Academic Programs Committee Reports

RECOMMENDATION
To: University Council

Date: Dec. 16, 1999

Re: College of Arts and Science Chemistry program changes

Summary of proposal:
Three-year major: Delete CHEM 302.3 from requirements.
Four-year major and Honours: Delete CHEM 302.3 and 6 credit units in applied chemistry electives from requirements; add CHEM 346.3, 353.3 and 354.3 to requirements;
Four year: Require at least 3 credit units in Chemistry at the 400-level. Delete the requirement that at least one of the senior chemistry electives have a laboratory.
Honours: Increase the required courses from 51 credit units to 60 credit units; require 18 credit units in senior chemistry electives including 12 credit units at the 400-level.
Double Honours: Delete CHEM 302.3 from requirements; add requirement that students take 3 credit units chosen from CHEM 346, 353 or 354.

Rationale:
Chemistry programs were revised in 1995. The changes proposed will correct some deficiencies identified in the programs during reevaluation within the department. The changes will specify a solid core of required Chemistry courses to ensure that students obtain a foundation of fundamental chemical principles. Previous specifications for other courses, such as applied chemistry and communications/ethics courses have been removed though they can still be taken as electives. In addition, the Honours program will now require greater depth.

Impact and Relationships:
No impact on other departments.

Additional resources required:
None.

Committee Comments and Recommendation
Academic Programs Committee:
That the Committee recommend approval of the deletion of CHEM 302 from Chemistry major and honours requirements and approval of the other revisions to Chemistry major and honours requirements, as described in the proposal of April 14, 1999. (Oct. 20, 1999)

Budget Committee:
As there was little or no resource implications identified, the Budget Committee recommends approval of the Minor in Chemistry and the changes to the Major / Honours programs in Chemistry in the College of Arts and Science. (Nov. 15, 1999)

Planning Committee:
Recommended for approval by Council. (Nov. 30, 1999)

cc: College of Arts and Science