1. CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA ACADEMIC SENATE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE ACADEMIC SENATE AP-005-910 CHEMISTRY MAJOR: DELETE CHEMICAL SCIENCES OPTION AND ADD BIOCHEMISTRY OPTION

2. ACADEMIC SENATE COMMITTEEDATE: 1/6/10 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RECEIVED AND FORWARDEDDATE: 2/17/10 ACADEMIC SENATEDATE: 3/10/10 First Reading Waiver Requested

3. BACKGROUND: The Department of Chemistry has submitted a proposal to change the name of their Chemical Sciences option to Biochemistry option. RESOURCES CONSULTED: Nancy Buckley, Barbara Hacker, Nelson Scott, Claudia Pinter-Lucke

4. DISCUSSION: The Department of Chemistry currently offers 4 options, one of which is the Chemical Sciences option. -The name has not been effective in making students aware of the program and its content. There are about 50 students in the option from all levels. (They will have the choice to graduate with either option). -The change to Biochemistry option better reflects the content of this option. -The change in the option title helps clarify the option and its contents to the students. -The Department conducted a survey among its students and the results support the change. The faculty of the Department also support the change. -There are no new courses being developed for this option.

5. RECOMMENDATION: The Academic Programs Committee recommends that the title of the referral by changed to Chemistry Major: Delete Chemical Sciences Option and Add Biochemistry Option. The AP Committee further recommends approval of the referral AP-005-910 with its new title.