New Biology Major

BEGINNING with the Class of 1963, a new single major in biology will replace the present botany, zoology and biology major programs. The new major aims for a fundamental rounding in modern biology, yet there will be enough flexibility to fit a student's individual needs in some specialized area. It will serve both for the terminal student and for those going on to graduate work in forestry, microbiology, medicine, or other branches of the biological sciences.

Genetics and cell physiology will be required courses in the major. Of the six remaining courses, one is to concern the higher plants and the other the higher animals.

The interdepartmental course in life science, which is a prerequisite for the major, has set the pattern for the realignment of the major offerings of the Botany and Zoology Departments. The new program is part of a general plan to treat the newer areas of life science that deal with processes common to all living organisms, both botanical and zoological. An example is cell physiology, a new course which will explore a wide range of phenomena occurring in both plant and animal cells. Staffed by both botanists and zoologists, the course will be given for the first time in 1962-63.

A liaison committee of the two departments is working out the details of the new major and is also making plans for modernization of teaching and research facilities in the biological sciences.