Biology Concentration Requirements Modified

The Biology Department has approved a plan to revise its concentration requirements and expand undergraduate course offerings. If approved by the Committee on Educational Policy, the plan will go into effect next year.

According to a report by the Department's Special Committee on the Curriculum, the introduction of nine intermediate half-courses, numbered 10 through 18, would be part of a major revision of the concentration program.

Three of these courses would be in subjects offered to undergraduates for the first time: Biology 12, microbiology; Biology 16, biochemistry; and Biology 18, physiology.

Under the present requirements, a student concentrating in biology chooses either "Plan I," which emphasizes classical biology or "Plan II," which stresses biology's relationship to the exact sciences. The new proposal would establish one set of requirements for all concentrators.

Lower-Level Requirements

The specific lower level requirements would be Biology 2 or Natural Sciences 5; Chemistry 1 or 6; Chemistry 20; Mathematics 1; and Physics 1 or Natural Sciences 2. The students would also choose four half courses from the new series of intermediate half courses.

Students who choose Biology 2, a half course, or who have received advanced placement in freshman courses would be required to take other courses to reach the required total of seven.

Program Costs $150,000

Honors candidates would be required to take an additional one and one-half courses of which at least one half courses would be Biology 99 (previously Biology 40), a 200 level course, or another course approved by the Department.

Keith R. Porter, chairman of the Biology Department, said that the introduction of the new courses would necessitate hiring three full professors, ex- panding the junior faculty and reconditioning existing laboratory facilities.

Porter estimates the cost of instituting the program at approximately $150,000. He indicated that the Department would apply to the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the University for funds.

"The new courses and concentration requirements will bring the biology program up to date," Porter said.

The Committee has recommended that the plan become effective with members of the Class of 1969 and that it be optional for the Classes of 1963 and 1967