July 12-13, 2001
NOTICE OF INTENT������� Authorization to Create a New Bachelor of Science Degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with Two Options: 1) Biomedical Sciences, and 2) Cell Biology and Neuroscience; Montana State University-Bozeman
THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman to create a Bachelor of Science Degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with Two Options: 1) Biomedical Sciences, and 2) Cell Biology and Neuroscience.
EXPLANATION:�������������� Montana State University-Bozeman proposes to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with two options: 1) Biomedical Science and 2) Cell Biology and Neuroscience.� The Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience (CBN) was established July 1, 2000, following the reorganization of the former Biology Department. CBN has over 300 undergraduate majors and attracts students interested in health professions and biomedical research.� The new degree and options will improve the delivery of the current curriculum, and reduce the confusion among students about the current Biology Option offered by both CBN and Ecology.� In addition, the two curricular options will provide a focused set of courses for students interested in pre-health professional careers and those interested in bio-medical and basic research in the broad areas of Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, and Neuroscience.� These three disciplines continue to be among the fastest growing and most important research areas funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.� These disciplines are critical to the most basic understanding of physiological mechanisms involved in health and disease.� Students will be prepared for admission to medical, dental, or optometry school by following the option in Biomedical Sciences in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. The biomedical sciences option curriculum provides a strong background for students who are (1) interested in a biomedical sciences career in research or teaching, or (2) plan on a career in medicine or other health professions.� The curriculum in the Cell Biology and Neuroscience option provides a strong background for students who are interested in a career in research or teaching in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or neuroscience.� The curriculum provides the necessary courses to make a competitive application to graduate school or to apply for positions in the biotech industry.� The two options, Biomedical Sciences and Cell Biology and Neuroscience, will be constructed from existing courses.� The content of these courses is under revision; however, delivery of these new options will require no additional resources.
