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CPATH: CDP: Integrating Biology and Computing: Empowering Future Computer Professionals

   In late May, 2009, researchers conducted an informal review of the status of the CPATH project at the conclusion of Year 1. We conducted interviews with the lead PI, Vijay Narayanan, and the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department Head, Raj Acharya. We also reviewed course-related documents and student demographic information. Based on these data, we concluded that the CPATH project has made significant progress toward its goals, including attracting greater numbers of women students to the courses. We were particularly impressed by the progress made toward an interdisciplinary major building on the strengths of the Biology and Computer Science and Engineering programs.

   Over the course of the first year of the project, faculty members have offered three new interdisciplinary courses. One of the courses, Electronics and Biological Systems was co-taught by four faculty members, two from CSE, one from Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, and one from the Chemistry and Physics Department. Student Ratings of Teacher Effectiveness (SRTEs) scores for this course were high. SRTE data from the other two courses was not available. Early enrollment data also indicate that CPATH courses have attracted higher proportions of women students than other Computer Science program courses at Penn State.

   Interviews revealed great strides toward the institutionalization of the CPATH curriculum at Penn State. PIs have focused their efforts on creating the institutional support mechanisms necessary for institutionalization. Specifically, PIs have entered into arrangements with the Biology Program that will allow for CPATH courses to be listed and advertised to a larger group of potential students, arranged for funding assistance from the Leonard Center for Engineering Excellence for a graduate assistant, and begun the process of formal recognition from the Faculty Senate of a new CPATH major.

   Finally, interviews revealed two changes in the initial outcomes of the CPATH grant. The original grant proposal emphasized greater “globalization” as a student outcome of CPATH courses and program. Discussions with the PIs confirmed that this goal has been deemphasized due to other more pressing issues. Further, initial plans were to create a CPATH “track” within the Computer Science program. Based on feedback from stakeholders, including faculty and administrators within the two affected colleges, PIs have decided to pursue a formal interdisciplinary major. This latter development is a good indication of the momentum the current program has generated.

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