Faculty members convened on September 9 to discuss potential revisions to the Bachelor of Science requirements and the approach to Engineering Double Majors at Bates College. The main focus of the meeting was a proposal put forth by the Academic Affairs Council aimed at altering the existing curriculum to improve flexibility and consistency.
Proposed Changes to BS Requirements
Currently, students can elect to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree by completing a specific set of courses, which includes Chemistry 107, Chemistry 108, Mathematics 106 or 206, and Physics 107 or 210. The requisite prerequisites increase the total to six courses. The Academic Affairs Council’s proposal seeks to revise these requirements to allow for a more adaptable curriculum.
Under the new proposal, students aiming for a BS would need to complete their major requirements along with six additional courses sourced from at least three different departments, which include Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Digital and Computational Studies, Earth and Climate Sciences, Mathematics, Neuroscience, and Physics and Astronomy. While advanced placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits may contribute to fulfilling these requirements, courses taken on a Pass/Fail basis would not be applicable.
This change is intended to assist students in declaring their interest in a BS during their major declaration process and will facilitate those who may decide to declare later. The adjustments aim to provide more room for elective courses and reduce pressure on high-demand classes.
In addition to the proposed modifications to the BS requirements, the Academic Affairs Council addressed the W3 requirement in relation to Engineering Double Majors. W3s are defined as thesis or capstone experiences that serve as significant scholarly contributions by students. Currently, Engineering Double Majors face challenges in fulfilling W3 requirements due to the dual-plan structure, which requires students to spend three years at Bates followed by two years at affiliated engineering schools.
To fulfill the W3 requirement, students in this program are encouraged to complete their thesis in their junior year. However, complications arise as some students may opt out of the program for reasons such as financial constraints or not gaining acceptance into partner institutions, impacting their W3 completion. The proposal intends to amend the current policy so that students who finish their W3 during their third year would not be compelled to undergo an additional process should they not continue with their engineering program.
Why It Matters
The proposed revisions to the Bachelor of Science requirements and W3 policy are significant as they aim to enhance student adaptability in course selection and alleviate the pressures surrounding high-demand classes. Additionally, changes to the W3 policy could provide more clarity and support for students pursuing Engineering Double Majors, helping to safeguard their academic progression.
