AY 2014-2015 ACADEMIC PROGRAM REVIEW SELF-STUDY TEMPLATE
Reporting School/College: St. John’s College
Program Reviewed: Biological Sciences BS Q
Date Submitted to Department/Division Chair:
Overview and Program Review Summary: Please summarize this program’s mission and its relationship to the vision and mission of
St. John’s University, and the program’s School/College. Identify similar programs regionally and nationally and distinguish this
program from them. In addition, summarize your findings as they relate to (1) program quality, (2) market growth potential, and (3)
student learning. Also, summarize any significant changes, achievements (by faculty and students and the program itself), and plans
for the future. Finally, based on the information gleaned from the data in the self-study, give an overall rating of the program’s
Enrollment/Market Potential by categorizing it as one of the following: (1) Enhance; (2) Maintain; (3) Reduce support, Phase out,
Consolidate, or Discontinue.
(Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 1. The purpose of the program reflects and supports the strategic vision and mission of St. John’s University, and the
program’s School/College.
1a.
What evidence can you provide that demonstrates that the program embodies the Catholic, Vincentian, and metropolitan
identity of St. John’s University? www.stjohns.edu/about/out-mission. (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
1b.
What evidence can you provide that demonstrates that the program embodies the University’s vision.
www.stjohns.edu/about/out-mission/vision-statement. (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
1c.
What evidence can you provide that demonstrates that the program embodies the vision and mission of the program’s
School/College? (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
Standard 1.
Additional comments if needed. (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 2.
The program attracts, retains, and graduates high quality students.
2a.
Undergraduate SAT and High School Average
SAT
2005
2006
2007
High School Average
2008
2009
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Program
1119
1096
1120
1123
1128
89
89
90
91
90
School/
College
1104
1099
1085
1093
1093
88
88
88
88
89
University
1068
1075
1075
1087
1092
86
87
87
87
88
Self-Study Template 1
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Freshmen SAT Scores
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Computed
BIOLOGY
Fall 2012
Computed
1,118
Fall 2013
Computed
1,107
Computed
1,128
1,127
Freshmen High School Average
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
High School
BIOLOGY
Fall 2012
High School
89
Fall 2013
High School
88
High School
89
89
SAT Scores
High School Average
2010
2011
2012
2013
2010
2011
2012
2013
School/
College - Q
1089
1077
1087
1098
88
88
88
88
Total University
1097
1087
1096
1104
87
87
88
89
Intended college major for 2012 college-bound seniors
SAT
Intended College Major
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Services
Test-Takers
Mean Scores
Number
Percent (%)
Critical Reading
Mathematics
Total
5,565
4.1%
436
447
883
22,619
16.7%
480
499
979
*For further information, please visit http://www.ets.org/s/gre/pdf/gre_guide.pdf.
Self-Study Template 2
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2b.
Undergraduate 1st Year Retention Rate
Fall
2003
2004*
2005
2006
2007
2008**
# Fresh
# Ret
%
Program
79%
78%
78%
78%
83%
169
126
75%
School/
College
77%
79%
77%
77%
73%
1005
768
76%
University
78%
78%
78%
79%
76%
3268
2557
78%
Note* The % of students started in Fall 2004 and returned to the program in Fall 2005
** The % of students started in Fall 2008 and returned to the program in Fall 2009
2009
Total
BIO
188
2010
Returned
DNR
Total
#
%
#
%
142
76%
46
24%
179
2011
Returned
DNR
Total
#
%
#
%
135
75%
44
25%
194
2012
Returned
DNR
#
%
#
%
146
75%
48
25%
Total
195
Returned
DNR
#
%
#
%
142
73%
53
27%
Fall
2009
2010
2011
2012*
# Fresh
# Ret
%
School/
College - Q
76%
74%
72%
905
683
76%
Total University
78%
78%
76%
2757
2195
80%
* The % of students started in Fall 2012 and returned to the program in Fall 2013
Self-Study Template 3
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2c.
Undergraduate 6 Year Graduation Rate
Fall
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Program
60%
57%
52%
60%
57%
School/
College
Average Rate
61%
59%
58%
60%
57%
University
64%
59%
61%
61%
58%
Fall
2004
2006
2007
School/College
Average Rate - Q
57%
57%
57%
51%
Total University
58%
58%
59%
55%
Fall 2004 cohort
Total
BIO
2d.
2005
160
Graduated
#
54%
Fall 2005 cohort
Total
174
Graduated
#
57%
Fall 2006 cohort
Total
201
Graduated
#
53%
Fall 2007 cohort
Total
161
Graduated
#
63%
Graduate Standardized Test Scores
Comments: Refer to Charts 2a – 2d in your response. (Suggested limit 1/2 page)
2e.
Please describe how the program compares with peer and aspirational institutions.
(Suggested limit 1/2 page)
2f.
If applicable, describe the program’s student performance over the past five years on licensure or professional certification
exams relative to regional and national standards. (Suggested limit 1/4 page)
Self-Study Template 4
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2g.
Number of majors and minors enrolled over the past five years. See table below.
Fall
Number of
Students
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Majors
549
575
551
571
634
Minors
4
16
16
16
11
553
591
567
587
645
Total
MAJORS
BIO
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Majors
Majors
Majors
Majors
BS
661
669
684
710
BS/MS
6
4
24
31
BIO3
BS/OD
1
1
3
3
BIO5
BS/DPM
1
Total
668
674
712
744
Does not include second majors
MINORS
Total
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Minors
Minors
Minors
Minors
Biology
15
25
24
27
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Total
Total
Total
Total
683
699
735
771
Self-Study Template 5
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2h.
Number of degrees granted during the past five years. See table below.
Academic Year
Degrees
Granted
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
BS
74
94
95
99
88
SJC -UG-Q
BIO
Biology
BS
10/11
11/12
12/13
Degrees
Conferred
Degrees
Conferred
Degrees
Conferred
137
128
150
Below is comparison degrees conferred data for local and national institutions based on data retrieved from the IPEDS website. This
is based on the Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code of 26- Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
20092010
20102011
20112012
Bachelor's
Local1
1,032
National
86,400
1,218
1,204
90,003
95,849
1
Local institution include: Adelphi University, Columbia University, CUNY Queens College, Fordham University, Hofstra
University, Iona College, C.W. Post University, Manhattan College, New York University, Pace University, Seton Hall
University, Stony Brook University, and Wagner College.
For more information please visit: http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/Default.aspx
Comments : Based on the data in 2g and 2h, how do these trends compare to institutional, regional and national patterns?
(Suggested limit 1/2 page)
2i.
What mechanisms are in place to monitor students’ progress toward degree? And, to what extent is there a collaborative
effort to provide quality advising and support services to students? (Suggested limit 1/4 page)
2j.
If available, provide information on the success of graduates in this program as it relates to employment or attending
graduate school. (Suggested limit 1/4 page)
Self-Study Template 6
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2k.
Please comment on the students’ competencies in the program. Support your response using data provided below and any
other data available. (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
Standard 2.
Additional comments if needed: (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 3. The program engages in ongoing systematic planning that is aligned with the University and School/College
planning, direction, and priorities.
3a.
How does your program’s strategic goal/objectives link to your School/College plan and the University’s strategic plan?
http://www.stjohns.edu/about/leadership/strategic-planning
3b.
What is the evidence of monitoring the external and internal environments, specifically what are the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the program? How were they identified? What actions have been taken in response
to these findings? What characteristics of the program suggest a competitive edge against other programs regionally and
nationally?
3c.
What is the current and future market demand for the program? Support your response using the data provided below or
any other internal or external sources to justify your response.
Self-Study Template 7
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Fastest growing occupations and occupations having the largest numerical increase in employment by level of education and
training projected.
Fastest Growing Occupations
Change, 2010-20
Percent
Numeric
Biochemist and Biophysicists
31%
7,700
Biomedical Engineers
62%
9,700
14%
10,900
Biological Technicians
Occupations having the
largest numerical increase in
employment
Biological Technicians
Change, 2010-20
Percent
Numeric
14%
10,900
Projected Changes in Related Occupations (2010 – 2020)
Changes, 2010-20
Grow much faster than average – Increase 21% or more
Percent
Numeric
Biomedical Engineers
62%
9,700
Biochemist and Biophysicists
31%
7,700
Changes, 2010-20
Grow much faster than average – Increase 7 to 14.9%
Biological Technicians
Percent
Numeric
14%
10,900
*For more information please visit: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/ecopro.toc.htm
Standard 3.
Additional comments if needed: (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 4. The program provides a high quality curriculum that emphasizes and assesses student learning and engagement.
4a.
Please indicate how the program curriculum is in alignment with the following three items:
(Suggested limit 1/2 page for each of the three categories below)
1.
2.
3.
Standards within the discipline
Curriculum integrity, coherence, academic internships, teaching excellence, teaching vibrancy, and study abroad
experiences.
The University Core competencies
4b.
The syllabi for the courses within this program incorporate the suggested elements of a syllabus – an example of which can
be found at the following St. John’s University Center for Teaching and Learning link. (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
http://stjohns.campusguides.com/content.php?pid=71651&sid=984766
Self-Study Template 8
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
4c.
Describe the assessment model currently in place for the program and indicate the extent to which disciplinary and core
knowledge, competence, and values are met, as well as findings and action plans for improvement. For reference visit, WeaveOnline
– https://app.weaveonline.com//login.aspx; Digication – https://stjohns.digication.com. (Suggested limit 1/2 page)
4d.
What, if any, external validations, e.g. specialized accreditations, external awards, other validations of quality has the
program received? (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
Standard 4.
Additional comments if needed. (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 5. The program has the faculty resources required to meet its mission and goals.
5a.
Below you will find the number of students enrolled as majors and minors in the program. Please complete the table by
adding the number of full-time faculty assigned to the program. Then calculate the student to full-time faculty ratio.
#
Majors/
FT
Faculty
FT
PT
Total
Majors
534
15
549
555
Minors
3
1
4
16
Majors
& Minors
Combine
d
537
16
553
571
# of FTE
Students
(Majors
&
Minors)
537.0
0
5.3
3
542.3
3
571.0
0
Fall 2005
Fall 2006
FT
PT
20
Fall 2007
Total
FT
PT
Fall 2008
Total
FT
575
545
6
551
563
16
15
1
16
16
20
591
560
7
567
579
6.6
7
577.6
7
560.0
0
2.3
3
562.3
3
579.0
0
PT
8
Fall 2009
Total
FT
PT
13
Total
571
621
634
16
11
8
587
632
13
645
2.6
7
581.6
7
632.0
0
4.3
3
636.3
3
11
# of FTE
Faculty
assigned
to the
program
19
20.0
22.0
23.3
20.3
FTE
Student/
FTE
Faculty
Ratio
28.5
28.9
24.1
24.9
31.3
Self-Study Template 9
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Fall 2010
F
P
Majors
MAJORS
Fall 2011
Total
F
P
Total
661
F
13
MINORS
674
668
17
Fall 2011
Total
Minors
Total
F
P
Total
F
MAJORS/MINORS
685
704
Total
F
P
18
722
729
21
750
Fall 2013
Total
F
Total
Minors Minors Minors Minors Minors Minors Minors Minors
15
15
25
25
22
1
23
26
Fall 2011
26
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
F
P
Total
F
P
Total
F
P
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
676
13
689
693
17
710
726
19
745
Fall 2010
FTE MAJORS
P
Fall 2012
Fall 2010
Total
F
Fall 2013
Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors Majors
Fall 2010
Total
Fall 2012
Fall 2011
F
P
Total
Total Total Total
755
Fall 2012
21
776
Fall 2013
F
P
Total
F
P
Total
F
P
Total
F
P
Total
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
FTE
7
762
676
4.333 680.333
693
5.667 698.667
726
6.333 732.333 755
Includes second majors
Self-Study Template 10
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
# of FTE faculty assigned to
the program
FTE Student/FTE Faculty
Ratio
Important Notes:
FTE Students = Number of FT Students + (number of PT Students/3)
FTE Faculty = Number of FT Faculty + (number of PT Faculty/3)
This methodology is used by STJ for all external reporting.
The figure for majors includes first and any second majors.
5b.
Below you will find the credit hours the department has delivered by full-time faculty and part-time faculty (including
administrators) and the total credit hours consumed by non-majors.
Credit Hours
Fall 2005
Fall 2006
Fall 2007
Fall 2008
Fall 2009
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
3420
55%
3279
50%
3515
58%
3268
61%
3458
62%
PT Faculty
2849
45%
3215
50%
2585
42%
2125
39%
2163
38%
Total
6269
100%
6494
100%
6100
100%
5393
100%
5621
100%
Taught
FT Faculty
% consumed by
Non-Majors
63%
59%
59%
53%
52%
Fall 2005 – Fall 2007 includes Scientific Inquiry courses.
Self-Study Template 11
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Credit Hrs
Taught
Fall 2010
Number
Fall 2011
Percent
Number
Fall 2012
Percent
Number
Fall 2013
Percent
Number
Percent
F-T Faculty
3,423
57.6%
3,596
56.5%
3,847
64.1%
4,351
69.1%
P-T Faculty (inc
Admin)
2,515
42.4%
2,774
43.5%
2,158
35.9%
1,944
30.9%
0.0%
Total
% Consumed
by Non-Majors
5,938
0.0%
100%
3,039
51.2%
6,370
0.0%
100%
3,416
53.6%
6,005
0.0%
100%
2,883
48.0%
6,295
100%
2,999
47.6%
5c.
Below you will find the number of courses the department has delivered by full-time faculty and part-time faculty (including
administrators).
Courses
Taught
Fall 2005
#
Fall 2006
%
Fall 2007
Fall 2008
Fall 2009
#
%
#
%
#
%
#
%
46
58%
54
68%
41
66%
43
64%
FT Faculty
48
59%
PT Faculty
34
41%
34
43%
26
33%
21
34%
24
36%
Total
82
100%
80
100%
80
100%
62
100%
67
100%
Fall 2005 – Fall 2007 includes Scientific Inquiry courses.
Self-Study Template 12
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Courses Taught
Fall 2010
Number
Fall 2011
Percent
Number
Fall 2012
Percent
Number
Fall 2013
Percent
Number
Percent
F-T Faculty
44
65.7%
56
57.7%
42
58.3%
45
62.5%
P-T Faculty (inc
Admin)
23
34.3%
41
42.3%
30
41.7%
27
37.5%
0.0%
Total
67
100%
0.0%
97
100%
0.0%
72
100%
0.0%
72
100%
5d.
What is the representative nature of faculty in terms of demographics, tenure and diversity? (See departmental
information on next page). How well does this support the program? (Suggested limit 1/2 page)
Self-Study Template 13
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Developmental Plan
2005
FT
2006
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
Male
10
63%
11
69%
Female
6
38%
5
Total
16
100%
Black
0
Hispanic
FT
2007
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
21
10
63%
9
50%
31%
11
6
38%
9
16
100%
32
16
100%
0%
1
6%
1
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
Asian
3
19%
3
19%
White
13
81%
11
Unknown
0
0%
Total
16
100%
Tenured
13
Tenure-Track
FT
2008
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
19
10
59%
6
50%
50%
15
7
41%
6
18
100%
34
17
100%
0%
0
0%
0
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
6
3
19%
8
44%
69%
24
13
81%
10
1
6%
1
0
0%
16
100%
32
16
100%
81%
13
13
2
13%
2
Not Applicable
1
6%
Total
16
100%
FT
2009
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
16
10
63%
9
60%
50%
13
6
38%
6
12
100%
29
16
100%
0%
0
0%
0
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
11
3
18%
1
8%
56%
23
14
82%
8
0
0%
0
0
0%
18
100%
34
17
100%
81%
13
13
2
13%
2
1
1
6%
16
16
100%
FT
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
19
10
59%
10
59%
20
40%
12
7
41%
7
41%
14
15
100%
31
17
100%
17
100%
34
0%
1
7%
1
0
0%
0
0%
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
4
3
19%
6
40%
9
4
24%
8
47%
12
67%
22
13
81%
8
53%
21
13
76%
9
53%
22
3
25%
3
0
0%
0
0%
0
0
0%
0
0%
0
12
100%
29
16
100%
15
100%
31
17
100%
17
100%
34
76%
13
13
81%
13
15
88%
15
3
18%
3
0
0%
3
2
12%
2
1
1
6%
1
3
19%
0
0
0%
0
16
17
100%
17
16
100%
16
17
100%
17
Gender
Ethnicity
Tenure Status
Self-Study Template 14
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
2010
FT
2011
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
Male
9
60%
11
61%
Female
6
40%
7
39%
Total
15
FT
2012
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
20
10
71%
10
48%
13
4
29%
11
52%
33
14
FT
2013
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
20
11
73%
10
53%
15
4
27%
9
47%
35
15
FT
PT
Total
#
%
#
%
21
12
75%
8
42%
20
13
4
25%
11
58%
15
34
16
Gender
18
21
19
19
35
Ethnicity
Black
0%
1
6%
1
0%
0%
0
0%
0%
0
0%
2
11%
2
Hispanic
0%
1
6%
1
0%
0%
0
0%
1
5%
1
0%
1
5%
1
13%
10
56%
12
67%
16
20%
11
58%
14
25%
9
47%
13
0%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
0
0%
0
33%
19
33%
19
37%
19
75%
7
37%
19
2 or More Races
0
0%
0
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0
0%
0
0
0%
0
Asian
2
Native American
White
0%
13
Unknown
87%
6
0%
Total
15
0%
18
2
14%
14
0%
12
0
86%
7
0%
33
14
0%
21
3
0%
12
0
80%
7
0%
35
15
0%
19
4
12
0
0%
34
16
19
35
Tenure Status
Tenured
12
80%
12
11
79%
11
12
80%
12
13
81%
13
Tenure-Track
2
13%
2
2
14%
2
2
13%
2
2
13%
2
Not Applicable
1
7%
1
1
7%
1
1
7%
1
1
6%
1
Total
15
15
14
14
15
15
16
Self-Study Template 15
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
16
5e.
What evidence exists that the program’s faculty have engaged in research and scholarship on teaching and/or learning in
the program’s field of study? (Suggested limit 1/2 page)
5f.
What initiatives have been taken in the past five years to promote faculty development in support of the program?
(Suggested limit 1/2 page)
5g.
The table below shows the amount of external funding received by the department. If available, please provide the dollar
amount of externally funded research for full-time faculty supporting the program under review. (Program dollar amounts are
available through departmental records.)
Fiscal Year
External
Funding
04/05
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
1,224,543
1,153,444
732,355
269,960
352,950
$ Amount
Program
$ Amount
Department
Fiscal Year
External
Funding
09/10
10/11
11/12
12/13
$ Amount
Program
$ Amount
Department
572,250
-
793,607
1,521,924
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LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
5h.
Please comment on the table below that shows trends in overall course evaluation and instructional vibrancy for your
program (if available), your college and the university. (Suggested limit ½ page)
Overall Evaluation (Spring)
Instructional Vibrancy (Spring)
2011
2012
2013
2011
2012
2013
Biological
Sciences BS (Q)
4.05
3.96
4.02
4.26
4.26
4.29
Saint John’s
College
3.95
4.01
4.00
4.28
4.33
4.33
Total
4.01
3.21
4.07
4.27
4.29
4.35
Undergraduate
Note: Institutional Vibrancy is the average of the first 14 questions on the course evaluation, with questions pertaining to course
organization, communication, faculty-student interaction, and assignments/grading. All course evaluation questions range from 1
(Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree).
5i.
What percentage of full time faculty assigned to this program have terminal degrees or industry certifications renewed
within the past 2 years? Comment. (Suggested limit 1/3 page)
Standard 5.
Comments: Indicate to what extent the program has the faculty resources required to meet its mission and goals.
Include references from 5a – 5i. (Suggested limit 1 page)
Standard 5.
Additional comments if needed. (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 6.
The program has adequate resources to meet its goals and objectives. And, it is cost-effective.
6a.
Narrative/Supportive Technological Environment - Comment on classrooms and labs meeting industry-standards for quality
and availability of hardware, software, and peripherals; library space, holdings and services; science laboratories, TV studios,
art/computer graphic labs; etc. (Suggested limit 1 page)
6b.
Narrative/ Supportive Physical Environment - Comment on level of faculty and student satisfaction with HVAC; faculty and
student satisfaction with classroom lighting, crowdedness, and acoustics; flexible teaching environments, and faculty offices, etc..
(Suggested limit 1 page)
6c.
To what extent has the University funded major capital projects, e.g., renovations, which are linked directly to the program
during the past five years? (Bulleted list)
6d.
If external data that describes the cost effectiveness of the program has been provided by your School/College Dean, please
comment on the program’s cost-effectiveness. (Suggested limit 1 page)
Self-Study Template 17
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q
Standard 6.
Additional comments if needed. (Suggested limit 1 page)
STANDARD 7
Effective actions have been taken based on the findings of the last program review and plans have been
initiated for the future.
Comments: (Suggested limit 1page)
Self-Study Template 18
LAS_BIO_BIO.SCI_BS_Q