By Paul Ivey, ContributorCONTRARY TO what most people think, the College of Agriculture, Science & Education (CASE) is much more than an "agricultural college". CASE is a multi-disciplinary institution.
There are three faculties at the college: Agriculture, Science and Education, through which various programmes are offered. As the name implies, programmes in science are offered through the Faculty of Science. In 1997, the college, through the Faculty of Science, developed an associate degree in Natural Science programme, which has seen a steady increase in student enrolment.
In addition, CASE's Natural Science programme now articulates with Bachelor's degree programmes at the three local universities. In the academic context, articulation refers to the movement of students from one level of the education system to another level, usually from a lower to a higher level. CASE submitted and gained approval (in February 2001) for articulation purposes, of the associate degree in Natural Science Programme by Northern Caribbean University. This approval of the programme means that Natural Science graduates of CASE, with at least a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.25, will be exempted from Years 1 & 2 in NCU's Bachelor's programmes in Biological Science.
This follows on the previous approval by the University of the West Indies in March 2000 (required GPA of at least 2.5). Also, the University of Technology, has approved our programme by granting graduates advanced placement (exemption from related Years 1 & 2 courses) into four degrees Bachelor of Pharmacy; B.Sc. in Environ- mental Health; BSc in Dietetics & Nutrition; and BSc. in Medical Technology in their Faculty of Health and Applied Science.
One of the significant benefits of these articulation agreements is that students will be able to complete the first two years of their Bachelor's degree at CASE and then move on to the university of their choice to complete the remaining two years, at significant cost savings. This arrangement exemplifies the "2+2" model, in which an Associate Degree represents the first two years of a related Bachelor's Degree.
Indeed, consequent on these agreements, CASE graduates are currently enrolled in Bachelor's degree programmes at the University of Technology and the University of the West Indies (as well as overseas). With the high and increasing demand for tertiary education in Jamaica, having a fully articulated tertiary sector is a policy position of the Ministry of Education, Youth & Culture.
Additional information on CASE's Natural Science programme may be obtained by visiting the website of the Faculty of Science at: www.casescientists.edu.jm or calling telephone number: 993-5658.
Dr. Paul Ivey, Dean, Faculty of Science, College of Agriculture, Science & Education (CASE).
