1 © 2010 Florida International University 1 Marty Tracey Professor of Biological Sciences pinch hitting for Ophelia Weeks Professor of Biological Sciences IRACDA, Houston June 2011 The Florida International University QBIC Quantifying Biology in the Classroom

2 © 2010 Florida International University Professor Weeks

3 © 2010 Florida International University 3 QBIC - Program Overview FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee QBIC actively recruits incoming freshmen pursuing a career in the biomedical or behavioral sciences. Admission standards are more stringent than general FIU requirements, and target applicants who may be interested in research careers in biomedicine. TARGET PROFILE: - score in the 75 th percentile or higher on the SAT or ACT, especially the mathematics section - have a high school GPA of 3.3 or better - have completed pre-calculus [not especially helpful] SUCCESSES: Working with high school counselors, University Open Houses and our Admissions Office we have met our goals [24 & 48 students] making few exceptions to target.

4 FAILURES: 1) retention is roughly 50% 2) We are still not attracting a lot of applicants from “prestige” high schools. 3) Students scores are not perfect predictors in math.

5 FAILURES: Many students underestimate the work load. Many are not REALLY committed to a career in the biomedical sciences. 1) different interests/parent driven 2) academically underdeveloped

6 © 2010 Florida International University Early dropouts: Given the small class size it is easy to spot those who do not fit the QBIC program early. 1) different major 2) greater flexibility 3) “must” work “fulltime” 4) incompatible commitments 5) Given the “esprit” the classes gel into helpful, cohesive, academic families. “SUCCESSES”

7 © 2010 Florida International University 7 QBIC - Program Overview FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee Current QBIC Scholars: - 12 seniors, 15 juniors, 18 sophomores, and 27 freshmen - 17% Asian, 5% Black, 68% Hispanic, 7% White, 3% Other - 58% Female, 42% Male - QBIC 2011 Graduates: - 3 scholars graduated in three years[2 med school, 1 pharm] - 12 in four[ 5 med school, 1 grad, 1 MD/PhD, 1 pharm, 4 ??

8 © 2010 Florida International University 8 QBIC - Program Overview FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee The QBIC block curriculum integrates biology, the physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics. Most QBIC syllabi have been re- designed and improved by faculty, and some are new to FIU: - Calculus and statistics lectures use data from the QBIC biology labs - Journal Clubs teach QBIC Scholars how to understand current advances in science, and relate them to class material - QBIC faculty members actively coordinate class material

9 © 2010 Florida International University 1) Identification of faculty willing to try integrating materials may be a challenge. a) chemistry (ACS requirements) b) meetings required for “cross talk” 2) Starting frosh in JOURNAL CLUB with only eight (8) gets them “thinking” early. 3) Faculty are still segregated into depts. for office and lab space. “SUCCESSES & FAILURES”

10 © 2010 Florida International University 10 QBIC - Program Overview FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee As Juniors and Seniors, QBIC students are encouraged to take advantage of the many research opportunities at FIU - QBIC Scholars that have applied to federally-funded research programs such as MBRS RISE and MARC U*STAR have all been accepted - Three QBIC Scholars have published papers stemming from their work in FIU labs - QBIC Scholars have presented their research at national conferences.

11 © 2010 Florida International University 11 QBIC – Program Benefits FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee The QBIC curriculum incorporates all of the prerequisites for Biological Science PhD, MD, and MD/PhD Programs Small, reformulated classes provide close interaction with fellow students and professors. QBIC Scholars also develop a tight social network; they even volunteer together.

12 © 2010 Florida International University 12 QBIC – Program Benefits FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee QBIC instructors use problem-based teaching units to approach biological concepts. QBIC faculty and staff members include: - 26 faculty members from 9 departments including Biological Sciences, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Mathematics & Statistics, and Physics faculty members actively teaching QBIC classes each semester - 5 PhD students/candidates who teach QBIC labs

13 © 2010 Florida International University 13 QBIC – Program Benefits FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee National Science Foundation and FIU-funded QBIC scholarships have been available on an individual basis - 41 of 72 QBIC Scholars currently receive either an NSF or an FIU scholarship - 21 NSF scholarships of $5,315 per annum - NSF scholarships expire summer Provost-funded FIU scholarships cover the cost of in- state tuition

14 © 2010 Florida International University 14 QBIC – Program Costs FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Academic Policy and Student Affairs Committee QBIC program funding and budget: QBIC faculty have received a $500,000 NSF grant and a $1,250,000 NIH grant, which will expire in 2011 and 2013, respectively. The Provost’s Office has provided matching funds, an average of $208,134 per year. The projected annual QBIC FIU budget is $372,580, which is more than offset by scholars’ tuition and fee payments.

15 © 2010 Florida International University recruitment is difficult at first & $ helps academically qualified frosh leave close contact/supervision greatly increases success [tutors, personal issues] the small cohort size  esprit course “development” has been continuous administrative support is critical MAJOR POINTS

16 © 2010 Florida International University 16 QBIC – The four cohorts FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY “as the guinea pigs leave”