Idaho May Ax Undgergraduate Physics Degree
The Argonaut laments the possibility of 41 academic programs being cut from the University of Idaho lineup in April. One of those programs is the undergraduate physics program. The cuts are part of a strategic plan launched in 2005 to "increase the overall financial and academic efficiency," according to Dean Scott Wood of the college of science
One justification for the undergraduate cuts is to help bolster the graduate physics program, allowing professors to forgo teaching upper-level courses and instead focus on research. "We want (faculty) to focus on research," he said. "We think they should be drawn to that."
The undergraduate physics program has 57 students, and the possibility of it being cut has been unsurprisingly controversial.
"I don't know how they could cut physics from the college of science and still be the college of science," points out one student. "It's a core science."
Tags: colleges | science | physics | University of Idaho
Tools: 
Share
|
| Comments (1) | Print
Reader Comments
So this becomes the College of Research?
This ONLY makes sense if the research operations are being funded OVER 100% by industry -- that is the research is bringing in money to not only support itself, but generating additional funds for the overall university.
Otherwise, these "professors" should just take jobs in private industry.
Physics is a core science that should be mandatory for all science majors -- even if they are not physics majors. However, a separte physics program ensures a good overall program.
I just can comprehend the thought process behind this!
advertisement
