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MCS College Council
February 10, 2005

In Attendance:
Amy Burkert
Gregg Franklin
Rea Freeland
Fred Gilman
Eric Grotzinger
Elizabeth Jones
Paul Karol
Hyung Kim
Sharon McCarl
Richard McCullough
Audria Stubna
Bill Williams



  1. Approval for 38-111 Special Topics in Scientific Literacy, variable units 3-9 (handout)
    Eric presented the case for Aimee Curtright, postdoctoral in EPP, to teach a new course, 38-101, "Environmental Chemistry for Citizens" to H&SS students who could then use it as one of their courses in the new General Ed section. Eric would like approval, since Aimee is planning to teach it in Fall 2005.

    It was originally suggested that it be a pilot course, primarily taken by non-technical majors; it has funding for two years - question as to whether or not there is money for the instructor for these two years - Eric was not sure; run it for two years; review it; and determine if we should change it to a departmental number (09- for chemistry) or keep it as an interdisciplinary course with a 38- number. Instructor is using an ACS textbook, offering it for 9 units for non-technical majors. Audience needs to be determined; is it primarily for H&SS students who must fulfill one course for their science (Modeling) requirement?

    There were several concerns raised, especially by Hyung. He had only seen this course a day or two before it was presented at College Council; Hyung noted that chemistry already has two courses for non-majors - 09-103 (atoms & molecules) & 09-104 (Garry Warnock's class); if Aimee wants to teach it for one semester as a "pilot", there is no problem with that, however, it will have an impact on our other courses; chemistry will have to think about whether or not they should offer 09-103.

    (Eric said that an Undergraduate Curriculum Committee is being formed and they will have to take a look at all these non-major courses that are being taught.)

    Rick, as well as Hyung and others present, felt that the syllabus was "very ambitious"; there may be problems with the requirements in the class and the workload was also "ambitious"; the "science project" issue was felt to be too much to take on; the enrollment should be limited; who will have oversight of the course, chemistry or CUA? Each department should own their courses.

    Eric suggested offering this course for one year; review it; and insist on a mid-term evaluation of the course.

    Gregg asked if it was suggested to Aimee to consult with the chemistry department in planning this course.

    Paul Karol raised an important point, and Hyung and Rick wholeheartedly agreed, about having "chemistry" in the title. Paul felt the title should be more along the lines of "Environmental Sciences", and that the number of students should be limited to 24.

    A motion was made by Hyung Kim to offer the course as a "pilot" for one semester; lower enrollment to 24; replace "chemistry" with "sciences" in the title, and if they are going to continue with offering this course, it must come to the chemistry department to be discussed within the chemistry faculty/department. Seconded by Paul Karol with the recommendation that Aimee talk with someone from the chemistry department and the teaching center, in addition to having a mid-term evaluation.

    COLLEGE COUNCIL ACTION: The course was approved unanimously, with the additional recommendations mentioned above.


  2. Approval for 38-112 (-212, -312, -412) Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Science, variable units 3-9
    Feenstra wants to teach a nanotechnology course with a lab component to CIT and CS students who have the appropriate background. This course is still in the planning stages.

    COLLEGE COUNCIL ACTION: Approval deferred.


  3. Approval for 38-102 MCS Interdisciplinary First-Year Seminar, variable 3-9 units
    A specific course is not being proposed at this time.

    COLLEGE COUNCIL ACTION: Approval deferred since there is no longer a course being proposed.

  4. Other Business
    Beth expressed concern about courses being offered in our college that other colleges/departments, i.e., BME, make "required" of their students without telling us. So, when MCS students try to enroll, often there is no room. We need to devise a way for better control over our courses.