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Taking on new degreesThe art of computer science If your picture of a computer scientist is a person hunched over a keyboard in a row of cubicles, look again. You might soon try searching for one in an art gallery, symphony hall or classroom. That's because the University is now offering a new Bachelor of Arts computer science degree that gives students options to explore additional areas of interest during their coursework or even to major in a second discipline such as art, music, or education in which they can apply their computer skills. This is possible because the new BA degree has fewer specialized course requirements than the existing Bachelor of Science degree. The new degree is good news to Rhode Island employers whose need for skilled technology workers far exceeds higher education's ability to prepare and graduate them. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corp. recently documented the existence of more than 2,000 technology positions in Rhode Island. At the time of the survey, URI was only producing 65 graduates capable of filling these positions. "The new bachelor's degree can be applied to virtually any other area of study," said James Kowalski, chair of the Computer Science and Statistics Dept. "We expect the program to attract and help retain students, many of whom leave the University without a degree lured by high-paying jobs. Kowalski expects about 35 additional full-time students to enroll in the new program. By Jan Wenzel New minor in forensic science The University is now offering a minor in forensic science for those undergraduates majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, engineering, psychology, nursing, pharmacy or related disciplines. The minor, implemented a year ago, is an outgrowth of the URI Forensic Science Partnership, established three years ago by President Robert L. Carothers to foster an interdisciplinary approach to solving crime. The new minor requires 18 credits, including: two semesters of the Forensic Science Seminar; and a practicum at sites including the R.I. State Crime Lab at URI, the College of Engineering, or the departments of chemistry and physics. Students must also have at least one chemistry course in addition to one in forensic chemistry. Other approved courses are in such subjects as anthropology, biology, psychology, political science, and textiles, among others. "There is so much interest in this field that people have already been pursuing this minor," said Jimmie Oxley, associate professor of chemistry and co-director of the Forensic Science Partnership. Robin Etchingham, a fiscal clerk for the URI Chemistry Dept. and a pediatric licensed registered home care nurse, is the first to complete the minor. Etchingham, who holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from URI, said pediatric nursing and forensic science go hand-in-hand. "Like nursing, forensic studies are very scientific, and each field has a specific set of procedures and standards," Etchingham said. "Forensic science has given me a greater appreciation for the work I do as a nurse. I know that my assessments may be used in a court of law, and need to be clear, well documented and accurate ... This can be the lifeline for a child needing medical care in a community setting," Etchingham said. She hopes to work as an advocate for changes in environmental protection, health and safety policies. Katherine Beagan is in her last semester of the minor as she pursues a bachelor's degree in biology. "For 25 years, I've been a licensed medical laboratory technician. When I read an article about the forensic seminar series, I decided to attend a session. I found this was just right because I have always loved science," Beagan said. "My hope is to pursue a master's degree, get field experience and then teach forensic science." By Dave Lavallee |
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