Curriculum Review Committee
October 18, 2013 meeting
Page 1 of 7
To:
Department Chairs and Program Directors
From:
Peter N. Woodberry
Date:
December 16, 2014
Subject: Approved Minutes, December 5, 2014, Curriculum Review Committee Meeting
Voting Members Present:
Brenda Andrade, Cassandra Brewer, Kevin Crawford, Yvonne Leonard, Kathi Duffy-Thorpe,
Renee Gadboury, Joanne Jacobs, Shawn Parker, John Owens, Bruno Soffientino
Voting Members Absent:
Hossiri Godo-Solo, Donald Paquet, Joan Tullie,
Guests: Cathy Picard-Tessier, Ellen Shulte, Wayne Suits, Sharon Perkins
The Curriculum Review Committee met on December 5, 2014, to review proposals from the
Chemistry and Respiratory Department. Copies of all proposals are on file in Academic Affairs
and are reflected in the attached Tracking Forms approved and signed by President DiPasquale
and Vice President Lamontagne.
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 2 of 7
AGENDA
PROPOSALS
New Program
Chemistry
62 credits
Originators: Elizabeth Arendt
Wayne Suits
RATIONALE FOR THE PROGRAM: All Chemical Technology students are required to take
biology courses including BIOL 1002, Introductory Biology: Cellular. There is a very similar
course, BIOL 1000, Cell Biology for Technology, which is taken by students in the
Biotechnology Certificate program. In recent history, at least seven students have completed
both the Chemical Technology AAS and the Biotechnology Certificate. We have had to
complete course substitution forms to allow BIOL 1000 to substitute for BIOL 1002 for such
students. In the interest of allowing students to see that there are overlapping classes in the
two technology pathways, we would like to allow students to formally take either BIOL 1002 or
1000. Both BIOL 1002 and 1000 transfer to RIC and URI as noted in the transfer section of this
form. Additionally, it is hoped that this formal inclusion of BIOL 1000 will encourage students to
work on both Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, thus boosting enrollment in each
program in the process.
In the past, we have completed several course substitution forms for MATH 1200, College
Algebra, and MATH 1210, College Trigonometry. These courses are more rigorous than their
technology counterparts, MATH 1700 and 1710, and are therefore more appropriate for any
student who intends to transfer to a bachelor-granting institution where calculus classes would
most likely be required.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
The chemical industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. Its need for
trained technicians in quality control, analysis, and research and development laboratories is
extensive.
The Chemical Technology program prepares graduates to enter the chemical field in any one of
a variety of capacities: chemical research technician, laboratory assistant, chemical production
technician, junior chemist or analytical technician. The program is structured to develop a
fundamental understanding of general, organic and analytical chemistry, with emphasis on
laboratory applications and techniques.
Motion: Approve – Kevin Crawford, 2nd Joanne Jacobs
The committee voted unanimously to approve the course revisions/clarifications as amended
No oppositions, no abstains.
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 3 of 7
Program Proposal
Respiratory Therapy Program
71 credits
Originators: Joanne Jacobs
RATIONALE FOR THE PROGRAM: This is an existing program with proposed revisions as
follows:
a) Because respiratory therapy (RESP students are required to take pre-admission
coursework totaling 18 credits, many choose to take courses such as BIOL 1020 or
PSYC 2010 or the required elective prior to the first technical semester in the Fall. We
are seeing a pattern where these students are unable to meet the minimum credits
required for “full-time” financial aid.
b) By increasing the number of credits in RESP 1012 from 1 to 2, the required program
credits for fall semester will increase from 5 to 6, thus meeting the minimum requirement
of 6 credits to qualify for financial aid. The 1 credit added to RESP 1012 would come
from the current RESP 1020 course which would be eliminated, since part of the content
will move to RESP 1010; and the rest would be covered in RESP 1012. Students start
their clinical rotations in the spring semester, and it is important for them to have this
information prior to starting the clinical experience. This will prepare them for better
application and critical thinking in the clinical setting.
c) The 1 credit added to RESP 1012 would come from the current RESP 1020 course
which would be eliminated, since part of the content will move to RESP 1010; and the
rest would be covered in RESP 1012. Students start their clinical rotations in the spring
semester, and it is important for them to have this information prior to starting the clinical
experience. This will prepare them for better application and critical thinking in the
clinical setting.
d) RESP 2110 is currently a one-credit course that runs in the summer semester. This
course will move from summer to spring and will receive 2 credits from the RESP 1020
course that will be eliminated, making it a 3-credit spring offering.
e) We also propose to change the course sequence to require PSYCH 2010 in the last
Spring semester keeps the required credits above the 12 required for full-time financial
aid eligibility in that semester.
Course Proposal
Respiratory Care I
4 credits
Originators: Joanne Jacobs
RESP 1010
Rationale:
This will show modifications to the course objectives, course description and educated person
outcomes to reflect changes that will be needed when discontinuation of RESP 1020 is
approved.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
OLD: RESP 1010 - Respiratory Care 1 (4 Credits)
This course introduces students to the hospital and patient environment in the
classroom and the laboratory. Students learn an array of respiratory therapy
procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic. An overview of the structure and function
of the cardio-respiratory system is examined as well as various disease states. Chest
assessment, infection control, disinfection and sterilization also are addressed.
Laboratory practice is included. (Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program)
Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 4 of 7
NEW: RESP 1010 – Respiratory Care 1 (4 Credits)
This course introduces students to the hospital and patient environment in the classroom
and the laboratory. Students learn an array of respiratory therapy procedures. An
overview of the structure and function of the cardio-respiratory system is examined as
well as physical principles of gas flow and lung mechanics. Principles of breathing and
gas exchange, including oxygen and carbon dioxide transport and arterial blood gas
values and interpretation are addressed.
Laboratory practice is included. (Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program)
Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hrs
Course Proposal
PreClinical Practice
RESP 1012
2 credits
Originators: Joanne Jacobs
PRECLINICAL PRACTICE
Rationale:
This course currently runs for a 5-week block in the Fall semester. It has been overwhelming
for students to start a 5-week course in November, and the material is rushed and not retained.
Faculty believe the material will be better covered and retained if the course is structured as a 2
credit 15-week course.
We are asking to add one credit from the RESP 1020 course that will be eliminated (the content
of 1020 will be distributed among several current courses) for a total of 2 credits for RESP 1012
Preclinical Practice.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION (include old and new):
OLD: RESP 1012 - Preclinical Practice
(1 Credit)
This course is designed to prepare students for the initial clinical experience in the
program. It will emphasize students’ ability to carry out basic respiratory therapy
procedures including oxygen therapy, medication delivery, as well as principles of
electrocardiography. Students will be introduced to the electronic medical record.
(Prerequisite: Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program;
Corequisite: RESP 1010) Lecture: 1 hour
NEW: RESP 1012 – Preclinical Practice
This course is designed to prepare students for the initial clinical experience in the
program. It will emphasize students’ ability to identify and follow protocols in order to
carry out commonly ordered respiratory therapy procedures. Students will recognize and
interpret basic findings in patient assessment, including vital signs, chest assessment,
and values for blood chemistry testing.
Students will be introduced to the electronic medical record and tracking system, and will
participate in case simulations. (Prerequisite: Admission to the Respiratory Therapy
program.
Lecture: 2 hrs
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 5 of 7
Course Proposal
Respiratory Care II
4 credits
Originators: Joanne Jacobs
RESP 1100
Rationale:
Some course content from RESP 1020 is being moved into RESP 1010, 1012 and 1100. This
course proposal submits changes to the course objectives to reflect those changes.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
OLD: RESP 1100 - Respiratory Care II (4 Credits)
This course offers a detailed review of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques in
respiratory care. It includes the study of both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic
techniques for assessing oxygenation, ventilation, pulmonary function and
electrocardiography.
Students interpret graphics from these techniques. Management of airway emergencies
and
artificial airways is included, with a brief introduction to mechanical ventilation concepts.
Laboratory
practice is provided. (Prerequisite: RESP 1010)
Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
NEW: RESP 1100- Respiratory Care II (4 Credits)
This course offers a detailed review of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques in
respiratory care. It includes the study of both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic
techniques for assessing oxygenation, ventilation, pulmonary function and
electrocardiography. Students interpret graphics from these techniques, and are able to
classify specific findings.
Management of airway emergencies and artificial airways is included. Laboratory
practice is provided. (Prerequisite: RESP 1010) Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours.
Course Proposal
Respiratory Care II
RESP 2110
4 credits
Originators: Joanne Jacobs
RESPIRATORY CRITICAL CARE
Rationale:
RESP 2110 was developed as a 1-credit course to help prepare students for their critical care clinical
semester. It has been challenging to fit the necessary content into the current course. We propose to a)
offer the course in the spring semester in place of RESP 1020, and b) offer it as a 3-credit course.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
OLD: RESP 2110 Respiratory Critical Care (1 credit)
This course offers an introduction to critical care concepts and application of physiologic
measures to patient care in the acute care setting. Lecture: 1 hour, Lab: 1 hour
NEW: RESP 2110 - Respiratory Critical Care (3 Credits)
This course offers an introduction to critical care concepts and application of physiologic
measures to patient care in the acute care setting. Lecture: 3 hours
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 6 of 7
Motion: Approve – Kevin Crawford, 2nd Cassandra and Bruno
The committee voted 9 in favor,1 abstain to approve the two course revisions as amended when
modifications (by increasing to 3cr) to 2110 and 1012 are made and change proposed course sequence
(Instead of decreasing total credits to 70, they will remain at 71).
DISCUSSION
Reviewed revised curriculum proposal forms
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Psychology Department
The Psychology Department voted unanimously to eliminate the Psychology Concentration in
Liberal Arts. Dean Wims is in full support of this change. The Department would like to
effectuate the removal of this concentration as soon as possible.
Other actions taken by committee
Motion to resurrect catalog description review sub committee: Kevin Crawford, Brenda,
Shawn, Joanne Jacobs (members)
Curriculum Review Committee
December 5, 2014 meeting
Page 7 of 7
Motion: Approve – Kevin Crawford
The committee voted unanimously 9 – 0 to include discussion and announcements in minutes
The next Curriculum Review Committee meeting will take place on February 13, 2015
Attachments (1 PDF file/1 Word doc)
Distribution:
President Di Pasquale
Cntr. for Workforce & Community Ed:
Vice President Lamontagne
E. Colantonio
Vice President Schertz
J. Nash
Vice President Smith
Dean Cipolla
CITLA:
Jeanne Mullaney
Cooperative Education:
Dean Sullivan
A. Marge
JAA Coordinator:
P. Harnick
Marketing & Communications:
Kristen Cyr
Ellen Schulte
Brendalee Peckham-Bell
Office of Enrollment Services:
Dean Wims
Curriculum Review Committee
M. Braun
Advising & Counseling:
Financial Aid:
T. Kless
M. Blessing
B. McGill
L. Mallozzi
J. Friedman
Institutional Research:
W. LeBlanc
C. Tessier