Educational Enhancement for Bioprocess Manufacturing Courses Grant uri icon

abstract

  • East Carolina University has partnered with the North Carolina Community College System to create an educational pathway for Associates in Applied Science in a bio science related field. The following AAS degrees are accepted towards a four year degree: Biopharmaceutical Technology Bioprocess Technology Biotechnology Chemical Process Technology Environmental Science Technology Environmental Science Technology/Environmental Management Environmental Science Technology/Invasive Species Management Environmental Science Technology/Water Resources Management Nanotechnology Agricultural Biotechnology Alternative Energy Technology: Biofuels Chemical Technology Laboratory Technology A graduate of one of these programs can continue their education either face to face or online at East Carolina University and receive a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Bioprocess Manufacturing. This educational pathway increases the workforce development for the entire state of North Carolina in the bio biotechnology and bioprocessing industries. East Carolina University?s Technology Systems Department has 60 matriculation agreements with 15 community colleges in North Carolina. Only six of the 60 agreements are for bio science related AAS degrees. There are 16 community colleges that have a bio science related AAS degrees (22 total) that we currently do not have matriculation agreements with. These agreements formalize the students? progression towards a four year degree, combining what will be taken at the two year and four year college in order to work towards a four year degree. These agreements are signed off by institutional officials which in turn helps both institutions in marketing and attracting new students to these fields. The monies requested in this grant proposal will serve a three- fold purpose: 1) Release time of one of our Technology Systems faculty, 2) Professional development for one of our Technology Systems faculty, and 3) Travel money to finance visits to the community colleges to develop matriculation agreements and increase awareness for the students of future educational possibilities in the bio-technology areas. Release time (one class in the fall of 2009 and two classes in the spring of 2010) from the normal job requirements of one faculty member is requested so that the content for three of our bioprocess manufacturing courses can be updated and enhanced. The three courses that have been identified are ITEC 4150 Microbiology for Industrial Processing, ITEC 4250 Engineering for Food Safety and Sanitation, and ITEC 4450 Waste Treatment Techniques for Industrial Processing. These courses will supplement the hands-on training that the students receive at the Community Colleges with theory and application. To enhance the curriculum and stay abreast of the latest science and technology in the bio-technology area, money is requested for professional development for one of our faculty members. The following are the areas and courses we plan to attend to assist in updating and enhancing our current courses: ? Biotechnology Workshops for Educators ? NCBC Introductory Biotechnology Workshop ? NC State University?s Bio-Manufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) The money requested will be used to finance travel to various community colleges within the state of North Carolina to create partnerships with these institutions. We want to create the partnerships with the institutions but also increase awareness to the student population about educational pathways that are available for them in the bio-technology area after they finish their AAS degree. We want to create formal matriculation agreements that can be used to help advise students on the best plan of study to maximize their credits at the community college. Additionally, thes

date/time interval

  • August 2009 - August 2010