Astrobiology - Undergraduate minor. Department - Planetary Sciences and others College of Science CIP Code = 30.1801, Multidisciplinary Studies, Natural Sciences

B. PURPOSE AND NATURE OF PROGRAM Train undergraduates and graduates in the interdisciplinary field of astrobiology as a minor to their major area of concentration. Students of astronomy, biosciences, chemistry, geosciences and planetary sciences are interested in studies related to astrobiology. While students may enroll in the traditional departments, increasingly interdisciplinary research is the key to successful scientific careers. This program will allow students to develop a strong core of understanding in astrobiology so that their specific area of research in their traditional field of biosciences, astronomy, etc. is enhanced.

C. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS -- List the program requirements, including minimum number of credit hours, required courses, and any special requirements, including theses, internships, etc. Undergraduate minor requirements: A minimum of 18 units, which must include 9 units of upper division course work and 3 units of University Credit. A minimum of 3.00 GPA in the minor. Must take 9 units from the following courses: ISP 305 Key Concepts, ASTR 407 Astrobiology, PTYS 442 Mars. Must select three courses from the attached list in consultation with an astrobiology advisor. Graduate minor requirements: A minimum of 9 units. A minimum of 3.00 GPA in the minor. Must take 9 units: ASTR 507 Astrobiology, ASTR 588a Astrochemistry, PTYS 542 Mars

D. CURRENT COURSES AND EXISTING PROGRAMS -- List current course and existing university programs which will give strengths to the proposed program. See current courses listed in the attached file. Existing university programs with strengths: Astronomy, Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Planetary Sciences. Implementation - Unique Program - Page 2

E. NEW COURSES NEEDED -- List any new courses which must be added to initiate the program; include a catalog description for each of these courses. No new courses will be developed – ISP 305 is under development by others.

F. REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCREDITATION -- Describe the requirements for accreditation if the program will seek to become accredited. Assess the eligibility of the proposed program for accreditation.

*Uniqueness is determined by means of CIP codes. Please indicate to the Board office the proposed CIP code for the new program before completing this request, and Board staff will provide a list of programs (if any) which share the same code. These guidelines should be used only for programs for which there is no duplication at another Arizona public university campus. For programs which share the same code as existing programs, please use the guidelines for duplicative programs.

II. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT

A. What are the intended student outcomes, describing what students should know, understand, and/or be able to do at the conclusion of this program of study? UG: Students should know the basic tenets of astrobiology across disciplines and complement their major areas. G: Students should know the basic tenets of astrobiology across disciplines and have an in-depth knowledge of the research in other disciplines on their specialties. B. Provide a plan for assessing intended student outcomes. UG: GPA of at least 3.0 (cumulative) in minor courses. G: GPA of at least 3.0 (cumulative) in minor courses.

III. STATE'S NEED FOR THE PROGRAM

A. HOW DOES THIS PROGRAM FULFILL THE NEEDS OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA AND THE REGION? --Explain. The State will benefit from this program by attracting additional students and providing superior training to produce competitive graduates. Graduate students will be drawn to study in the State at the University of Arizona (UA) in this relatively new interdisciplinary field of astrobiology. Fewer than five programs exist which train researchers as astrobiologists and yet as this field electrifies the public and student imagination – addressing humanity’s most fundamental questions – more students seek training. The broad interdisciplinary nature of the field requires not only depth in the researcher’s primary discipline but significant understanding of astrobiology related issues in other disciplines. This broad interdisciplinary training will not only produce astrobiologists but make graduates better trained to adaptation in the continuing evolution of scientific approaches, methods, and collaborative interactions. This interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary program will enhance the existing Astronomy, Planetary Sciences and Space Sciences fields impacts on economic growth, which had a total dollar impact of $252.8 million in FY 2006 and the Biosciences had a total dollar impact of $12.5 billion in FY 2007.

B. IS THERE SUFFICIENT STUDENT DEMAND FOR THE PROGRAM? --Explain and please answer the following questions. Implementation - Unique Program - Page 3

1. What is the anticipated student enrollment for this program? (Please utilize the following tabular format).

5-YEAR PROJECTED ANNUAL ENROLLMENT 1st yr. 2nd yr. 3rd yr. 4th yr. 5th yr. No. Minors Minors Minors Minors Minors Student 4/2 6/3 10/4 10/4 10/4 Minors UG/GD

2. What is the local, regional and national need for this program? Provide evidence of the need for this program. Include an assessment of the employment opportunities for graduates of the program during the next three years.

US, Arizona and Tucson badly need students and workers interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to create vibrant, sustainable and financially sound economies. They need students and workers who can think in new and multidisciplinary ways. The subject of astrobiology not only excites students and engages them in STEM learning but trains them for a 21st century economy.

3. Beginning with the first year in which degrees will be awarded, what is the anticipated number of degrees that will be awarded each year for the first five years? (Please utilize the following tabular format). Undergraduate/Graduate

PROJECTED MINORS COMPLETED ANNUALLY 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year No. 1/1 2/2 5/3 6/3 6/3 Minors UG/GD

IV. APPROPRIATENESS FOR THE UNIVERSITY -- Explain how the proposed

program is consistent with the University mission and strategic direction statements of the university and why the university is the most appropriate location within the Arizona University System for the program. Interdisciplinary research is a strong component of the research strengths of UA. However, there are few opportunities for graduate students to obtain significant training in the interdisciplinary science of astrobiology. Two departments offer courses related to astrobiology but no core curriculum exists. This course will fit in with the UA’s larger goal to pursue innovative interdisciplinary programs and gain higher standing among Research 1 universities.

V. EXISTING PROGRAMS AT OTHER CAMPUSES Implementation - Unique Program - Page 4

A. EXISTING PROGRAMS IN ARIZONA --

1. For a unique (non-Duplicative) program, provide a statement to the effect that there are no existing programs at other Arizona public universities that duplicate the proposed program.

There are no other programs. 2. Other Institutions -- If this program is not currently offered at the same academic level by private institutions in the state of Arizona, provide a statement to that effect. If a similar program is currently offered by private institutions, list all programs and indicate whether the institution and the program are accredited. (A list of institutions will be provided by Board staff. Please utilize the following tabular format and contact Board staff for assistance, if needed). There are no other programs.

PRIVATE NCA Program PROGRAM INSTITUTION Accreditation? Accreditation? ( Y or N) (Y or N) 1 2

B. PROGRAMS OFFERED IN OTHER WICHE STATES

1. Identify WICHE institutions that currently offer this program. If appropriate, briefly describe the programs. (Please use the following format).

PROGRAMS OFFERED IN OTHER WICHE STATES WICHE NCA Program PROGRAM INSTITUTION Accreditation? Accreditation? & LOCATON ( Y or N) (Y or N) 1 2

No WICHE institutions offer a program in astrobiology

VI. EXPECTED FACULTY AND RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

A. FACULTY

1. Current Faculty -- List the name, rank, highest degree and estimate of the level of involvement of all current faculty who will participate in the program. If proposed program is at the graduate level, also list the number of master's theses and doctoral Implementation - Unique Program - Page 5

dissertations each of these faculty has directed to completion. Attach a brief vita for each faculty member listed. PRIMARY: Jonathan Lunine, PhD, # masters=1, #dissertations=9 Kate Dixon, PhD: # masters=, #dissertations= Lucy Ziurys, PhD: # masters=4, #dissertations=16 Vic Baker, PhD: # masters=26, #dissertations=38 Matthew Sullivan, PhD: #masters and dissertations – all in progress = 3 2. Additional Faculty -- Describe the additional faculty needed during the next three years for the initiation of the program and list the anticipated schedule for addition of these faculty. NONE.

3. Current FTE Students and Faculty -- Give the present numbers of FTE students and FTE faculty in the department or unit in which the program will be offered. Astronomy: Faculty = 19.1; undergraduate = 117; graduate = 39 Planetary Sciences: Faculty = 32; graduate students = 26 Chemistry/Biochemistry: Faculty = 39.90; undergraduate = 76; graduate = 179

4. Projected FTE Students and Faculty -- Give the proposed numbers of FTE students and FTE faculty for the next three years in the department or unit in which the program will be offered. Same – no new additions.

B. LIBRARY

1. Current Relevant Holdings -- Describe the current library holdings relevant to the proposed program and assess the adequacy of these holdings. Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and Steward have their own libraries with ample holding of relevant literature. UA Science and Main Libraries, access to internet resources provide ample access to holdings for astrobiology. 2. Additional Acquisitions Needed -- Describe additional library acquisitions needed during the next three years for the successful initiation of the program.

C. PHYSICAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

1. Existing Physical Facilities -- Assess the adequacy of the existing physical facilities and equipment available to the proposed program. Include special classrooms, laboratories, physical equipment, computer facilities, etc. Use of existing. Adequate. Implementation - Unique Program - Page 6

2. Additional Facilities Required or Anticipated -- Describe physical facilities and equipment that will be required or are anticipated during the next three years for the proposed program. None.

D. OTHER SUPPORT

1. Other Support Now Available -- Include support staff, university and non-university assistance. Unknown – UA administration decision. 2. Other Support Needed, Next Three Years -- List additional staff needed and other assistance needed for the next three years.

VII. FINANCING

A. SUPPORTING FUNDS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES --List. NONE.

B. NEW ACADEMIC DEGREE PROGRAM BUDGET PROJECTIONS FORM -- Complete the appropriate budget form, available at http://www2.nau.edu/ugstudy/UCCForms.htm describing the current departmental budget and estimating additional costs for the first three years of operation for the proposed program. Please note that these costs for each year are incremental costs, not cumulative costs.

VIII. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

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ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO FORMAT THE REPORT

 In order to ensure consistency headings and bolding should follow the format of this guideline. Leave a one-inch margin at the top so that the Board office can paginate all documents.