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ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Ph.D. PROGRAM - Program Overview
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Jackson state University (JSU), a public coeducational institution,
is supported by the state of Mississippi. It is controlled by the Board of Trustees
of state Institutions of Higher Learning, appointed by the Governor. The University
is supported by legislative appropriations supplemented by student fees and
federal grants. The University is located in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi,
the capital and largest city of the state. Jackson is the political, cultural,
geographical and industrial center of the state. The population of the metropolitan
area is estimated at 400,000. The campus is a scenic 120-acre tract situated
one mile west of the main business district of the city.
THE SCHOOL
The School of Science and Technology (SST) at JSU is an organizational development
resulting from a merger of the School of Industrial and Technical Studies and
the Division of Natural Sciences, formerly in the School of Liberal Studies.
The purpose of the merger was to consolidate the scientific and technical resources
of the University into a more efficiently focused endeavor, capable of meeting
the demands of a technological society. The goal of the school, through its
departmental units, is to develop and implement educational, research and outreach
activities aimed at increasing the number of students in the science and technology
pipeline at all levels -- pre-college through graduate school and the number
and quality of our nation's future technical work-force.
THE PROGRAM
Introduction
Concerns
about environmental degradation, alterations of ecosystem integrity and impairment
of human health are steadily increasing in Mississippi, the United states and
around the globe. Environmental issues affect all mankind. Our patterns of consumption,
toxic and hazardous waste production and overpopulation in both developed and
developing countries are draining renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.
Water contamination, food contamination, air pollution, greenhouse gas build-up,
acid rain, ozone layer depletion and global climate changes, all reflect the
incompatibility of our lifestyles and the planet's capacity to support the excessive
pressure.
Consequently, there is a great demand from governments at local, state and federal
levels, from the private sector, from the public and from within academia, for
contributions in education, research and outreach programs with regard to environmental
literacy leading toward a sustainable society. Such demand also exists at the
international level, and requiring that any environmental issue be considered
on scientific, social and economic bases.
Vision
Jackson state University (JSU) is the urban university of Mississippi and is
the sole institution in the state that offers a graduate program (M.S. and Ph.D.)
in Environmental Science. Recognizing the need for a strong preparation in facing
present and future environmental challenges, the School of Science and Technology
at JSU is taking an innovative approach to environmental science education,
one that integrates academic training, research and practical experience into
a cohesive program of study focused on the full range of environmental problems
that plague our communities, our state, our nation and our planet. These problems
must be addressed head-on by professionals who have a broad variety of technical
skills and practical experience, as well as imagination, energy and creativity.
The JSU Environmental Science Doctoral Program is a new interdisciplinary program
in the School of Science and Technology. This program effectively started in
Fall 1992, and graduated the first two students in May and August of 1996. About
thirty graduate students are currently enrolled into the program. All units
of the School, including Biology; Chemistry; Computer Sciences; Mathematics;
Physics, Atmospheric Sciences and General Sciences; and Technology and Industrial
Arts departments contribute to the development of the Environmental Science
Ph.D. Program and to successful matriculation and graduation of the enrolled
students.
Mission
The mission of the JSU Environmental Science Doctoral Program is two-fold:
To produce highly skilled environmental scholars who, in turn, will provide
for policy makers and the general public, scientific and factual information
derived from laboratory and field applied research encompassing basic sciences,
engineering and technology. As such, it is related to the assessment of water
contamination, food contamination, air pollution, global warming, toxic and
hazardous substances releases and associated environmental issues; and the development
of cost-effective methodologies and strategies to protect the environment and
human health.
To ensure that Jackson state University becomes nationally and internationally
recognized for excellence in environmental science education and applied environmental
science research, by providing a high level of training and a graduate education
that foster creative research, criticism and scholarship in environmental science.
Objectives
1. To provide graduate students with essential knowledge, skills and aptitudes
needed for successful careers in environmental science-related jobs at various
institutions, including government agencies, academia and the booming environmental
industry.
2. To protect the environment and human health by educating and training students
on the interactions among the various components/systems of the environment
the complex and fragile nature of the environment, and how to sustain ecosystem
integrity and protect human health.
3. To establish applied environmental science research initiatives that will
lead to an authoritative base of knowledge concerning the state of Mississippi's
environment and natural resources by assessing and understanding the mechanisms
by which physical, chemical and biological agents generated by nature or as
results of sociocultural activities of man cause alterations of ecosystem integrity,
disability and diseases in man and other life forms.
4. To develop and understand cost-effective methodologies and means whereby
the impact of various environmental pollutants may be prevented and/or controlled,
and to integrate important knowledge and technologies in the physical, chemical,
biological and social sciences needed to set policies and guidelines for appropriate
utilization and management of vital resources.
5. To render services to the community through outreach programs, technology
transfer for the protection of natural resources and the development of the
economy, and communication to convey environmental science education to the
public.
ACCREDITATION
Jackson state University is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's,
educational specialist and doctoral degrees, including the Ph.D. in environmental
science.
DEGREE PROGRAM
Generally, requirements for the Ph.D. include about three years of advanced
study beyond college. In terms of semester credit hours, it requires a minimum
of 90 hours. The degree is based upon a minimum of 30 hours at the master's
level and a minimum of 60 hours as a candidate for the doctorate. No credit
may be obtained by correspondence study.
For the Environmental Science Ph.D. Program, a minimum of 60 hours of course
work, independent study and research, and a residency of at least a year of
full-time study are required. Also required are; fluency in English and statistics
and computer modeling; the passing of a comprehensive or general examination
of the candidate's subject-matter field; the defense of a creative dissertation.
The student's Advisory Committee will evaluate the student's previous training
and degree objectives. The committee will then outline a proposed degree program
and a research problem which when completed as indicated by the dissertation,
will constitute the basic requirements for the degree. The student's proposed
degree program must be submitted to the Graduate School prior to the third semester's
registration. The proposed degree program will be submitted on standard forms,
with endorsements by the student's Advisory Committee, the Program Director
and the Dean of the School for the approval of the Dean of the Graduate School.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Academic work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the School
of Science and Technology is designed to give the candidate a thorough and comprehensive
knowledge of his or her professional field and training in methods of research.
The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate's grasp of the
subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to express
thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written language. The degree
is not granted solely for the completion of course work, residence and technical
requirements, although these must be met. Since the Ph.D. Program is interdisciplinary
it is administratively managed by an Environmental Science Advisory Committee
coordinated by the Program Director.
Admission
Admission to the doctoral program in Environmental Science is open to persons
holding the master's degree in science, demonstrated satisfactory performance
on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and acceptable academic records.
Prospective students interested in this Ph.D. Program must first be admitted
to the Graduate School. This admission does not mean automatic admission to
the Ph.D. Program in Environmental Science. Applications for general admission
to the Graduate School and to the doctoral program are accepted throughout the
year by both the Graduate School Admissions Counselor and the Director of the
Ph.D. Program in Environmental Science. Students may begin enrollment at the
beginning of each semester and the summer term.
Admission
to the Graduate School
The Graduate School considers for admission to degree programs only those students
who have earned degrees (bachelor's, master's) from regional accredited colleges
and universities. A student must submit to the Office of Records the following
information to be considered for admission to the graduate school:
(a) All admissions credentials on file:
1. Application for admission to Graduate School
2. Transcript(s) direct from college(s) to Graduate School
3. Three letters of recommendation from former college professors
(b) A Graduate Record Examination test score.
(c) A TOEFL test score for foreign students
Program admission
All students seeking admission to the Ph.D. Program must meet the following
criteria:
1. A Master's degree in natural sciences or related sciences from an accredited
university. An applicant with a Bachelor's degree only may be admitted when
that student shows exceptional potential as determined by a GPA of 3.5 or better,
a GRE test score of 1000 or better and exceptional work experience
2. A completed program application submitted to the Program Director
3. A combined Graduate Record Examination score of 1000 or better
4. An overall GPA of 3.25 or above (on a 4.0 scale) on the highest earned degree
5. Transcripts for all post secondary and graduate work attempted prior to submitting
a program application
6. Recommendations from three major graduate professors knowledgeable of the
applicant's professional academic ability, job experiences, and leadership and
research potential
7. Acceptable evidence of a student's writing ability as determined by a writing
sample completed under the supervision of a screening committee member
8. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 for international students
9. A successful interview with the program screening committee
10. Recommendation for admission by the program screening committee
Degree requirements
The program requires approximately two years of course work (36 semester hours)
and a minimum of twenty (20) semester hours of dissertation research credit
beyond the MS degree. The exact program of study will be determined by the student's
graduate committee. Additional requirements include:
(1) satisfactory performance on the Comprehensive Examination administered after
the student has completed all course work; and
(2) successful defense of the dissertation research.
CURRICULUM
Required Courses
Course ID Course Title Credit hours
MATH 700 Statistics and Experimental Design 3
ENV 700 Environmental Systems 3
ENV 701 Environmental Chemistry 4
ENV 702 Environmental Health 3
ENV 751 Water Quality Management 3
ENV 755 Air Quality Management 3
ENV 800 Environmental Toxicology 4
ENV 801 Risk Assessment and Management 3
ENV 900 Environmental Science Seminar 2
ENV 999 Dissertation Research 20
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48
Elective Courses
Course
ID Course Title Credit hours
CSC 700 Computer modeling 3
CSC 800 Image Interpretation 3
MET 800 Environmental Meteorology 3
ENV 715 Principles of Bioremediation 4
ENV 721 Solid Waste Management 3
ENV 802 Environmental Physiology 4
ENV 803 Wetland Ecology 4
ENV 830 Environmental Microbiology 4
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Required courses
ENV 700. Environmental Systems. (3) Three hours (Lecture). A groundwork of environmental
science, environmental awareness and ecological literacy for the incoming Ph.D.
students is presented. The environment and its living and non living components,
and the interactions of these component areas studied. The course is set in
a thermodynamic perspective and is based on a nested hierarchy of systems. Key
concepts and principles that govern how we think the environment works are presented
while learning how to apply these concepts to possible solutions of various
environmental degradation, pollution and resource problems.
ENV 701. Environmental Chemistry. (3) Three hours (Lecture). Prerequisites:
One year of general Chemistry and one year of organic chemistry. Studies of
the basic concepts of environmental chemistry; the nature of chemical compounds;
organic and inorganic; chemical reactions; their effects, and fate of chemical
species, in aquatic systems. This include: Studies of equilibrium phenomena
of acids, bases, salts, complex compounds, and oxidation/reduction reactions.
Studies of water pollution, environmental chemistry of water and its properties.
ENVL 701. Environmental Chemistry (1) Three hours (Laboratory). Experiments
done for the purpose of water quality control and assessment, such as the determination
of alkalinity, acidity, water hardness, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and
other important parameters. The laboratory is coordinated to go with the lecture
material.
ENV 702. Environmental Health. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course focuses
on the impact of environmental problems on human health. Health issues related
to water pollution/contamination by physical, chemical and biological agents;
wastewater discharges; radiations; air pollution; municipal, and industrial
wastes; food contamination; pesticides; occupational hazards; and vector-borne
diseases are discussed.
ENV 751. Water Quality Management. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course provides
students with basic concepts and principles in Water Quality Management. The
effects of organic, inorganic, biological and thermal pollutants/contaminants
in various systems of the hydrologic cycle including streams, reservoirs, and
estuaries; eutrophication; water quality criteria and standards; monitoring
concepts; methods in water quality management; regulatory considerations; and
non point source pollution control, are discussed.
ENV 755. Air Quality Management. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course provides
students with basic concepts and principles of Air Quality Management. Contaminant
classification, pollutant sources, criteria pollutants, health effects, exposure
and risk assessment are discussed. Pollutant measurement and air quality assessment
techniques are considered with regard to atmospheric effects on dispersion and
transport. Identification of, and control strategies for stationary and mobile
sources, and environmental regulations are studied, and indoor air quality considered.
ENV 800. Environmental Toxicology. (3) Three hours (Lecture). Prerequisites:
ENV 701, ENV 702. This course is designed to provide an overview of the basic
principles and concepts of toxicology including : exposure characterization,
dose-response relationship, kinetics and distribution of toxicants in a biological
system; to understand the fate, behavior and toxicities of xenobiotic chemicals,
and the mechanisms by which they affect cells and organs; and to identify the
sources and discuss the effects of various groups of environmental toxicants
including heavy metals, pesticides and other industrial byproducts.
ENVL 800. Environmental Toxicology. (1) Three hours (Laboratory). This course
is designed to familiarize the students with important laboratory and field
procedures and methods used in toxicological testing of environmental toxicants;
and to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of major methodologies including
acute, subacute, subchronic and chronic bioassays.
ENV 801. Risk Assessment and Management. (3) Three hours (Lecture). Prerequisites:
ENV 800, MATH 700. This course is designed to provide students with qualitative
and quantitative skills necessary to evaluate the probability of injury, disease
and death in humans and other life forms, from exposure to various environmental
contaminants. Hazard identification, exposure assessment, dose-response evaluation
and risk characterization are emphasized. Regulatory and technical aspects of
risk assessment in the promulgation of public and environmental safety standards
are discussed.
ENV 900. Seminar. (0.5 hr X 4 semesters = 2) Two hours (Lecture). This course
focuses on contemporary issues in environmental health science. The student
is expected to review, discuss, and present orally a report on a topic related
to contemporary environmental issues. Topic areas for selection include (but
not limited to): environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental
microbiology, environmental toxicology, atmospheric science, water quality management,
solid and hazardous waste management, computer modeling and remote sensing.
Students are required to attend all scheduled seminars.
ENV
999. Dissertation Research. (20). Proposed research must be approved by student's
Advisory Committee Members. Original research must be carried out in one or
more areas of Environmental Science. Each doctoral student is expected to consult
with members of the dissertation committee at frequent time intervals throughout
the progress of his or her research, and shall be required to submit a progress
report to each committee member at least once each semester. Credit per academic
session allowable is 1-6 hours. Student must produce, present and defend a document
of publication quality.
MATH 700. Statistics and Experimental Design. (3) Three hours (Lecture). Prerequisite:
MATH 272. Or 2 semesters of Introductory Statistics. Probability; random variables;
expectation of a function of random variables; sampling distribution; estimation;
hypothesis testing; designed experiments; completely randomized design; randomized
complete block design; Latin square design; factorial experiments; regression
analysis, statistical software application to statistical analysis, are discussed.
Elective courses
CSC 700. Computer Modeling. (3) Three hours (Lecture & Laboratory). The
purpose of this course is to provide the student with the fundamental knowledge
of simulation models, writing programs to generate random numbers from various
probability distributions using differential methods, and testing the statistical
properties of random number generators. The student will also be trained to
write simple programs to simulate real life situation models using GPSS language.
CSC 800. Image Interpretation. (3). Three hours (Lecture & Laboratory).
This course presents a broad overview of various image processing concepts and
techniques. Topics include the history of remote sensing, image digitation,
data formats, hardware and software functions, commercial and public available
digital processing systems, image preprocessing (radiometric and geometric correction),
image enhancement, image classification, change detection, interfaces of remote
sensing and geographical information system (GIS), and the future of digital
image processing.
MET 801. Environmental Meteorology. (3) Three hours (Lecture). Principles of
atmospheric science as applied to gaussian modeling of pollutants. Includes
source review and receptor identification and modeling, national Ambient Air
Quality Standards and human health and welfare impacts, plume behavior, and
access of EPA models, running of EPASCREEN, and web site information. Special
topics covered include: scavenging; acid precipitation; weather modification,
green house enhancement; stratospheric ozone; scrubbers; and indoor air quality.
ENV 715. Principles of Bioremediation. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course
uses modern knowledges in life sciences, as well as new developments in biotechnology
to address important issues related to environmental cleanup of hazardous wastes.
The nature of environmental pollution is reviewed, and basic concepts in molecular
biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and plant physiology are applied to demonstrate
the significance of bioremediation and phytoremediation in pollution control.
Therefore, an emphasis is put on the use of biological methods and processes
in the remediation of contaminated soils and water resources.
ENVL 715. Principles of Bioremediation. (1) Three hours (Laboratory). Laboratory
and field experiments are conducted to familiarize students with relevant bioremediation
techniques and methodologies. Identification and classification of microorganisms,
use of bacteria in toxicity assessment, biodegradation of organic contaminants,
and phytoremediation of toxic metals are discussed.
ENV 721. Solid Waste Management. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course emphasizes
on waste control methodologies for both municipal and industrial wastes including
hazardous and non-hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act (RCRA). The students are familiarized with environmental legislation regulating
these wastes at state and federal levels. A thorough review is done on waste
handling, transport, treatment technologies including chemical, physical, biological
and thermal treatments, and disposal options such as land disposal of wastes.
Waste minimization techniques such as source reduction and recycling are also
discussed.
ENV
803. Wetland Ecology. (3) Three hours (Lecture). This course is designed to
provide scientific knowledge for a better understanding of interactions between
biological, physical and chemical components of wetlands. The structure and
function of various types of wetlands; their biodiversity, biogeochemistry,
and the impact of pollution on their ecological characteristics are discussed.
Discussions are also done on how constructed wetlands can be used as water quality
enhancers.
ENVL 803. Wetland Ecology. (1) Three hours (Laboratory). Emphasis is placed on field works designed to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of wetlands.
ENV 830. Environmental Microbiology. (3) Three hours (Lecture). The general objective of this course is to study the roles of microorganisms in natural ecosystems. Attention is given to the examination of nutrient cycles, methods of analysis of microbial biomass and activities, and the functional roles of microorganisms. In addition, this course offers in-depth examination of the role of microbial processes related to environmental deterioration, its control and remediation, and ultimately its prevention.
ENVL 830. Environmental Microbiology. (1) Three hours (Laboratory). Laboratory designed to acquaint students with modern techniques for measuring microbial biomass and microbial degradative activities of natural and xenobiotic chemicals in natural environments. Specific projects of microbial analysis will be assigned to student
TIME LIMIT
No student will be granted a doctoral degree unless all requirements for the degree are completed within a period of five consecutive calendar years after admission to candidacy. Graduate credit for any course work which is more than ten calendar years old at the time of the final oral examination may not be used to satisfy degree requirements.
Final corrected copies of the dissertation must be accepted by the School of Science and Technology, and the Graduate School no later than one year after the final examination or within the five year time limit, whichever occurs first. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.
CREDIT FOR WORK
IN ABSENTIA
Upon recommendation of the student's Advisory Committee and approval of the
Environmental Science Ph.D. Program Advisory Committee, Dean of the School of
Science and Technology, and Dean of the Graduate School, a student may be permitted
to carry on work in connection with the dissertation in absentia.
ADVISEMENT
After admission to the program, the doctoral student works with the program Director (temporary advisor); major professor (doctoral committee Chair); and dissertation committee members, while pursuing the Ph.D. degree. The initiative in planning the doctoral program, however, must be assumed by the student.
Temporary Advisor
Immediately upon being accepted into the program, the Program Director will assume the role of temporary advisor for the student until a major professor is selected. The purpose of temporary advisement is to provide the initial guidance the student needs to make a successful start in the program. This arrangement gives the student time to become familiar with departmental faculty and the University and to explore possible research interests. This time may also be used by a student to identify the faculty members who may be asked to serve on the doctoral committee. Specifically, the temporary advisor will assist students in:
1. Understanding
departmental expectations
2. Understanding the registration process and program operations
3. Planning a tentative program of study
4. Scheduling initial classes
5. Selecting a major professor
6. Defining their professional goals
Major Professor
The major professor should be selected by the student in consultation with the Program Director and the School Dean and approved by designated school officials by the end of the first semester of study after the completion of prerequisite course work. The major professor's name must be on the published list of graduate professors from the Dean of the School of Science and Technology.
Criteria for serving as major professor include:
Having a Ph.D. or any other terminal degree
Being on the list of full members of the graduate faculty
Having an active laboratory and/or field research program
Having expertise in the area of the student's dissertation research
The major professor is certainly the chair of student's doctoral advisory committee. He is the immediate supervisor of the student's research and dissertation activities. Also, he has the responsibility for calling required and necessary committee meetings. Specifically, the major professor will assist the student in :
1. Preparing course
schedule and approving it for each registration period
2. Selecting the topic, preparing the proposed research and completing the dissertation
3. Identifying appropriate research needs
4. Selecting appropriate members of student's advisory/doctoral committee
5. Resolving conflicts which may arise between committee members and students
6. Completing and filing all Forms and Applications required in earning the
degree
Student's Advisory Committee
After receiving admission to the Graduate School and enrolling for graduate studies, the student will consult with the Environmental Science Advisory Committee concerning appointment of the Chair of the student's Advisory Committee. The student's Advisory Committee will consist of not fewer than four members of the graduate faculty representative of the student's several areas of study and research. One of the Committee members should not be affiliated with the School of Science and Technology.
The Chair, in consultation with the student, will select the remainder of the Advisory Committee. No individual located away from the campus may serve as chair of a student's Advisory Committee, but may serve as Co-Chair with an individual located on the campus.
The Committee members= signatures on the approved degree program (Form I: Doctoral Degree Plan: To be completed during the first year of full time study) indicate their willingness to accept the responsibility for guiding and directing the entire academic program of the student and for initiating all academic actions concerning the student. Although individual committee members may be replaced by petition for valid reasons, a committee cannot resign en masse. The Chair of the committee, who usually has immediate supervision of the student's research and dissertation has the responsibility for calling required meetings of the committee, and for calling meetings at any other time considered desirable.
The duties of the committee include responsibility for the proposed degree program, the research proposal, the preliminary examination, the dissertation or record of study, and the dissertation defense (final examination). In addition, the committee as a group and as individual members are responsible for counseling the student on academic matters, and, in the case of academic deficiency, initiating recommendations to the Dean of the School.
ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY
To be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree, a student must have :
(1) completed the formal course work with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
(2) Passed the comprehensive examination
(3) Filed with the Dean of the Graduate School, the dissertation proposal approved by the student's Advisory Committee, the Program Director and the School Dean
The final examination (dissertation defense) will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy. Form I executed the first year of study is to be followed in a timely fashion by Form II A Petition for Graduate Degree Candidacy is filed after successful passing of the Comprehensive Examination.
POLICY FOR RESEARCH OFF CAMPUS
After it is determined by both the student and the advisor that suitable and usable research support is available at a site off the JSU campus, a research plan needs to be constructed that fully informs all involved parties as to what is expected and how research will be conducted.
At an early meeting with advisor and graduate student, an Official at the site of research needs to be identified as the ACo-advisor to serve in the committee. The ACo-advisor would need to be a Ph.D. holder in a field related to the student's research area.
The off campus co-advisor would need to be approved by the advisor, with a complete C.V. sent to the advisor who should forward a copy to the Program Director.
The advisor, student and prospective co-advisor would need to meet together in order to make sure the proposed research is feasible from the standpoints of personnel, time, scheduling, supplies and equipment needs.
The responsibilities of the co-advisor would center around the research supervision each semester that the student works off campus. This is very important as the main input for grading the student's dissertation research that semester would come with the co-advisor input in conjunction with the JSU advisor. Periodic visits by the JSU advisor to the research site would need to be made subject to the nature of the research project.
ETHICAL STANDARDS POLICY STATEMENT
All faculty and staff Members who are in supervisory positions with regard to students are expected to work closely with them, and to provide them with appropriate guidance and counsel to the end that these students should maintain the highest academic and ethical standards.
Student's Advisory Committee Members are encouraged to engage in free discussions of research principles and responsibilities; in order to increase their students awareness on the importance of maintaining high ethical standards in research.
Research results should be supported by verifiable evidence. Students are required to maintain sufficient written records and other documentation of their study data.
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DISSERTATION
General Guidelines
The general field of research to be used for the dissertation should be agreed on by the student and the Advisory Committee at their first meeting, as a basis for selecting the proper courses to support the proposed research.
As soon thereafter as the research project can be outlined in reasonable detail, the official forms for proposing the dissertation should be completed. The research proposal should be approved at a meeting of the student's Advisory Committee, at which time the committee should carefully review the proposal as to the feasibility of the proposed research and the adequacy of available facilities. The approved proposal, signed by all members of the student's Advisory Committee, the Program Director, and the Dean of the School of Science and Technology, should be submitted (in quadruplicate) to the Dean of the Graduate School for final approval. This should be done before commencement of data collection.
The ability to perform independent research must be demonstrated by the dissertation, which must be the original work of the candidate. While acceptance of the dissertation is based primarily on its scholarly merit, it must also exhibit creditable literary workmanship. The format of the dissertation must be acceptable to the Graduate School. Instructions as to format should be obtained from the office of the Graduate School.
Draft Approval
The student must submit a complete, typed dissertation draft to all members of the Dissertation Committee for review. If this draft is approved, the Dissertation Committee members indicate approval by signing the Draft Approval Form. The student must submit the Draft Approval Form and two copies of the Dissertation Draft to the Program Director who should consult with the School Dean and the Graduate School for format review, at least three weeks prior to the Final Oral Examination (Dissertation Defense).
Final Approval
Final approval of the student's dissertation can only be made after the Dissertation Defense has been completed satisfactorily. The dissertation must be completed with all suggestions and corrections from Advisory Committee Members incorporated and must bear the signatures of the student's Advisory Committee and the School Dean.
The candidate must submit Five copies of the revised dissertation in final form (2 copies to the Environmental Science Ph.D. Program Director for the School of Science and Technology, and 3 copies to the Graduate School for the University). It is the candidate's responsibility to comply with the deadlines set by the Graduate School for submission of dissertations.
LANGUAGE
All students are required to possess a competent command of English.
EXAMINATIONS
Placement Examination
The placement examination is required for all students admitted into the program. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the background of the student regarding his or her knowledge of basic concepts in biological sciences, chemical/physical sciences, and mathematics/ statistics. Therefore, the examination will include three parts, with about 30-50 multiple choice questions in biological sciences, 30-50 in chemistry/physics, and 15 to 25 in mathematics. The schedule for the examination must be approved by the Program Director and the Dean of the School.
This examination will be administered at the beginning of the first semester of student's admission into the program, especially during the first two weeks of the Fall or Spring Semester. The results of this examination will help identify specific remedial courses that the students will be required to take before registering for doctoral courses. Remedial courses will include, but not limited to: BIO-313-Introduction to Microbiology, BIO-506-Human Environment and Natural Resources, BIO-511-Biostatistics, BIO-515-Molecular Biology, BIO-523-Ecology, BIO-530-Advanced Microbiology, CHEM-320-Analytical Chemistry, CHEM-500-Basic Concepts in Chemistry, CHEM-531/532-Biochemistry, MATH- 271/272-Elementary Statistics, MATH-355-Probability and Statistics, ITHM -523-Statistics and Data Analysis and/or PHY-201-Basic Physics.
Comprehensive Examination
The comprehensive examination is required for all students. No student may be given a qualifying examination unless his or her official GPA at the time of the examination is 3.0 or better. The student will be administered this examination which will help the committee evaluate the student's academic and research understanding within the field of environmental science.
The comprehensive examination shall be given no later than the end of the first semester after completion of formal course work and no earlier than a date at which the student in within approximately 6 credit hours of completion of the formal course work on the degree program. The examination shall be both written and oral. The written part of the examination will cover each area of study included in the student's program.
The examination will be supervised by the Program Director in consultation with
the Chair and Members of the students Advisory Committee. Each of the student's
Advisory Committee members will be responsible for administering a written examination
in the members particular area of specialization. Each written examination must
be completed and reported as satisfactory to the Program Director with copy
to the chair of the Advisory Committee; before the oral portion of the examination
may be held. In case any written examination is reported unsatisfactory, the
entire Advisory Committee must agree (1) to proceed with the oral portion of
the qualifying examination, or (2) to adopt another course of action regarding
the unsatisfactory written examination.
Through the comprehensive examination, the students Advisory Committee should satisfy itself that the student has demonstrated the following qualifications:
a. The student has a mastery of the subject matter of all fields in the program.
b. The student has an adequate knowledge of the literature in these fields and has powers of bibliographical criticism.
The chair of the students Advisory Committee is responsible for making the results of all written examinations available to the members of the Advisory Committee at or before the oral examination.
The chair of the students Advisory Committee will report to the Program Director who will be responsible of forwarding the results of the comprehensive examination to the Dean of the School and the Dean of the Graduate School. In the report, the Chair of Advisory Committee should also make recommendations regarding the students admission to candidacy.
By permission of the students Advisory Committee, the Program Director, the School Dean, and the Dean of the Graduate School, a student who has failed the comprehensive examination may be given one re-examination, but only after a period of at least one semester or summer session has elapsed.
Dissertation Defense
- Specific Requirements
The candidate for the doctoral degree must pass a final examination by deadline dates announced in the A Graduate School Calendar each semester or summer session. No student may be given a final examination unless his or her official GPA at the time of the examination is 3.0 or better.
The final examination is not to be administered until such time that the dissertation is available to the student's Advisory Committee in substantially final form, and all members of the Advisory Committee have had adequate time to review the document, and express their approval by signing the Draft Dissertation Form.
To be eligible to take the final examination, or to defend the dissertation, the candidate must:
1. Be advanced to
candidacy (a+b+c)
a. Have completed all course work on his or her degree program with the exception
of any remaining research hours
b. Have successfully passed the comprehensive exam
c. Have had an approved research proposal on file with the Graduate School,
and
2. Submit an approved
Draft Dissertation Form and two copies of Draft Dissertation to the Program
Director at least three weeks before the Dissertation Defense
- Schedule
In consultation with the student and the Advisory Committee Members, the Committee Chair must submit the date and time of student dissertation=s defense; at least two weeks before the scheduled date; to the Program Director who should immediately inform the Dean of the School, and the Dean of the Graduate School.
In consultation
with the Program Director, the Committee Chair should secure a place for the
defense, and post announcements at the School of Science and Technology at least
one week before the scheduled defense.
- Administration
The students Advisory Committee as finally constituted will conduct this examination. While the final examination may cover the broad field of the candidate's training, it is presumed that the major portion of the time will be devoted to the dissertation and closely allied topics. Persons other than members of the Graduate Faculty may be invited to attend final examinations.
Upon completion of the questioning of the candidate, all visitors must excuse themselves from the proceedings. The Advisory Committee will submit its recommendations regarding acceptability of the candidate for the doctoral degree to the Program Director who should forward them to the School Dean and the Dean of the Graduate School.
Students are required to make appropriate corrections of the dissertation; based on the suggestions and recommendations of all the members of Advisory Committee. Five copies of the dissertation in substantially final form must be submitted (2 copies to Program Director for the School of Science and Technology, and 3 copies to the Graduate School for the University).
Students must be registered in the University in the semester or summer session in which the final examination is taken.The final examination for the doctoral degree must be administered on the campus of Jackson State University.
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APPLICATION FOR DEGREE
Formal application for the degree must be filed in the office of the Graduate School prior to the end of the semester, or prior to the end of the summer term in which the student expects to complete requirements for graduation. Form III A Application For Degree is available for this purpose.
Form IV A Application for Clearance is to be attached to Form I Doctoral Degree Plan. The latter form should be completed thoroughly, updating all courses completed with course number, title, credit, grade, quality points and semester taken.
TRANSFER OF CREDIT
A maximum number of nine credit hours can be transferred into the Program. Courses for which transfer credits are sought must be at least 700-Level; must have been completed with a grade of B or better and must be approved by the student's Advisory Committee, the Program Director, the School Dean and the Dean of the Graduate School. Credit for thesis or dissertation research or the equivalent is not transferable. Credit for an internship course work in any form is not transferable.
FINANCIAL AID
Graduate research and teaching assistantships are available on a competitive
basis to highly qualified students.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The environmental Science Ph.D. Program is managed by a steering/advisory committee chaired by the program director who reports to the dean of the School of Science and Technology. Members of this important committee include:
Dr. Gregerio Begonia,
Biology Department Interim Chair
Dr. Sonny Bolls, Technology Department Chair
Dr. Paul Croft; Department of Physics, Atmospheric and General Science
Dr. Khunal Ghosh, Physics, Atmospheric and General Science Department Chair
Dr. Henry Gore, Mathematics Department Chair
Dr. Loretta Moore, Computer Science Department Chair
Dr. Sunita Rana, Department of Computer Science
Dr. Charles Rhyne, Department of Biology
Dr. Paul Stein, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Richard Sullivan, Chemistry Department Chair
Dr. Paul Tchounwou, Program Director
Dr. William White, Associate Dean
Dr. Bizuneh Workie, Department of Chemistry
Dr. P.C. Yuan, Department of Technology
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
A significant number of extramurally funded research programs are currently
implemented by the program faculty. Students participation in these research
activities is strongly encouraged.
Through the Center for Environmental Health, a strong Environmental Toxicology Research Program supported the National Institutes of Health, is implemented. On going projects include:
Toxicokinetics, Histopathology and Genotoxic Effects of Arsenic and Atrazine
The Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation on Cornea and Lens: Studies on Enzyme Activity and Gene Expression
Assessment of Alcohol and p-nitrophenol as Risk Factors in the Development of Breast Cancer
Evaluation of DNA Photocleavage and Photoinduced Toxicity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Computational Studies on the Health Related Phenomena
The BEST (Bioremediation Education Science and Technology) Program is another major research program. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense. In this program there are four main research focuses including:
Bioremediation and photo-induced degradation of nitroaromatic compounds
Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship studies of munitions chemicals
Phytoremediation of toxic and hazardous metals
Toxicology and risk assessment of various xenobiotic chemicals.
Research supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) focuses on:
Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies in the Assessment of Environmental Quality in the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Assessment of Water Quality in the Pearl River Basin
Assessment and Modeling of Meteorological Events in the Mississippi Gulf Coast
Application of Spectroradiometry in the Assessment of Vegetation Stress.
Through the Environmental Technology Consortium, research supported by the U.S. Department of Energy focuses on: Assessment of the Fate, Transport, and Ecological Risk Associated with Toxic Chemicals Released from a Superfund Site
Application of GIS in the Development of a Well-Head Protection Program in Mississippi
RESEARCH CENTERS
A significant number of research centers available at the School of Science and Technology provide an appropriate environment to conduct research in highly specialized aspects of environmental science. These include:
Army High Performance
Computing Research Center (AHPCRC) (DoA)
- Environmental Modeling
- Information Technology
Bioremediation,
Education, Science and Technology (BEST) Center (DoD)
- Bioremediation
- Phytoremediation
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Center for Spatial
Data Analysis and Research Applications (CSDRA- NASA)
- Remote Sensing
- GIS
- Environmental Monitoring
Computation Center
for Molecular Structure and Interactions (CREST-NSF)
- Computational Chemistry
Major Shared Resource
Center (MSRC) / High Performance Visualization Center Initiative (HPVCI) (DoD
- Scientific Visualization and Distance Learning
- High Performance Data Storage and Retrieval
Center for Environmental
Health (NIH)
- Environmental Toxicology
- Mechanisms of Toxicity and Health Effects of xenobitics.
Marine Science Program
(DoI)
- Fish Stock Enhancement
- Marine Pollution Assessment
RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
Many existing collaborations, established through memoranda of understanding and/or agreements, provide opportunities to program faculty, and graduate students, to collaborate with scientists from various national laboratories during the academic year, and to perform research activities at their laboratories during the Summer. These research laboratories include:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL)
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Army Waterways Experiment Station
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL)
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MSDEQ)
NASA Stennis Space Center
Department of Navy - Naval Research Laboratories
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THE FACULTY
A significant number of faculty are involved with the Environmental Science Ph.D. Program. These faculty are all holders of terminal (advanced) degrees from renown universities. They provide instruction and conduct research in various areas of environmental science. Current program faculty include:
Instruction and Research Faculty:
Paul J. Croft, Assistant Professor; Ph.D. Rutgers University, 1991; Meteorology and Horticulture.
Ibrahim Farah, Assistant Professor; Ph.D. University of Minnesota, 1988; Microbiology, Epidemiology.
Elginaid I. Hamadain, Assistant Professor; Ph.D. Mississippi State University, 1997; Insect Toxicology; Statistics.
Huey-Min Hwang, Professor; Ph.D., University of Georgia, 1989; Microbial Ecology, Bioremediation.
Abdul K. Mohamed, Professor & Dean; Ph.D., Mississippi State University, 1977; Invertebrate Pathology.
Loretta A. Moore, Associate Professor & Computer Science Department Chair; Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology, 1991; Computer Science.
Charles Rhyne, Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, 1973; Botany, Environmental Science.
Thomas C. Sturgis, Visiting Assistant-Professor; Ph.D., University of Mississippi, 1995; Wetland Ecology.
Paul B. Tchounwou, Associate Professor & Program Director; Sc.D., Tulane University School of Public Health, 1990; Environmental Toxicology, Health Risk Assessment and Management.
Bizuneh Workie, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Tufts University, 1996; Analytical Chemistry, Electrochemistry.
Wen-Hsun Yang, Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of California at SF, 1973; Biological Sciences
Pio-Chiang Yuan, Professor; Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, 1986; Environmental / Water Resources Engineering.
Research Faculty:
Gregorio B. Begonia, Associate Professor & Biology Department Interim Chair;
Ph.D., Mississippi State University, 1980; Plant Physiology.
Sonny Bolls, Associate Professor & Technology Department Chair; Ph.D., University of Missouri, 1975; Industrial Education.
Willie G. Brown, Associate Professor & Vice-President for Information Technology; Ph.D., Wayne State University, 1994; Information Technology; Artificial Intelligence.
Lai-Man Chang, Professor; Ph.D., Ohio State University, 1967; Biochemistry.
Francis Chigbo, Professor; Ph.D., Howard University, 1962; Organic Chemistry.
Paulinus Chigbu, Assistant Professor & Marine Science Program Director; Ph.D. University of Washington, 1993; Marine Sciences, Fish Biology.
Patrick Fitzpatrick, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Colorado State University, 1994; Meteorology.
Susmita Ghosh, Post-Doctoral Research Associate; Ph.D., Jackson State University, 2000; Environmental Science, Phytoremediation.
Stephen Ekunwe, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1998; Microbiology; Genetics.
Mark G. Hardy, Associate Professor; Ph.D., University of Alabama, 1986; Phycology.
Carolyn Howard, Assistant Professor; Ph.D. University of Mississippi Medical Center, 1995; Molecular Biology.
Wedad Hussein, Professor; Ph.D., University of New Orleans, 1973; Analytical chemistry.
Ali Ishaque, Post-Doctoral Research Associate; Ph.D., Free University of Brussels, 1998; Ecotoxicology.
Ernest Izevbigie, Assistant Professor, Ph.D., Michigan State University, 1996; Molecular Biology.
Philip Jemilohun, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University, 1989; Microbiology.
Ramzi Kafoury, Assistant Professor; Sc.D., Tulane University School of Public Health, 1997; Environmental Toxicology; Signal Transduction.
Jerzy R. Leszczynski, Professor; Ph.D., Wroclaw Technical University, 1975; Computational Chemistry.
Yiming Liu, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of Hunan, 1988; Analytical Chemistry.
Diana I. Ortiz, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1999; Medical entomology.
Charles H. Spann, Professor; Ph.D., University of Mississippi Medical Center, 1974; Human Anatomy, Experimental Pathology.
Jackie Stevens, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of California, SB, 1995; Molecular Biology.
Hiroyasu Tachikawa, Professor; Ph.D., University of Texas, 1973; Analytical Chemistry.
Barbara A. Wilson, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., University of Missouri, 1995; Microbiology; Genetics.
Hongtao Yu, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Technical University of Munich, 1990;Biophysical Chemistry.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
Several buildings provide facilities for use in the Environmental Science Program. The John A. Peoples, Jr. Science Building houses the departments of Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. Just Hall of Science houses the departments of Physics and Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and General Science. The J. Y. Woodward Building houses the Department of Technology. The Plant Science Building houses two environmental laboratories. The School has the following laboratories: Academic Research Computer Laboratory, Analytical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Electron Microscope Laboratory, Environmental Laboratory, Faculty/Graduate Students Computer Laboratory, Free Electron Laser and Plasma Physics Computer Laboratory, Geographical Information System (Remote Sensing), HPLC Laboratory, Human Genome Laboratory, Invertebrate Culture Room Laboratory, Lapidary Laboratory, Laser Spectrometry and Induced Fluorescence Research Laboratory, Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Medical Entomology/Vector Control Laboratory, Microbial Biology Laboratory, Microbial Physiology Laboratory, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Laboratory, Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Organic/Organometallic Synthesis Laboratory, Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Organometallic and Catalyst Synthesis Laboratory, Particle Physics Computer Laboratory, Robotics Laboratory, Scintillation Counting Laboratory, Solar Energy Research Laboratory, Statistical and Computational Physics Laboratory, Surface and Thin Film Electrochemistry Laboratory, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Laboratory, Toxicology Research Laboratory, Weather Research Laboratory, X-Ray Diffractometry Laboratory, a spacious weather room with tables and computer/telecommunication equipment for the receipt of meteorological data; both alphanumeric and facsimile products, including weather maps and satellite pictures. Access to several meteorological databases is also available.
An extensive array of instrumentation for research is available to students. Some of these are: Candela LS-2 Laser Spectrometer, Tracor-Northern TN-1710A Multichannel Analyzer/1710-30 Signal Averager, SPEX Model 14018 Double 3/4, Meter Spectrometer, Nd: YAG Laser, Molectron MY 34, Dye Laser - Molectron DL 18, Ar Ion Laser - Coherent Radiation CR-2, Dye Laser - Coherent Radiation 590 Spectro-Physics Picosecond Laser System (Ar Ion Laser, Cavity Dumper System, Mode Locker System, Dye Laser, SPEX Raman Spectrophotometer, Double Monochromator, Datamate), BAS 100 Electrochemical Analyzer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Perkin-Elmer Model 306, NMR Spectrometer, Perkin-Elmer Model 306, FT-NMR (Multinuclear) Spectrometer, Bruker WH-90-DS, Gas Chromatograph, Perkin-Elmer Model 3920, Gas Chromatograph, Hewlett Packard Model 5830A, GC Mass Spectrometer, Hewlett Packard 5970 MSD, Mattson Polaris FTIR, IR Spectrophotometer, Perkin-Elmer 710, Laser Raman Spectrometer, Spex-Ramalog 5, Shimadzu Computer Controlled Spectrophotometer, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Coleman 124, UV-VIS Spectrophotometer, Beckman 5230, Spectrofluorometer, Perkin-Elmer Model MPF 44A with correction unit, Fluorescence Spectrometer Spex Fluorolog, Electrophoresis Apparatus, Shandon Southern MK11, Refrigerated Centrifuge, International B20, Vacuum Deposition Apparatus, Varian Model 3118, HPLC, Perkin-Elmer, Series 3, HPLC-Bioanalytical, Electrochemical Instruments: PAR Models 173, 175, 176, 179, Electron Microscope, Phillips Electronic Co., 201C, Amino Acid Analyzer, Beckman Instruments, Inc., LS-9000, Wide Bore Superconducting NMR Spectrometer which operates between 270-300 MHZ for protons, Microscopes for Research (Olympus Vanox, Olympus AH-2, Nikon Phase Contrast, Electron Microscope Phillips 201, Scanning EMJEOCO50), LKB Laser Densitometer, Walk-in Environmental Chamber.
The computing equipment available include: Sun 4/370GX SPARC Station, IBM RISC 6000 System, IBM 4381, AT&T 3B15, AT&T 1000 computers and Xerox Workstations. Computer networking is available through AJSUNET which is the primary backbone on campus. Access to other networks such as SURANET, INTERNET, BITNET, and CSNET, is available through JSUNET.
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SUMMARY
1. Specific Policies:
Students and faculty must clearly understand and adhere to the general requirements and regulations for the Ph.D. degree in Environmental Science.
2. Admission:
The student is expected to apply and be admitted to the graduate school first. The school of Science and Technology admits successful applicants to the Environmental Science Ph.D. Degree Program. Prerequisites include high attainment in graduate work in obtained Master's degree in natural sciences or related sciences with an overall GPA of 3.25 or better; three letters of recommendation from major graduate professors; a combined GRE score of 1000 or better; and a minimum TOEFL test score of 550 for foreign students.
3. Residence Requirements:
At least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) of full-time study at Jackson State University meets the residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree.
4. Course Requirements:
Three academic years (90 semester hours) of advanced course work (beyond the baccalaureate), including independent study, seminar and research beyond the bachelors degree. Extensive research and reading assignments are required; and only grades of B or better are accepted.
Placement Examination:
An examination taken during the first semester in the doctoral program to determine if the student has the academic ability to successfully complete doctoral courses offered by the program. This examination evaluates the background of the student regarding his or her knowledge of basic concepts in biological sciences, chemical/physical sciences, and mathematics/statistics. The results of this examination will help identify specific remedial courses that the student will be required to take before registering for doctoral courses.
6. The Comprehensive
Examination:
A written and oral examination to test the student's knowledge and skills in
the general subject matter area of environmental science. This critical examination
is administered by the examining committee composed of the Program Director,
the Chair of the student's advisory committee, and at least four other faculty
members of the environmental science graduate faculty. The student who successfully
completes this examination and develops an approved research proposal moves
to the official status of a Doctoral Candidate.
7. Dissertation:
Written work demonstrating the candidate's ability to pursue independent research
and to interpret the results of this research. The dissertation must adhere
to the Guidelines for Preparing Projects, Theses and Dissertations, 1992, a
manual adopted by the Graduate School of Jackson State University. Copies of
the dissertation and its abstract must be microfilmed by Microfilm General Policies
Abstract, Inc.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Dr. Paul B. Tchounwou,
Director
Environmental Science Ph.D. Program
School of Science and Technology
Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi 39217
Tel. (601) 973-3321 Fax (601) 968-2349
or
Dr. Abdul Mohamed, Dean
School of Science and Technology
Jackson State University
Jackson, Mississippi 39217
Tel. (601) 968-2153
Fax (601) 968-2058
APPLICATION FORMS
AND ADMISSION
Dr. Dorris R. Robinson-Gardner, Dean
Office of the Graduate School
Administrative Tower, First Floor
Jackson State University
1400 Lynch Street, Box 17095
Jackson, Mississippi 39217
Tel. (601) 968-2455