REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO IMPLEMENT A NEW DEGREE PROGRAM Doctor of Philosophy in Optics Masters in Applied Optics Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering & The Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications February 14, 2008 Department: Physics and Pre-Engineering Discipline Specialty Title: Optics Discipline Specialty Number: To be determined Level: Bachelor Masters X Ph.D X Program Tracks: M.S. in Applied Optics Ph.D. in Optics I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM A. Describe the proposed program and associated degree program tracks The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering currently has an M.S. degree program in Physics that prepares the student for employment in research and for an advanced (Ph.D.) degree in academic programs. Over the past few years the faculty has extended the research resources available to STEM undergraduates and graduate students. Several faculty members from the Department have been awarded government sponsored research grants that have resulted in the purchase of modern physics instrumentation and computer workstation clusters. Our next goal is to develop advanced degree programs (M.S. & Ph.D.) in the area of Optics. In this effort, the Department has recently hired three new faculty members with research expertise in Optics. A request for another new faculty hire for fall 2008 from the Department has also been approved by the University. The Department is making consistent effort to establish partnerships with universities (having similar programs) and industries that benefit both students and faculty. A National Science Foundation grant awarded to Professor Noureddine Melikechi established the Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications (CREOSA). This grant will provide seed money to launch the graduate Optics programs. The CREOSA grant is awarded from 2006-2011. This proposal is for 1) a Masters program in Applied Optics, and 2) a Doctoral program in Optics. These two proposed graduate programs will provide students with state-of-the-art education and hands-on research experience in different disciplines of Optics, with an emphasis on biophotonic applications. The Doctoral and Masters programs prepare students for a research career in industry and academics through original research leading to the completion of a dissertation. Our faculty research covers topics such as: optical solitons, nanophotonics, single-molecule biophysics, laser spectroscopy of atomic and molecular systems, theoretical atomic physics and plasmonics. B. List the educational objectives of the programs Optical science and technology is advancing today’s critical technologies from fiber optic telecommunications to medical imaging and cancer research. Optics relates to the understanding of the science of light is considered as a specialized field of physics and engineering. Control and manipulation of light quanta is an important 21st century technology that is set to develop new technologies for computing, secured communication, medical diagnosis and disease management and treatment. The innovative science and technology in this area has attracted increasing academic research, scientific workforce and also federal and industry support. The Optical Society of America (OSA) and International Society for Optical Engineering (SPIE) are large international societies that bring together optics scientists, engineers, educators, technicians and business leaders from around the world for advancing the research in this field. These exciting graduate degree programs are designed to prepare students from Physics and Engineering backgrounds for careers in optics research and applications. Besides a traditional optical science research curriculum, the programs will place emphasis on the emerging areas of nano- and bio-photonics, and develop many challenging and exploratory projects based on optical nanotechnology and its applications to aid the health related sciences. The program will be comparable to the other existing optics programs in the nation and will be the first of its kind in the State of Delaware. One of our goals is to link with other related research and academic programs in the local mid Atlantic region, as well as the biotech and pharmaceutical companies in Delaware: DuPont, Agilent Technologies, AstraZeneca, Incyte Corporation and Tapestry Pharmaceutical, Inc., and our new degree programs will be the vehicle to do that. Students completing the program will: 1. Acquire an extensive knowledge of applied optics; 2. Be able to contribute new knowledge and develop innovative research in optics; 3. Be able to critically analyze the scientific literature in optical science and technology; 4. Be broadly trained as elite scientists and engineers to pursue their career in academics, industry or the government; 5. Be skilled in communications, especially for Optics pedagogy. C. Indicate the relation of this program to other programs offered at the University, including the common use (1) courses, (2) faculty, (3) facilities, (4) other resources The new program will complement and strengthen the existing M.S. and B.S. programs in Physics & Pre-Engineering and will potentially be synergistic with the existing programs in the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology in the following ways: 1. The 18 proposed new Optics courses (required and electives) will add to the diversity of course offerings within the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering, and the “bio” related courses could be electives for Biology graduate students. 2. The new courses can also serve as electives for other disciplines in the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology thereby adding to the diversity of science courses offered at DSU. 3. Graduate students in Optics are expected to engage in interdisciplinary research and our faculty will encourage inter-departmental research collaborations (including the College of Agricultural Sciences). 4. The successful development of the Optics graduate programs will rely on the recruitment of highly skilled research professors. Over the past three years, the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering has recruited three new faculty members with impressive records of research accomplishments. DSU is devoted to strengthening its research activities, and the Optics graduate program will support this vision. 5. New professors are expected to develop externally funded research programs. Typical research grants cover the salaries for Postdoctoral Fellows, Research Associates, students and faculty release time. The role of these staff scientists is not limited to research, but also includes mentoring of undergraduate and graduate student research. Therefore existing faculty in the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering will benefit from additional scientific personnel. 6. New professors engaged in the proposed Optics programs will most likely pursue scientific collaboration outside of DSU with other academic institutions, government laboratories and industry. These collaborations increase DSU’s public exposure which can potentially attract more student applicants, both undergraduate and graduate students. 7. Research publications and public seminars at scientific conferences will also increase DSU’s national and international recognition. 8. Professors with awarded research grants will purchase scientific equipment that will strengthen DSU’s scientific resource infrastructure. Often the equipment can be utilized in undergraduate teaching. 9. As the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering faculty members grow as a result of the Optics graduate program, there will be more opportunities for research groups to apply for government-sponsored infrastructure grants, including the development of Research Centers similar to CREOSA. The establishment of these Centers can provide DSU with a major thrust towards its vision of becoming an institution for research excellence. 10. The graduate Optics programs will prepare students to be skilled communicators and teachers. Graduates from this program who pursue a teaching profession will strengthen DSU’s public exposure. D. Identify similar programs offered elsewhere in Delaware The graduate programs in Optics will be the only ones in the State of Delaware and will provide unique opportunities for students pursuing their career in optical science and technology, particularly in the area of biophotonics and nanophotonics applied to medical or clinical research. E. List the names of other institutions with similar offerings regarded as high quality programs by the developers of the proposed programs. The graduate programs in Optics will be unique not only to the local region, but will also be amongst only 11 universities in the United States to offer this field of graduate study. The graduate Optics program at DSU will focus on the sub-fields of biophotonics and nanophotonics. These subjects are poised for intense growth throughout this century. There are several existing graduate programs in Optics in the United States, among which are the Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida and the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. We have used the Ph.D. curricula from these programs as the basis for developing the graduate program in Optics at DSU. We have also solicited the feedback of our proposed graduate program in Optics from several renowned faculties at these institutions. M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Optics are also offered at University of New Mexico, University of Colorado, Boulder, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, University of Alabama, Huntsville, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, University of California, Davis, and Duke University. The M.S. in Optical Engineering program at Norfolk State University is the only optics program at an HBCU in the nation. F. List other institutions consulted in developing this proposal Dr. Boyd: Institute of Optics, University of Rochester Dr. E. Van Stryland: College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida Dr. E. Borguet and Dr. M. Lyyra: Temple University Dr. D. Moore: University of Rochester and Stanford University External Advisory Committee Members of CREOSA II. JUSTIFICATIONS FOR THE PROGRAM A. Narrative Statement. Describe the program as it relates to: i. The institutional mission The goals of the graduate programs in Optics are aligned with many of the Institutional Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Years 2007-2011, as put forth by Delaware State University in April 2007. Specific contributions of the graduate programs in Optics are provided in italics. 1.1 To continue to improve the quality of teaching and learning in all programs. Increase in the number of Physics & Pre-Engineering faculty to teach new Optics and related Physics courses. 1.4 To develop and implement master and doctoral programs that meet societal needs of diverse populations. The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering will encourage applicants from minority institutions and female applicants. These types of students are underrepresented nationally in the STEM sciences, and in particular the physical sciences. 1.5 To continue to build a culture of global awareness through internationalizing the curriculum and through cooperative relationships with international institutions of higher education. The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering will publicize the new Optics program both nationally and internationally (through optics conferences and visits to international academic institutions). 1.6 To recruit and retain quality faculty to ensure maintenance of 80 percent faculty with terminal degrees. All new faculty members will have terminal degrees and a track record of research and teaching excellence in appropriate fields of Optics. 2.1 To increase faculty participation and provide opportunities for students to participate and enrich their undergraduate experience. Undergraduate research mentoring is expected from all faculty associated with the Optics graduate programs. 2.2 To increase grant applications and research contracts to acquire $30 million in research efforts. Faculty involved with the graduate Optics programs are expected to secure external grants to support their research. 2.4 To enhance interdisciplinary research and encourage collaborative research with other state, regional and national institutions of higher education. The interdisciplinary nature of Optics will foster this institutional objective through research and educational exchanges. 3.1 To strengthen the University’s commitment to serving its community through assistance and education. The Optics graduate programs will be unique to the region and we anticipate enrollment of local Delaware students. 3.2 To continue to play a key role in economic development in the state. We will develop partnerships with local industry through research collaborations. 4.5 To develop and implement a University-wide retention plan to increase cohort retention rates and the University’s graduation rate. The Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering will conduct annual reviews of graduate student progress in an effort to identify problems that may interfere with the students’ progress towards their degree. 5.1 To maintain and enhance technology in the delivery of instruction in the classroom and through distance education. The graduate program curriculum involves laboratory coursework that will utilize cutting-edge research equipment. 5.2 To improve and upgrade the physical environment for instruction. Faculty can request special renovation funds to convert older rooms into modern research space. The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering has already received awards for these types of projects. Some equipment for faculty research can also be utilized as learning tools. 6.2 To increase private giving in the individual, corporate and foundation sectors to support University needs, particularly in the area of scholarships for the attraction and retention of students. Many private research grants will provide graduate student stipend support. 6.3 To strengthen and improve public and private support for Delaware State University by enhancing its reputation to various stakeholders, including prospective students and their families. Successful graduates of the Optics programs will improve the academic reputation of DSU. 6.4 To build the University’s capacity to communicate its progress to alumni and key stakeholders, both internally and externally. CREOSA will periodically distribute a newsletter (“Lightview”) to local industrial partners and DSU alumni. 6.5 To develop an integrated marketing strategy that strengthens the institution’s image and identity. This will be a major responsibility for the CREOSA Associate Director of Outreach. 7.4 To develop, implement and maintain a University Strategic Technology Plan for acquisition/implementation, maintenance and training. Accomplished through infrastructure grants proposed by Professors engaged in the Optics programs. 9.1 To use external assistance to identify and implement best practices related to enrollment management and strategies. The CREOSA has already established an External Advisory Committee to assist with these issues. 9.2 To develop an enrollment management strategy that aims to grow student enrollment, including graduate students and adult learners. This will be a major responsibility for the CREOSA Associate Director of Outreach. We anticipate Masters student enrollment from local biotechnology companies. 9.3 To increase graduate student enrollment by 5 percent per year. This will be a major responsibility for the CREOSA Associate Director of Outreach. ii. Overall state plans (higher education and service programs) The Delaware Science and Technology Council was established by Governor Ruth Anne Minner through Executive Order #88 (approved June 20, 2006). The Council states that one of its goals is to “make Delaware a leader in emerging areas such as life sciences, biotechnology, nanotechnology and alternative energy.” The graduate program in Optics will focus its courses and research in the areas of biophotonics and nanophotonics. Additionally, research collaboration with industrial partners, with the overall goal of technology transfer from academics to the industrial sector is also a key objective of the Council. Thus the graduate programs in Optics are well aligned with the objectives of the Delaware Science and Technology Council. iii. Student Demand The fields of biophotonics and nanophotonics are expected to contribute significantly to 21st century technologies. Already, specialized undergraduate courses are offered at many colleges to prepare our next generation of scientists. Furthermore, there is a national goal to increase our understanding of photonics and nanotechnology, which is evident by numerous government-sponsored Research Program Announcements and incorporation of these research areas in government laboratories. A graduate program with an emphasis in the areas of biophotonics and nanophotonics is expected to be in high demand, especially given the fact that relatively few universities offer such programs in the United States. Furthermore, we expect many applicants for the Masters degree program from scientists employed by the local pharmaceutical industries since these optical technologies are very promising for the biotechnology sector. B. Enrollment i. Program enrollments for four years, giving the basis for the projections. The basis for our proposed graduate programs in Optics is an NSF-CREST grant awarded to Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, Chairperson of the Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering. Through this grant we proposed the development of the Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications (CREOSA). The CREOSA grant will provide stipend support for four (4) graduate students for the first year of the grant, and eight (8) graduate students total for each year thereafter. We anticipate a high enrollment of minority students from HBCUs and minority serving institutions (including women’s colleges). Additionally, the curriculum of DSU’s Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering will prepare undergraduate majors for the Optics graduate program, and we look forward to our own students applying to the Optics graduate programs. ii. Project the enrollments by numbers and race using the chart below (M.S. and Ph.D. students). Academic Year 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 Caucasian 2 3 4 6 African American 2 4 6 8 Hispanic/Latino 1 2 3 3 Asian/Pacific Islander 0 1 2 2 TOTALS 5 10 15 19 III. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND CURRICULUM A. Admissions. List the following: i. Admission requirements for the proposed programs Admission to the proposed programs is open to United States citizens and international students. Students with B.S. in Physics or related fields from an accredited university, an average GPA over 2.5 and a competitive Graduate GRE score (to be defined at a later date) will be considered for the programs. The Department of Physics and Pre- Engineering offers two graduate Optics degrees: an M.S. in Applied Optics and a Ph.D. in Optics. An applicant must designate only one program track (M.S. or Ph.D.). The admission must satisfy University policies regarding admission to graduate school at DSU and must further be approved by a Board of Admissions comprised of three faculty members from the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering. If the Board of Admissions feels that a Ph.D. applicant is not qualified, but that he/she is qualified for the M.S. program, then the Board of Admissions can offer the applicant admissions to the M.S. program in Applied Optics. ii. Documents to be submitted for admission (listing or sample): - Official Undergraduate transcripts - Graduate Records Examination (GRE) - Three letters of Recommendation from professors acquainted with the applicant - Cover Letter and Personal Statement by the applicant - International applicants whose native language is not English must additionally submit their score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) B. Degree Requirements i. Total hours required Incoming graduate students will take an evaluation exam to identify the student’s preparation in upper division Physics. After review of the exam the Department will recommend either “Unconditional” or “Conditional” appointment of the student as a graduate student. An Unconditional appointment will allow the student to begin Optics graduate coursework. If the student did not perform well on one or more topics in general physics, then the student receives a “Conditional” appointment and must enroll in classes covering these topics (400 level or higher) before taking graduate Optics courses. The student can advance to graduate candidacy if he/she receives a grade of “B” or higher in these courses. Masters in Applied Optics The M.S. program requires a minimum total of 24 course credit hours beyond the B.S. level. The Masters student is required to take the following courses (21 credits total): Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I, Quantum Mechanics I, Quantum Mechanics II, Mathematical Methods, Modern Optics, Nonlinear Optics, and Principles of Lasers & Optical Devices. For elective coursework, the student may take 600 level courses offered by the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering, and can also take similar level courses offered by other departments in the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology with the consent of the student’s Advisor. A Masters student may also take 800 level Optics courses with the consent of the Instructor and Student Advisor. A minimum of 6 credit hours of Thesis Research is required for graduation. Doctorate in Optics The Ph.D. program requires a minimum total of 42 course credit hours beyond the B.S. level. The graduate student must first complete the following courses (21 credits total): Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I, Quantum Mechanics I, Quantum Mechanics II, Mathematical Methods, Modern Optics, Nonlinear Optics, and Principles of Lasers & Optical Devices. The subjects covered in these courses will comprise the written part of the Ph.D. Qualifying Examinations (discussed below). Additionally, the student must also take the following courses after passing the written part of the Qualifying Exam: Advanced Electricity and Magnetism II, Biophotonics I, and Modern Laser Spectroscopic Methods. For elective coursework, the student may take 600 and 800 level Optics courses offered by the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering, and can also take similar level courses offered by other departments in the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology with the consent of the student’s Advisor. A minimum of 18 credit hours of Thesis Research is required for graduation. Additionally, the student must complete a written and oral Qualifying Exam (no credit value), typically in the summer after their second year in the program. Post-Masters Ph.D. candidates require a minimum total of 18 additional credit hours of coursework (not including research). Masters Doctorate Physics & Optics Courses (cr.) 24 42 Thesis Research (cr.) 6 18 Total credit hours 30 60 ii. Grades required A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in the M.S. and Ph.D. programs. iii. Research M.S. Thesis The M.S. research thesis is sponsored by a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering or CREOSA. A typical Masters thesis project should be completed in one year for a full-time student, after completing required courses. The student and M.S. Advisor will choose two additional faculty members from DSU to act as the Graduate Student Advising Committee; one of the faculty members must be from outside DSU Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering/CREOSA. The Graduate Student Advising Committee will guide the student in research and aid the student in writing the thesis. A written thesis approved by the Graduate Student Advising Committee is required for graduation. Additionally, the student will present the thesis research in a public seminar. Immediately following the thesis presentation, the student will defend the Masters Thesis before the Student Advising Committee. Ph.D. Dissertation The Ph.D. research dissertation is sponsored by a faculty member in the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering or CREOSA. We recommend laboratory rotation, especially for students who have no previous research experience. The first semester of the Ph.D. program will involve laboratory rotation. The Ph.D. candidate must choose two laboratories for research (~ 7 weeks each) from within the faculties of the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering or from CREOSA. In the second semester the candidate must decide on a Ph.D. advisor and laboratory for their doctoral research. A student can elect not to participate in these rotations if he/she has already identified a host laboratory and Ph.D. Advisor. After selection of a host research laboratory, the student and Ph.D. Advisor will choose two additional faculty members from DSU to act as the Graduate Student Advising Committee; one of the faculty members must be from outside DSU Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering/CREOSA. There will be annual evaluations of the student’s research progress by the Graduate Student Advising Committee. Even though a graduate student research begins prior to taking the Qualifying Examinations, the graduate student is not officially a Ph.D. student until after passing the Qualifying Examinations. iv. Amount of credit accepted for transfer in the Ph.D. program Up to 9 credits can be transferred from previous STEM graduate courses at other institutions into the graduate programs. These credits will have to be approved by the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering (according to its own policies). Transfer from the M.S. program to the Ph.D. program is acceptable upon the approval of the Board of Admissions. Students transferred from other M.S. and Ph.D. programs outside the Delaware State University must also have the approval of the Board of Admissions. v. Other Requirements The student must also comply with the policies set forth by the DSU School of Graduate Studies. TEACHING FELLOWSHIPS Both M.S. and Ph.D. students may be required to teach laboratory or problem solving sections of undergraduate Physics courses and assist faculty in grading teaching assignments. Teaching Fellowships may be available to full-time students for the duration of the M.S. program, and for two years of a Ph.D. program. These fellowships will provide the students with a stipend so that they can concentrate their efforts in earning their graduate degree, and should cover all living expenses so that students do not need to secure part-time jobs outside of the University. If the Ph.D. candidate passes the qualifying exams, stipends will be in the form of Research Assistant Fellowships which will be covered by grants secured by the student’s Research Advisor. PH.D. QUALIFYING EXAMINATION The Ph.D. Qualifying Exam has two parts. The first part is a written exam about general knowledge of fundamental Physics and Optics based on material covered in the following courses: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I, Quantum Mechanics I & II, Mathematical Methods, Modern Optics, Nonlinear Optics, and Principles of Lasers and Optical Devices. A second opportunity to take the written part of the Qualifying Exam will be given if a student does not pass the written qualifiers the first time (scheduled for the next semester). Failure to pass the written qualifiers after two attempts will result in dismissal of the student from the Ph.D. program, in which case the student will be allowed to convert to the M.S. program and receive an M.S. degree in Applied Optics upon completion of a Masters thesis (which can either based on research or a concise review of a particular topic in Optics). The second part of the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam is an oral presentation and defense of the candidate’s proposed dissertation research. The oral exam will be scheduled following the passing of the written part. This exam requires presentation of the proposed research project to be developed during the Ph.D. studies. The oral exam will be evaluated by the Graduate Student Advising Committee. Questions about general topics in Optics and Physics will be included as part of the evaluation. If the student fails the oral exam the first time a second opportunity can be arranged by the Graduate Student Advising Committee. Failure to pass the oral qualifiers after two attempts will result in dismissal of the student from the Ph.D. program, in which case the student will receive an M.S. degree in Applied Optics, provided that he/she has earned enough credits and completes a Masters Thesis. If the Ph.D. candidate passes the oral part of the Qualifying Exam, then the student officially enters the Ph.D. program and is given the status of “Ph.D. student” upon written approval of the Department Chairperson and the Dean of Graduate Studies. These policies can be revised at anytime to conform to DSU guidelines set forth by the School of Graduate Studies. DEFENSE OF THE PH.D. THESIS When the student is ready for graduation and defense of the Ph.D. thesis, he/she must present a hardcopy version of the thesis and an abstract to the Defense Committee at least one month before the anticipated date of graduation. The Defense Committee includes the members from the Graduate Student Advising Committee plus one external member is knowledgeable about the thesis subject. The external member must be from outside DSU, and have a Ph.D. The Defense Committee will approve the Ph.D. thesis after all of their concerns have been addressed by the student. Upon approval, the student will distribute copies of the thesis within the scientific community and to the DSU library for binding. The Defense Committee will make an announcement of the public presentation of the Ph.D. thesis at least two weeks before the defense date. vi. Language and/or research tool requirements Proficiency in written and verbal English is required. vii. Time limits for completion The M.S. program in Applied Optics has a typical duration of two (2) to three (3) years for full-time students. The Ph.D. program in Optics has a typical duration of four (4) to seven (7) years for full-time students. The time limits for completion of the graduate degrees are according to DSU guidelines set forth by the School of Graduate Studies. viii. Flow chart overview of the graduate programs in Optics viii. List courses by title and number and indicate (*) those that are required. C. CURRICULUM ALL Four Credit (4 cr.) Courses Involve Laboratory Classes REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE M.S. IN APPLIED OPTICS (21 cr.) *26-671 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I (3 cr.) *26-667 Mathematical Methods (3 cr.) *26-675 Quantum Mechanics I (3 cr.) *26-676 Quantum Mechanics II (3 cr.) *26-6xx Modern Optics (4 cr.) new *26-6xx Nonlinear Optics (4 cr.) new *26-6xx Principles of Lasers and Optical Devices (3 cr.) new REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE PH.D. IN OPTICS (entering with M.S.) (9 cr.) *26-672 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory II (3 cr.) *26-6xx Biophotonics I: Principles of Luminescence (4 cr.) new *26-8xx Modern Laser Spectroscopic Methods (4 cr.) new REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE PH.D. IN OPTICS (entering with B.S.) (30 cr.) *26-671 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory I (3 cr.) *26-672 Advanced Electromagnetic Theory II (3 cr.) *26-675 Quantum Mechanics I (3 cr.) *26-676 Quantum Mechanics II (3 cr.) *26-667 Mathematical Methods (3 cr.) *26-6xx Modern Optics (4 cr.) new *26-6xx Nonlinear Optics (4 cr.) new *26-6xx Principles of Lasers and Optical Devices (3 cr.) new *26-6xx Biophotonics I: Principles of Luminescence (4 cr.) new *26-8xx Modern Laser Spectroscopic Methods (4 cr.) new ELECTIVE OPTICS COURSES 26-8xx Quantum Theory of Light (3 cr.) new 26-8xx Principles of Photochemistry and Photobiology (4 cr.) new 26-8xx Photonics and Information Processing (4 cr.) new 26-6xx Laboratory Techniques in Optics and Spectroscopy (4 cr.) new 26-8xx Theory of Light Scattering (3 cr.) new 26-8xx Biophotonics II: Instrumentation (4 cr.) new 26-8xx Photoacoustic and Photothermal Spectroscopy (4 cr.) new 26-8xx Optical Solitons (3 cr.) new 26-6xx Applied Optics in Biomedicine (4 cr.) new 26-8xx Current Topics in Optics and Spectroscopy I (3 cr.) new 26-8xx Current Topics in Optics and Spectroscopy II (3 cr.) new RESEARCH COURSES * 26-695 Thesis Research (1-3 cr. M.S. student) * 26-8xx Dissertation Research (1-3 cr. Ph.D. student) new M.S. IN APPLIED OPTICS: SAMPLE TIMELINE First semester • Coursework (9 credit hours from required courses) • Selection of an M.S. adviser. • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 6 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. Second semester • Coursework (9 credit hours from required courses) • Research practicum or industrial practice (no credits) • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 6 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. Third Semester • Coursework (6 credit hours) • Research valid for up to 3 credit hours. • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 3 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. Fourth Semester • Research valid for up to 3 credit hours • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 3 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. PH.D. IN OPTICS: SAMPLE TIMELINE (entering with B.S.) First Year • Coursework (18 credit hours from required courses) • Laboratory Rotation (1st semester) and selection of a Ph.D. advisor (2nd semester) Second year • Coursework (12 credit hours from required courses, 6 elective credits) • Research (6 credit hours) • Qualifying Exams. The research proposal will be evaluated as part of the exams. Third year • Elective courses (6 credit hours) • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 6 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. • Research (6 credit hours) Fourth Year • Teaching assistance. Responsibilities include up to 6 credit hours of Physics laboratory instruction or problem solving sessions. • Research (6 credit hours) & Preparation and Defense of the Research Dissertation IV. FACULTY A. Faculty who will be directly involved in the proposed program Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering Aristides MARCANO—Ph.D. Moscow State University. Photothermal lens spectroscopy, bioimaging. Noureddine MELIKECHI—D.Phil. University of Sussex. Non-linear optics, precision measurements, laser spectroscopy, investigation of complex samples using optical methods. Gour Shyam PATI—Ph.D. Indian Institute of Technology (Delhi). Non-linear optics, atomic and molecular optics, nanophotonics. Chandran R. SABANAYAGAM—Ph.D. Boston University. Photophysics, single- molecule biophysics, bioimaging, nanophotonics, surface plasmons. Essaid ZERRAD—Ph.D. University of Connecticut. Theoretical atomic physics, investigation of ionization phenomena. Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics Anjan BISWAS—Ph.D. University of New Mexico. Solitons in optical fibers. * Any other faculty at Delaware State University with expertise in optics is invited to participate in the program. B. Need for new faculty New tenure-track faculty members hired at the Assistant Professor level are requested to start the proposed graduate programs. We request the approval to hire two (2) additional Assistant Professors with a strong research background in Optics. The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering hired two (2) Assistant Professors in August 2007. Currently, these are the only two junior faculty members in the Department. The new faculty will teach courses in the Department of Physics & Pre-engineering as well as start up their laboratories which will eventually (2-5 years) become externally funded. A request to hire an Assistant Professor in fall 2008 has been approved by the University. A request to hire an Assistant Professor in fall 2010 is anticipated. These new Assistant Professors are needed for the future growth of the Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering. The new Assistant Professors will also teach undergraduate courses in Physics & Pre-Engineering. C. Effect on faculty activity, including course load, public service activity, and scholarly research. The new graduate programs in Optics will create a coherent research environment within the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering. Current professors teaching undergraduate courses and who are not actively involved with research (mainly full Professors who have been teaching at DSU for 15+ years) will not see a change in their teaching loads. The proposed Optics graduate courses will be taught by newly hired faculty members who have extensive expertise in Optics. The new faculty will participate in the public service activity contribution from the Department of Physics and Pre- Engineering. Scholarly research from the Department will also increase, as all new faculty are expected to lead rigorous research programs. V. LIBRARY Matthew J. Simon, the Dean of Libraries has given much effort into gaining access to scientific publications. Already DSU has access to numerous electronic journals. Additionally, the Dean is a forming a collaboration with the University of Delaware so that students and faculty can also use their libraries. The Department of Physics and Pre- Engineering has identified to the Dean additional journals that are still needed. We applaud the Dean for his continuing efforts. Discuss any contemplated use of other instructional libraries. As noted above, the Department will also use libraries at the University of Delaware when they become available. VI. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT Laboratory facilities will be needed for new faculty. Already the administration has converted older classrooms into modern laboratory space. New equipment for optics research will be secured through infrastructure grants and instrumentation grants which are already being composed by existing faculty. The addition of new faculty will increase the number of these types of grants to the program. Describe the effect of this new facility use on existing programs New optical equipment such as state-of-the-art microscopes, spectrophotometers and lasers can benefit the University as a whole. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of optics research, it is highly anticipated that the professors engaged in the Optics programs will form research collaborations with other departments within DSU, and local and regional colleges, universities and industries. Indicate any computer services needed and/or available. Additional personal computers will be needed for new faculty. The Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering has a computer lab (Mishoe Science Center South 215) that will be available to graduate students to prepare coursework and to aid in their research. Dr. E. Zerrad also has a computer cluster that is used for numerical calculations that can be utilized in graduate Optics research. Indicate sources of financial support for any new facilities and equipment. The initial source for financial support comes from a National Science Foundation Center for Research and Education in Science and Technology (NSF CREST) grant to Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Physics and Pre- Engineering. Through the NSF CREST grant the Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications (CREOSA) was established. The CREST grant is awarded for years 2006-2011. CREOSA purchased core equipment which will be shared by CREOSA scientists. The purchases to date include a Leica SP5 confocal laser scanning microscope, various high energy laser systems, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, optical tables and other optical components that will be used to develop "home-built" research instruments. CREOSA funds were also used to support three new faculty members (two Assistant Professors and one Associate Research Professor), a research associate, administrative assistant, a postdoctoral fellow, three M.S. students in Physics and ten undergraduate researchers. The new professors have already begun to submit individual grants to support their research efforts and an NSF equipment grant to add to the CREOSA infrastructure. VII. ADMINISTRATION The Chairperson of Physics & Pre-Engineering and CREOSA Director, Professor Noureddine Melikechi, will oversee the graduate programs in Physics. Mrs. Shonda Poe, the Director’s Assistant and Mrs. Tamika Farlow, the Department’s Administrative Assistant will provide additional support. Faculty from the Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering and CREOSA faculty will serve as research and supervisors for M.S. and Ph.D. students in the Optics program. VIII. ACCREDITATION There is no national accreditation process for graduate Optics programs. IX. SUPPORTING FIELDS Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Biotechnology and Biology. In particular, DSU’s B.S. Physics program will prepare students for the graduate Optics programs. X. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION i. Student tuition, stipend and health benefits It is typical that tuition is waived for graduate students in science and engineering, a stipend is provided to cover living expenses and student health insurance is covered by the University. To be a competitive university, DSU should provide tuition waiver, a stipend (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant) and student health insurance (via the Student Health Center) to full-time graduate students in the College of Mathematics, Natural Sciences & Technology. It is unlikely that an applicant will accept an invitation for graduate studies at a university that does not provide these types of support because most, if not all, science graduate programs offer similar competitive student packages. As the Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering grows, we anticipate that we can secure student stipends through Ph.D. training grants from a number of government sources. However, during the initial phase of the graduate program in Optics, the support of the University is needed. ii. Faculty release time Release time will be determined on an individual basis according to DSU policies. It is anticipated that the faculty members engaged in the graduate Optics program will require between 25-50% release time to mentor graduate students in their thesis research and supervise undergraduate research. Release time will also be used to develop grant proposals to support research (including equipment, graduate stipends, tuition waivers and salaries, if allowed by the granting agency). XI. FOUR YEAR BUDGET Every effort will be made to secure external grants to support students. Year 1 (2008-2009) Graduate stipend (9 months): $18,000 per student x 5 students = $90,000 Physics & Optics Colloquia: $15,000 Graduate Lab Equipment: $10,000 Year 2 (2009-2010) Graduate stipend (9 months): $18,000 per student x 5 students = $90,000 Physics & Optics Colloquia: $15,000 Graduate Lab Equipment: $10,000 Year 3 (2010-2011) Graduate stipend (9 months): $18,000 per student x 7 students = $126,000 Physics & Optics Colloquia: $15,000 New Faculty salary: $60-80,000 (9 month appointment, tenure-track) Year 4 (2011-2012) Graduate stipend (9 months): $18,000 per student x 9 students = $162,000 Physics & Optics Colloquia: $15,000 XII. EVALUATION PLAN The graduate programs in Optics will be subject to internal and external program reviews by DSU. Additionally, the success of the graduate programs in Optics will also be assessed by the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering, the CREOSA External Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee meets with Dr. Noureddine Melikechi and DSU administrators to discuss the current and upcoming issues to maintain a successful Optics program. The last Advisory Committee meeting was held at DSU on June 2007. The CREOSA External Advisory Committee will henceforth meet annually. The members of the CREOSA External Advisory Committee are: Dr. Peter Walker President of Technology Leveraging Dr. Warren W. Buck Chancelor Emritus, Univ. of Washngton, Bothell and Professor of Physics, University of Washington, Seattle. Dr. Bruce Chase DuPont Fellow, DuPont Experimental Station Dr. Davis F Eaton Principal, Light Insights Chief Scientific Officer, Third-Order Nanotechnogies Dr. Jerry Ferguson, Optical Scientist Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation Dr. Millicent A. Firestone Program Leader, Biomolecular Materials at Argonne National Laboratory Dr. Anthony Johnson (Former President of the Optical Society of America) Director, Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research, University of Maryland Baltimore County Dr. Jenny M. Magnes Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Vassar College Dr. Harold Stafford Consultant, The Stafford Firm Dr. Michelle Shinn, Spectroscopist, Free Electron Laser (FEL) and Optics Group Leader at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The following criteria will be used for assessment by the Department of Physics & Pre- Engineering and the CREOSA External Advisory Committee: 1. Number of applicants to the program 2. Retention statistics of graduate students 3. Career placement of the graduates 4. Number of peer-reviewed publications by graduate students 5. Number of research grants awarded to faculty --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by the Optics Graduate Committee (Drs. Melikechi, Marcano, Pati, Sabanayagam) to the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering on January 10, 2008. Revised by the Department of Physics & Pre-Engineering on February 4, 2008. Voted by the faculty of Physics and Pre-Engineering on February 5, 2008 Faculty Approve Disapprove Abstain SIGNATURE Patrick Gleeson Gabriel Gwanmesia Eshan Helmy Al-Sameen Khan Aristides Marcano Noureddine Melikechi Gour Shyam Pati Arthur Purdy Chandran Sabanayagam Essaid Zerrad