July 8-9, 1999

NOTICE OF INTENT Approval of Proposal to Establish Three New Interdisciplinary Options for the Chemistry Major Leading to a Bachelor of Science Degree: (1) Biological Chemistry, (2) Environmental Chemistry, and (3) Pharmacology; The University of Montana-Missoula

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes The University of Montana-Missoula to create three new tracks in chemistry which will not require any additional resources and will contain the usual 120 units for the degree.

EXPLANATION: The Department of Chemistry currently offers Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Both degrees require 15 units of calculus and 16 units of calculus-based physics and physical chemistry. The proposed new tracks provide a full curriculum of chemistry plus additional training in a second discipline, while having less stringent requirements in mathematics (seven units) and non-calculus-based physics and physical chemistry (13 units). These new tracks are ideally suited for students entering interdisciplinary areas of graduate study such as pharmaceutical sciences, molecular biology, geochemistry, and professional programs. These programs differ from other science programs on campus in that they offer students a full chemistry major and the opportunity to tailor their degree program to suit their interdisciplinary career objectives.