University of New England

Program Information Admission Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing Curricular Requirements Program Standards Academic Policy Financial Information Graduation Requirements

Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology

College: Arts and Sciences/Health Professions

Contact Department: Biological Sciences

Contact: Lawrence Fritz, Director of PSM Programs
11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207)602-2317 or lfritz@une.edu

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Overview
The Professional Science Master's (PSM) is a new type of M.S. degree in the sciences. It provides a wider variety of career options than provided by current graduate programs in the sciences. PSM degrees are structured to:

• Deepen a student's knowledge beyond what can be learned in the undergraduate four-year course of study;
• Fuse several scientific fields at a level of depth and complexity, 
• Integrate studies in the natural sciences with knowledge and training in business, management, law, or other professional areas.

The PSM program at UNE leads to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree and requires the following:

• A thirty-six credit program with focus on a core science curriculum and science electives with an emphasis in Applied Biosciences and Biotechnology;
• An additional cohort of professional courses outside of biology;
• Internship or research thesis experience.  
  

Mission Statement
The Mission of the PSM program in Applied Bioscience and Biotechnology is to educate students for knowledge-based careers in industry and other professional programs. The goal is to graduate students whose success is based upon:

• A basic knowledge in the biosciences and biotechnology together with business and entrepreneurial skills.
• The ability to effectively communicate in a professional setting.
• A proven competency in a specific science area based on research or an internship experience.

Program Goals

• Provide students with solid science training combined with professional skills.
• Contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the biosciences and biotechnology through professional activities and scholarship.
• Provide students with knowledge in core areas of science together with broad experience in a number of cross-disciplinary areas.
• Develop and strengthen student skills to effectively deal with cross-disciplinary biology issues and compete successfully for jobs in a multi-disciplinary career path.
• Produce the next generation of science and biotechnology researchers and entrepreneurs in Maine and the New England region.
  

Admission
Requirements
Satisfactory completion of an undergraduate (4 year) program, preferably in the sciences; preferred college level courses to include two years of Biology, and one year of Chemistry; and GRE general exam recommended.

Procedures and Policies
Applications are accepted as early as December. The application target date each year is 15 February. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case by case basis.  All application materials and procedures are found and completed on-line at …..
Applications must include two letters of reference from persons who can attest to applicants academic and/or work credentials. 

Transfer Credit
A maximum of 6 credit hours may be accepted to waive specific program requirements.  However, a minimum of 36 credits must be taken at UNE, regardless of the number of credits transferred in.

Credit applied to meet the requirements of a previously earned degree or certificate of any type at another institution is ineligible for use as transfer.   To obtain credit,  the student must request approval from the Program Director.   An official transcript copy must be submitted  along with the course description from the other institution’s catalog.  The decision to approve a request will be based on the substitute course’s equivalency to a course offered by the Program. 

The program of study requires a minimum of 36 credits from the professional science core, the cohort course curriculum, internship/thesis and suggested electives. 

Applied Bioscience and Biotechnology Core and Electives
Bioscience course credit (12-15 hours) may come from any advisory committee-approved courses taken from within the department of Biological Sciences. Courses are to be taught for graduate-level work. 

				Credits
BIO 532		Advanced Molecular Biology  (or elective)		3
BIO XXX		Graduate Topics course (specific subjects vary)		3
BIO XXX		Research Methods (or elective)		3
BIOXXX		Additional Electives		3-6

Cohort Core Courses
Cohort course credit (min. 9 hours) may come from courses taken outside of the department of Biological Sciences.  Courses may come from areas in Business, Health, Education, Medicine. Each student’s specific coursework will be determined by the advisory committee. Courses are to be taught for graduate-level work.  

				Credits
COD 510		Communication Skills in Organizations		3
PHI 515		Ethics		3
BUMG 500		Business Principles -The Business of Science		3

Internship/Thesis
Internship/Thesis credit (12-15 hours) may come from an advisory committee-approved project in the specific area of the student’s professional interests.

				Credits
BIO 590		Internship or		12-15
BIO 595		Thesis		12-15

Program Standards
Satisfactory Academic Progress

• Completion of all graduate coursework with a ‘C+’ (2.5) grade average.
• Satisfactory completion of a written thesis/Internship project and a public oral defense.
• Satisfactory completion to be determined by the student’s advisory committee and Director of the PSM program.

Program Completion Timeline
Normal program is 36 credits and set for two years (avg. 9 credits per term). Program must be completed within 4 years, unless special arrangements have been approved by the student’s advisory committee and the Director of the PSM program.

Probation/Dismissal
Students who fall below an average C+ (GPA 2.5) in all classwork taken while in the PSM program will be put on notice for one term.  If by the next term, the GPA average does not rise above 2.5, a student will be asked to leave the program.  Additionally, any student who does not make satisfactory progress in classwork or in the thesis/Internship project, as determined by their advisory committee and the PSM Director, may also be asked to leave the program. Any grade earned below a C (73%) will not count toward program requirements. The Program Director may make modifications to the process described above because of extenuating circumstances.

Evaluations
Evaluations of student progress will rest with course grades taken within the program and with progress made on the thesis and/or Internship project.  Final evaluation reviews will rest with the student’s advisory committee and the PSM Director.

Registration/Add/Drop/Course Withdrawal
Due to the standard curriculum sequence within the PSM Program, students are not allowed to add or drop courses after classes begin. Students may not withdraw from a PSM course; to do so indicates a complete withdrawal from the Program.

Grading
The following grading system is in effect:

  PERCENTAGE    GRADE    QUALITY POINTS
         94-100         A                  4.00
         90-93           A -                3.75
         88-89           B +                3.50
         83-87           B                   3.00
         80-82           B -                 2.75
         78-79           C+                 2.50
         73-78           C                   2.00
           < 73            F                   0.00

OTHER GRADE DESIGNATIONS:
  P/F         “Pass-Fail” Courses
     I            “Incomplete”

Incomplete Grades
An incomplete (I) grade is assigned to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The I grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and may not extend beyond four weeks following the end of the semester.  Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F grade for the course.  A  Failing grade may result in expulsion from the program, as determined by the Program Director.

Experiential Learning
No credit will be awarded to students for experiential learning.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

Graduation requirements include: satisfactory performance in all program courses (36 credits), a GPA average of 2.5 or better, satisfactory completion of a written thesis or Internship project, and satisfactory completion of an oral defense of general knowledge and knowledge gained from the thesis/Internship project.  Graduation success will rest with a majority decision by the student’s Advisory Committee and the PSM Director.

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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2007-2008 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2007.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.