Programs & Policies

Director of Graduate Studies: Murat Kacira, mkacira@email.arizona.edu

Description

The Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) track or subplan of the Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed to prepare students who wish to possess a graduate-level education that integrates science and engineering-based approach to provide specific controlled environments for plant productivity while optimizing resources including water, energy, space, capital and labor, and more specifically incorporate knowledge in management and business. Graduates of this track will be prepared for careers in controlled environment agriculture industry, academia and government.   

The CEA is an agricultural production practice for year round continuous production of nutritionally high quality foods, with crop yields that can exceed field production by as much as 10-fold, and with the potentials to utilize local renewable energy resources, and optimize water, energy, space, capital, and labor resource use efficiency well above field traditional capabilities. This production technology, can employ crop production systems, provide harvest much less dependent of season, and can generate higher crop yields, quality, safety, nutritional value, with consistency and predictability, while utilizing less land in an environmentally friendly way.

There has been significant advancement in agriculture due to enhanced cultivars by plant breeding, minimized use of chemicals and effects of pests by integrated pest management, improved production quality, produce uniformity and reduced labor via automation and mechanization. These continuous advancements in production practices and technology have maintained an acceptable food quality and low cost food supply, however, resulted in more demand for highly educated and skilled employees. The controlled environment agriculture systems are integrated systems consisting of hydroponics, mechanization and automation, climate control, production management processes which demand continuous system monitoring and control. Thus, technical understanding and crop production skills are needed for specific crop needs and through understanding of plant and microclimate interactions are needed so the systems can be effectively operated and precisely controlled to improve growth, production quality, and resource use efficiency. This necessitates potential graduates to acquire technical, production, management, people, business skills.

Therefore, the CEA track will prepare students for rewarding employment in the controlled environment agriculture sector with technology, science and engineering, business and management oriented education and training to prepare current and future employees to meet the needs of this important industry segment to successfully compete in the global market place.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the CEA track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The CEA track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the ABS and the IMB track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Curricular Requirements

Courses recommended for the CEA track clusters are listed in the ABS Student Handbook.  Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the Director of the Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft study plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path the student is pursuing. Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS. 

Director of Graduate Studies: Nafees Ahmad, nafees@arizona.edu

Description

The Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences (DLS) track or sub-plan of the Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed to prepare students for professional careers in the medical and biotechnology diagnostic industries surrounding in vitro devices (IVDs), a term used to describe medical devices and diagnostic laboratory test methods regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Graduates may seek employment in a wide variety of medical and scientific settings, including the diagnostics and pharmaceutical industries, the biotechnology industry, clinical and translational research units, and government agencies. Emphasis topics may include development of laboratory management skills, acumen in the legal and business environment of the diagnostic and biotech industries, compliance to federal regulations for healthcare or the diagnostic industry, or knowledge of the in vitro device processes and regulations. The track requires that students successfully complete an internship in a medical laboratory, a diagnostic or translational research group, a university compliance office for industry- or agency-funded research, or one of the associated bioscience companies.

Students will work closely with faculty members of the ABS program. These faculty members direct translational research programs, and collaborate with partners in the diagnostic and biotech industries.  Their research involves the development of novel testing methods for disease detection, as well as basic science research programs that investigate mechanisms of disease, characterization of diseases such as cancer and infections, or development of disease interventions such as vaccines and antitoxins.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the DLS track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The DLS track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the ABS and the DLS track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Curricular Requirements

Courses recommended for the DLS track clusters are listed in the ABS Student Handbook.  Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the Director of the Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft study plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path the student is pursuing. Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS. 

Director of Graduate Studies: Michael Johnson, mdljohnson@arizona.edu

Description

The Industrial Microbial Biotechnology (IMB) track or subplan of the Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed to prepare student for careers in the biotechnology industries where microorganisms are used as either tools for manufacturing chemical or biological products, or as environmental or agricultural agents.

Since ancient times, microorganisms have been utilized for what we now recognize as biotechnology applications, starting with beer and wine-making, leavening dough for bread and pastries, and preserving food by pickling.  The multibillion dollar modern fermentation and biocatalytic industries that grew out of these practices produce small molecule “natural products” to be used as drugs, pesticides and fine chemicals including biodegradable plastics, and provide us with amino acids, vitamins, solvents and other industrial chemicals.  Microbial fermentation and biocatalysis (the use of microorganisms as catalysts for chemical reactions) also represent our best hopes to produce sustainable, environmentally responsible biofuels, and constitute a fast growing segment of the biotechnology industry.  Microbial fermentation is also used to produce recombinant proteins as drugs or industrial enzymes, and can be used to manufacture antibodies and nucleic acids for diagnosis and treatment of diseases.  Drug discovery in the pharmaceutical and agribusiness industries, and the development of novel or cheaper industrial chemicals and reagents are unimaginable without utilizing microbial “chemical factories”.

Microorganisms are also used for environmental biotechnology applications, utilizing the unrivaled ability of microbes to biodegrade a wide variety of compounds.  Bioremediation of contaminated former industrial sites, cleanup after natural disasters like oil spills, or everyday applications like waste water treatment rely on chemical reactions catalyzed on the spot by live microorganisms.  Similarly, integrated pest management in agribusiness can take advantage of biocontrol by live microorganisms to kill or suppress microbial, insect or nematode pests in an environmentally conscious manner that does not involve toxic chemicals.

The IMB track will prepare students for gainful employment in the fermentation, biocatalysis, drug discovery and manufacture, agribusiness, chemical manufacture, and environmental biotechnology industries where experts with knowledge of microbiology, microbial genetics and biochemistry are in demand.  Just like other PSMAB tracks, the IMB track involves a strong component of developing professional skills and understanding the legal and business environment of these industries, and involves a required internship in a professional biotechnology laboratory environment.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the IMB track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The IMB track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the PSMAB and the IMB track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Requirements

Courses recommended for the clusters of the IMB track are listed in the Student Handbook. Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the DGS and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path she or he is pursuing.  Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS.

Director of Graduate Studies: Nafees Ahmad, nafees @email.arizona.edu

Description

The primary objective of the Medical Microbiology and Immunology (MMI) track, one of five sub-plans of the Applied Biosciences GIDP, is to instruct and prepare students for an occupation in the diverse field of biomedical sciences.  The focus in the MMI track is training students to attain a graduate level biomedical education with an emphasis on medical microbiology, immunology, and virology.

The disciplines of microbiology and immunology started centuries ago with the development of the simple microscope (the 1600's).  Using this new scientific tool and the seminal work by major microbiologist’s in the 1800’s, led to the vanquishing of the theory of spontaneous generation as the source of disease.  The ultimate cause of the disease was shown, using hypothesis-based scientific investigations, to be microorganisms or bacteria, and became known as “The Germ Theory” of disease.  These foundations in Medical Microbiology led to queries into how one could prevent disease by vaccination and by the use of antisera (antibody). These studies used antibodies raised against the bacterial toxins in animals. The antitoxin serum led to the use of passive immunization to protect and cure infectious diseases and vaccines against these deadly agents. This work was seminal in the development and futures discoveries in the field of immunology.  Major research and discoveries in the areas of medical microbiology and immunology have played a major part in the rapid advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnology. These technologies have also had a major impact on recent advancements in MMI.

This program is unique in incorporating the MMI-biomedical science training along with the linking and integration of important knowledge from the disciplines of management, business, and law. All students in the PSM program are required to complete an internship, in our case, in the area of MMI. Students do internships with biotechnology companies based in the Tucson-Phoenix corridor, or in academic research laboratories, and obtain invaluable on-the-job training, experience, and knowledge.  This real world expertise obtained in the internship is unique and different from classroom learning or taking on-line courses.

This innovative curriculum will give students the ability to take various career paths upon graduation. This could include doing research at “the bench”, to manage a laboratory at a university or in industry. With knowledge gained in business and legal fields, our trained scholars can also become involved in the business side of biomedical science.  Graduates from this track will be ready for such diverse professional vocations in the areas of: biotechnology, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, local or national government, academic institutions, plus positions in immunologic and microbiologic biotechnology companies.

The MMI subplan is working in alliance with the Certificate Program in Microbiology and Immunity (MIGCP) which is housed within the Department of Immunology.  Upon admission to the PSM-ABS MMI track, the 15 units completed by the student for the MIGCP certificate may be transferred as fulfillment of the Core Science and Science Electives Modules of the MMI subplan.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the MMI track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The MMI track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the ABS and the MMI track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Requirements

Courses recommended for the MMI track clusters are listed in the ABS Student Handbook.  Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the Director of the Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft study plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path the student is pursuing. Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS.

Director of Graduate Studies: Ryan Gutenkunst, rgutenk@email.arizona.edu

Description

The Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) track or subplan of the  Applied Biosciences GIDP is designed for students who wish to possess a graduate-level education that integrates knowledge in the biological sciences, management, business, and law.  Students graduating in this track will be prepared for professional careers in government, academia, or in industry in such fields as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, medical research, and agriculture.

The discipline of Molecular and Cellular Biology is the study of life processes.  What types of activities are carried out by cells, and how do cells make these activities work? Our department aims for its students to develop a deep understanding of current ideas and problems in molecular and cellular biology and to build foundational skills in logic, reasoning, self-expression, and communication.

MCB researchers utilize model systems that allow them to query the most basic of questions about nature, whether they be at the molecular level, at the level of a cell or organism, or in the development of clinical application of new human disease therapies.  Faculty with specializations in MCB represents a diverse group of faculty members' research interests including cancer biology, neurobiology, heart development and disease, plant development, evolutionary biology, cell signaling, gene expression, RNA biology, genetic networks and systems biology, and genome stability.  Professional Science Master’s students in the MCB track will be able to select courses corresponding to these fields and other course work for the track, to tailor their studies to their personal preferences and career goals.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the MCB track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The MCB track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the ABS and the MCB track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Requirements

Courses recommended for the MCB track clusters are listed in the ABS Student Handbook.  Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the Director of the Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft study plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path the student is pursuing. Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS.

Director of Graduate Studies:  Joel Cuello, cuelloj@arizona.edu

Description

The primary objective of the SBB track is to prepare students for jobs as research professionals in the field of bioenergy, biofuels, and novel agricultural systems research as part of a sustainable regional and global bioeconomy.  Students will be interested in research towards selecting and improving appropriate feedstock; producing feedstock in a sustainable manner; researching conversion of the feedstock to biofuels, bioenergy and value-added coproducts; and in developing techno-economic and sustainability models to evaluate paths to commercialization and socioeconomic impacts.  Students completing the SBB track will seek employment in public or private research organizations (including universities) that conduct research in these fields; private companies (from bioenergy startups to established multinationals in the existing energy industries) that are interested in sustainable bioenergy research and implementation; governmental agencies that regulate the biofuels industry; and in nonprofit organizations that evaluate the environmental and societal impact of these industries.

Just as the other ABS emphases, the SBB track will provide a rigorous but student-tailored and student-centered science training that is complemented by integration of important knowledge from the disciplines of management, economics, business practices, and law.  Just as students in the existing tracks, SBB students will complete an internship at a company (preferably in the Tucson-Phoenix corridor) or at a UofA lab appropriate for their career goals, in order to obtain invaluable on-the-job training, experience and knowledge.  This real world know-how obtained in the internship is unique and cannot be emulated in the classroom nor by taking on-line courses.  As part of their graduate program, students will prepare, present and defend an internship report in lieu of a thesis (PSM-ABS is a non-thesis MS degree).  This report will describe the field of research the student was engaged in; details their contributions to this field; and discusses future directions such research may take.

Students graduating in the SBB program will typically do research during their professional career “at the bench” (including the “virtual bench” of the computer, in case of research in socioeconomic modeling), with the perspective of eventually managing a laboratory at a university or in industry. With knowledge gained in business and legal fields, our trained scholars can also become involved in the business side of the bioenergy industry, becoming project managers, regulatory agency employees, marketing and analysis professionals.

Curriculum

In common with other ABS tracks, the SBB track requires the successful completion of 36 units (credit hours), within the course of a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 6 years.

The SBB track includes a wide selection of courses relevant to the mission of the ABS and the IMB track.  These courses are grouped into clusters.  The track has the following curricular requirements:

Requirements

Courses recommended for the SBB track clusters are listed in the ABS Student Handbook.  Other classes may be substituted for the classes listed in the attached Table with the agreement of the Director of the Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Advisor and the Committee of the student.  Initial selection of the appropriate courses within each cluster and for the study plan in general will be done by agreement between the student and the DGS, based on a draft study plan assembled by the student and submitted to the DGS.  This plan should be based on the particular needs and interests of the student, considering the career path the student is pursuing. Fine tuning and other necessary changes of the course plan will be made by the Advisor and the student’s Committee, in agreement with the DGS.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in
Applied Biosciences

Preamble

The Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP) in Applied Biosciences (ABS) provides graduate education and professional training in the applications of the biological sciences.  The ABS GIDP involves faculty members from any college at the University of Arizona who share a common interest in the professional training and education of scientists interested in pursuing careers in industry, public and private service and education. The program offers a Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree in Applied Biosciences.

It is the responsibility of the ABS GIDP to provide a graduate educational program in the various areas of applied biology, to publicize the program, and to maintain graduate participants of the highest quality. It is also the responsibility of the program to encourage vigorous, productive research activities and maintain an interactive community by providing seminars and promoting campus-wide interdisciplinary activities.

The following sections outline the by-laws that govern policies and operating procedures.

1. Governing Bodies

A.  The ABS program is subject to all the rules, policies and regulations of the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), University of Arizona Policy, GIDPAC policy and Graduate College Policy.

B.  The structure and organization of the ABS GIDP shall conform to the Guidelines for Interdisciplinary Programs established at http://gidp.arizona.edu.

C.  The program is recognized by the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) as a Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree.  The ABS program will abide by CGS guidelines as to its curriculum and structure. These guidelines are established at http://sciencemasters.com.  Abiding by the guidelines of CGS allows the program to be listed in their literature and to use the PSM logo.

2. Administrative Structure

A.  The program shall be divided into tracks, which correspond to disciplinarily and multidisciplinary coherent groups of courses. Each track will have a lead faculty member who will have the title “Director of Graduate Studies (track name)” (DGS)

B.  The program shall be governed by an Executive Committee (EC) that consists of the DGSs from each track and from 1-4 member elected from general faculty affiliated with the program.  The Executive Committee is responsible for nominating or receiving nominations for new members of the Executive Committee and will vote on these nominations. Members of the Executive Committee will be appointed only from the membership of the ABS-PSM Committee (Faculty). Each Executive Committee member will serve a three-year term. Each of these terms can be renewed by vote of the Executive Committee and approved by the Faculty Director of the Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs.

C.  The Chair of the ABS GIDP shall be appointed by the Dean of the Graduate College from nominees submitted by the Executive Committee.  The Chair will serve a renewable three-year term. 

D.  The ABS shall maintain an Advisory Board consisting of experts in Business, Industry and/or the Community. The board will not have less than 5 members, and should be composed of members that represent the diversity of areas represented by the tracks in the program.

3. Duties of the Program Chair

A.  Administer the Program and activities of the EC with the assistance of the program coordinator of the GIDP

B. Convene and chair meetings of the EC, not less than once per year.

C.  Convene and chair meetings of the Industry Advisory Board, not less than once per year.

D.  Act on behalf of the EC and the GIDP to implement policies of the Program;

E.  Serve as the representative of the Program to the University Administration, granting agencies, prospective students, etc.

F.  Prepare and submit an annual report of activities and accomplishments of the Program according to University regulations.

G.  Administer the operating budget of the GIDP

H.  Appoint sub-committees, such as curriculum, admissions, resources, activities etc., as necessary

I.  Prepare documentation and evaluation of GIDP participation for faculty undergoing P&T/CS review.

4.  Duties of the Executive and other Committees

A.  Devise and implement procedures to be followed in selecting and reviewing members of the GIDP

B.  Devise and implement appropriate policies and procedures for the operation of the graduate program, such as admissions, curriculum, student supervision, completion of degree program requirements, and decisions regarding program resources.

C.  Serve on sub-committees as needed for effective operation.

D.  Assist in providing academic counsel to new students and evaluations of students at various stages of progress through the Program.

E.  Assist the Program chair in the preparation of annual reports of the ABS program’s activities and accomplishments to the Faculty Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Program and Graduate Dean.

F.  Prepare the materials for Academic Program Reviews.

G. Facilitate interaction and communication within the Program and with supporting academic units’ heads and deans and the GIDP Faculty Director and Graduate Dean.

H. Formulate the annual budget and seek funding from appropriate University, State, Federal and private sources.

I.  Solicit nominations to vacated slot(s) on the Executive Committee to ensure continuity over time.

J.  Solicit nominations to vacated slot(s) on the Industry Advisory Board to ensure continuity over time.

5.  Duties of the Advisory Board

A.  Advise the Program Chair and EC about issues of curriculum, community needs and new issues and innovations in the private sector.

B.  Advocate for the program to Government and Industry partners.

C.  Assist students in securing internship positions and in job-placement

D.  Assist the program in fund-raising, budgeting and other financing.

6. Membership in the GIDP

The ABS GIDP consists of tenure or continuing status eligible faculty members at the University of Arizona who participate in graduate education and research in Applied Biosciences.  An affiliate membership is available to tenure-eligible or continuing-status-eligible faculty who meet some, but not all of, the criteria for regular membership or for faculty who are not Tenure/CS eligible.

 A.  Regular members

i.  Tenure/CS-eligible faculty shall be nominated for membership in the ABS GIDP by submitting a request for membership and a recent curriculum vita to the Executive Committee.  A two-thirds majority of positive votes of the Executive Committee shall be required for nomination to membership to the Faculty Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs who shall confer membership.  Criteria for membership can include demonstrated applied biology research activity, significant contacts with industry or the public sector, deep interest in graduate education, and resources for graduate training.

ii.  A member of the ABS GIDP shall be dropped from membership for failure to participate in the activities of the Committee. Participation includes service as a thesis/internship advisor, service on an ABS GIDP subcommittee; teaching a graduate course used in the program curriculum or giving a seminar/colloquium on a topic related to applied Biology. Membership shall be subject to periodic review and failure to satisfy those criteria as decided by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Committee shall result in loss of membership or change in status to affiliate membership.

iii.  Members dropped from membership or changed to affiliate status may reapply for regular membership.

iv.   Members of the ABS GIDP may serve as academic and research advisors or Affiliate graduate students in the program, directors/advisors of graduate thesis/internship committees, and as members of master’s committees.

v.   Members of the ABS GIDP shall meet annually and as needed. 

vi.  Each member of the ABS GIDP shall have one vote on matters brought to the Faculty by the Executive Committee.  A quorum shall constitute one-third of membership.  Failing a quorum, a mail vote shall be required.

vii. Members shall be listed as Faculty of ABS GIDP in the Graduate Catalog.

B.  Affiliate Members

i.  Non-tenure-eligible faculty who otherwise meet the criteria for membership and Tenure/CS-eligible faculty who meet some but not all of the criteria for membership may apply for affiliate membership in the GIDP by submitting a request for membership and recent curriculum vitae to the Executive Committee.  A two-thirds majority of positive votes of the Executive Committee shall be required for election to associate membership.

ii. Affiliate members shall have all the privileges and responsibilities of regular members except that they are non-voting. (Non-tenure/CS-eligible faculty must also seek the approval of the Graduate College to serve on graduate committees, by Graduate College rules.

7.  Amendments

The By-laws shall be amended or revised by movement of the Executive Committee and a two-thirds positive vote of the membership of the ABS GIDP

8. Criteria for Membership in the Graduate Faculty for the ABS GIDP 

                             A. Prologue

i. As specified in UHAP Policy 3.1.04:

Members of the graduate faculty have special privileges and obligations within graduate education, especially related to thesis, dissertation and other culminating capstone project committee roles and membership, as well as graduate student advising and mentorship. Graduate faculty membership is automatically granted to tenured and tenure-track faculty and continuing-status and eligible academic professionals with faculty titles and may be granted selectively to career track faculty or others. The Graduate College, in coordination with the academic colleges and programs, oversees the criteria, processes, and procedures related to the granting, review, and in rare cases of unacceptable performance, the remediation or removal of graduate faculty membership to ensure the quality of graduate programs and delivery of graduate education.
 

ii. The Graduate College policies governing graduate faculty membership are set out here: https://grad.arizona.edu/policies/academic-policies/graduate-faculty-policy
 

iii.Members of the Graduate Faculty are expected to maintain the “Responsibilities of Graduate Faculty”, as outlined in section 4.1 of the Graduate College policy.

                             B. Criteria for membership in the Graduate Faculty of the ABS GIDP

Faculty of the University of Arizona who are tenured, tenure eligible, continuing status, continuing-eligible, or career track, are eligible for Graduate Faculty membership in the ABS GIDP, when:

i. Hold a terminal degree in a discipline relevant to the interdisciplinary mission of the ABS GIDP; AND

ii. Have experience conducting research, as evidenced by grants, publications, conference presentations, patents, white papers, or governmental reports relevant to applied biosciences; OR

iii. Have at least 2 years of experience conducting research in governmental or non-governmental institutions, industry or clinical settings relevant to applied biosciences, as evidenced in the work history of the applicant.  The Executive Committee of the ABS GIDP may request a recommendation letter from a supervisor or a senior peer of the applicant, attesting to the relevance and quality of the research contributions of the applicant; AND

iv. Have a record of effective mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students, or expressed interest and commitment to provide such mentorship to the students of the ABS GIDP.

                                 C. Criteria for the endorsement to chair a Master's Committee

 The following additional criteria are used to determine if a member of the Graduate Faculty in the ABS GIDP has the endorsement to chair Master’s committees. Faculty with the endorsement to chair Master’s committees are expected to maintain the responsibilities outlined in section 4.4 of the Graduate College policy.

i. All members of the Graduate Faculty in the ABS GIDP shall have the endorsement to chair Master’s committees if they are Tenure-eligible/Tenured faculty or Continuing Status-eligible/Continuing Status academic professionals with faculty appointments.

ii. Members of the ABS Graduate Faculty with Career Track faculty appointments shall have the endorsement to co-chair Master’s committees together with a Tenure-eligible/Tenured faculty or Continuing Status-eligible/Continuing Status eligible member of the ABS Graduate Faculty, provided the Career Track faculty has a proven record of graduate student supervision in the ABS GIDP. 

iii. Members of the ABS Graduate Faculty with Career Track faculty appointments shall have the endorsement to chair Master’s committees if they previously served on at least one ABS GIDP Master’s committee as a committee member, a co-chair, or a chair.

                                 G. Vote on Memberhsip in the ABS GIDP Graduate Faculty

Nominations for faculty membership in the ABS GIDP can be made by submitting a request for membership, and a recent curriculum vita to the Chair of the ABS GIDP. Letter(s) of recommendation from existing ABS GIDP faculty members may also be attached to the nomination.  The Chair shall then poll the Executive Committee, and may submit the information for a formal vote.  A two-thirds majority of positive votes of the Executive Committee shall be required for recommendation to membership to the Faculty Director of the Graduate College and the Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, who shall confer membership.

The policies set out in this document do not apply to special members, retired faculty without emeritus status and other faculty who have resigned as well as to academic experts who are not employees of the University of Arizona. For information on how these categories of potential committee members are may be included on committees, see section 1.2 of https://grad.arizona.edu/policies/academic-policies/graduate-faculty-policy

Note that the Graduate College does not maintain a list of who is entitled to chair committees. It is the responsibility of each program to ensure that graduate committees are composed of program-approved members and are chaired by appropriately qualified faculty. The program does this verification when the DGS approves GradPath committee forms.

Approved:             Date: 07.22.2022