News Category: ‘2019’

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/25/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order 

II. Approval of the November 18, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved.]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Spring 2020 COSCC Meeting Dates* [The committee is in favor of this schedule.]

IV. Old Business

Undergraduate

Modified Programs

• Biology Minor [Approved]

Graduate

Modified Programs

• Climate Science, MS- [Approved by committee through email vote.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• CONS 201:How to Succeed in Conservation* [Tabled pending a conversation between ESP and CONS.]
• GGS 344: Military Geography [Approved]
• GGS 422: Drone Remote Sensing [Approved]
• GGS 426: Surface and Atmosphere Remote Sensing [Withdrawn by the department.]

Modified Courses

• BIOL 309/EVPP 309/GEOL 309: Introduction to Oceanography* [Approved]
• CHEM 313: Organic Chemistry I [Approved pending the removal of “L” transfer equivalents on 300+ level equivalents. Additionally, work between Jennifer and the department will ensue to stabilize prerequisites across semesters. POST-MEETING UPDATE: Jennifer is not convinced that this is the right course of action, she will confer with Assad Khan and the department to ensure proper modifications are applied.]
• CHEM 314: Organic Chemistry II [Approved pending statement above on CHEM 313.]
• CHEM 315: Organic Chemistry Lab [Approved pending statement above on CHEM 313.]
• CHEM 318: Organic Chemistry Lab II* [Approved pending statement above on CHEM 313.]
• EVPP 408/BIOL 408: Mushrooms, Molds and Society* [Approved]
• GEOL 308: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology [Approved]

New Programs

• Environmental Consulting Minor [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Biology, BA [Approved pending the addition of “Concentration” to the title.]
• Biology, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Biology Concentration) [Approved]
• Chemistry, BA or BS/Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Chemistry Concentration) [Approved]
• Conservation Biology Minor [Approved]
• Earth Science, BS Curriculum and Instruction, Accelerated MEd (Secondary Education Earth Science Concentration) [Approved]
• Geographic Information Systems Minor [Approved]
• Geography, BA [Approved. Ensure that GGS 330’s title change proposal is “shredded” in CIM so that the original title is visible. Also, add wording to clarify that GGS 326’s proposal is on its way through the approval trail.]
• Geography, BS [Approved. Ensure that GGS 330’s title change proposal is “shredded” in CIM so that the original title is visible. Also, add wording to clarify that GGS 326’s proposal is on its way through the approval trail.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• GGS 516: Geography of Latin America [Approved]
• GGS 517: Geography of China [Approved]
• GGS 518: Geography of North Africa and the Middle East [Approved]
• GGS 526: Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia [Approved]
• GGS 544: Military Geography [Approved]
• GGS 622: Drone Remote Sensing [Approved]
• GGS 626: Surface and Atmosphere Remote Sensing[Withdrawn by the department.]
• PHYS 534: Introduction to Quantum Computation and Quantum Information [Approved pending addition of “Experience with programming” as a recommended prerequisite. Also, changing max repeatable to 9 and providing an updated syllabus.]
• PHYS 591: Systems for Quantum Scientists [Approved pending max repeatable to 9, hours per week to 3, and an updated syllabus.]

Modified Courses

• CHEM 531: Elements of Physical Chemistry [Approved pending updated syllabus.]

New Programs

• Forensic Science, PSM [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Applied Engineering Physics, MS* [Tabled by the department.]
• Biology, MS [Approved pending BIOL 683 correction.]
• Environmental Science and Policy, MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [Jennifer announced that an email vote will likely be requested between now and our next meeting at the end of January 2020. It was also requested that Jennifer add information regarding SCHEV and SACSCOC program requirements to the COSCC website, this information has been added to the Procedures page (second bullet). 12:30 PM.]

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 11/4/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order 

II. Approval of the October  21, 2019 Meeting Minutes  [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• SACSCOC Reminders [Departments are strongly encouraged to review this document]
• Professional Skills for PhDs [If any PhD programs are interested in enriching their curriculum by adding professional skills courses or a business certificate, please contact Jen.]
• Spring 2020 Meeting Schedule [Mondays at 10:30AM was still an optimal time for the committee.]

IV. Old Business

New Courses

• EVPP 534: Food-Energy-Water Nexus* [Approved pending course number update on the syllabus.]

Modified Courses

• GGS 507: Sustainable Development [Approved]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• EVPP 434: Food-Energy-Water Nexus* [Approved pending course number update on the syllabus.]
• MATH 300: Introduction to Advanced Mathematics*  [Approved, pending review of 1) impact on other courses and programs, 2) transferring all Mason Core and writing intensive designations, 3 adding standard language to the syllabus.]
• PHYS 334: Introduction to Quantum Computation and Quantum Information [Approved pending correction to the max allowable credits and adding standard language to the syllabus.]

Modified Courses

• ASTR 111: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System [Approved, pending the clarification of pre and co-requisites. Per an email from PHYS/ASTR after the meeting: “ASTR 111 is not a prereq or coreq for ASTR 112, as correctly indicated in current system. Part of the reason is that some students (transfer or AP for example) who have taken the equivalent of 111 can register for 112 lab. In principle, 112 as a lab course can stand alone, and does not require a corresponding lecture before or going along with it. As we discussed in the meeting, other units and sequences also have the same practice”.]
• ASTR 112: Introductory Astronomy: The Solar System Lab [Approved, pending the clarification of pre and co-requisites, see email quote above.]
• ASTR 113: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe [Approved, pending the clarification of pre and co-requisites, see email quote above.]
• ASTR 114: Introductory Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe Lab [Approved, pending the clarification of pre and co-requisites, see email quote above.]
• CHEM 468: Bioorganic Chemistry [Approved]
• CONS 320: Conservation in Practice [Approved]
• EVPP 336: Human Dimensions of the Environment [Approved]
• EVPP 409: Medical Mycology [Approved]
• EVPP 430: Fundamentals of Environmental Geographic Information Systems [Approved]
• EVPP 445: Principles of Environmental Toxicology [Approved]
• GEOL 401: Structural Geology [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• CHEM 300: Chemistry of Semiconductor Processing* [Approved]
• EVPP 110: The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science I [Approved]
  • Impacted Courses: BIOL 308, BIOL 309, BIOL 408, EVPP 309, EVPP 336, EVPP 408, EVPP 409, EVPP 430, EVPP 445, GEOL 309, GEOL 332
• EVPP 111: The Ecosphere: An Introduction to Environmental Science I [Approved]
  • Impacted Courses: EVPP 336

Modified Degrees

• Biology, BS* [Approved]
• Biology Minor* [Tabled for departmental clarification]
• Environmental Science Minor [Approved]
• Mathematics, BS* [Approved pending the addition of 1) CDS courses in the computational skills, 2) Moving STAT 360 to the “Choose two” section.]
• Paleontology Minor* [Approved pending BIOL 310/330 correction and listing EVPP/BIOL/GEOL 309 and EVPP 419/BIOL 454.]
• Sustainability Studies Minor [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• ASTR 601:Computer Simulation in Astronomy [Approved provisionally pending an updated syllabus.]

Modified Courses

• CONS 625: Statistics for Ecology and Conservation Biology [Approved with a friendly notification that the last sentence of the course description needs correction.]
• CONS 645: Estimating Animal Abundance and Occupancy [Approved]

New Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree (any)/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
• Bachelor’s Degree (any)/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
• Geography, BA/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS* [Approved]

Modified programs

• Geography, BA/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
• Geography, BS/Geographic and Cartographic Sciences, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
• Geography, BS/Geoinformatics and Geospatial Intelligence, Accelerated MS* [Approved]
• Environmental Science and Public Policy, PhD* [Approved]

[The committee welcomed Dr. Michael Eagle, the COSCC’s new Computational and Data Sciences representative.]

VII. Adjournment [12:19 PM]

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 10/7/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:33 AM]

II. Approval of the September 23, 2019 Meeting Minutes  [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

IV. Old Business

Modified Courses

• PHYS 416: Undergraduate Physics Review [Approved]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• FRSC 305: Forensic Chemistry Laboratory [Approved]
• FRSC 418: Analytical Thinking and Violent Crime Profiling [Approved]
• FRSC 450: Casework in Forensic Anthropology [Approved]
• GEOL 441: Great Events in Earth History [Approved, pending confirmation about the extent of the overlap with CHEM content.]

Modified Courses

• GGS 307: Sustainable Development* [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Forensic Science, BS [Approved]
• Paleontology Minor [Approved]
• Pre-Medical Undergraduate Certificate [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• CLIM 631: Urban Climate [Approved]
• EVPP 534: Food-Energy-Water Nexus [Tabled]
• FRSC 518: Analytical Thinking and Violent Crime Profiling [Approved]
• FRSC 699: Comprehensive Examination [Approved]
• GEOL 504: Sedimentary Geology [Approved]
• GEOL 541: Great Events in Earth History [Approved, pending confirmation about the extent of the overlap with CHEM content.]
• GGS 615: Economic Geography*[Approved]

Modified Courses

• FRSC 515: Selected Topics in Forensic Science [Approved]
• FRSC 650: Identity Analysis Applications [Approved]
• GGS 507: Sustainable Development*[Tabled]

Modified Programs

• Environmental Science and Policy, MS [Approved]
• Forensic Science, MS [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:47 AM]

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 9/9/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:35 AM]

II. Approval of the August 26, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion [Jennifer Bazaz Gettys will be hosting a curriculum/enrollment series and representatives from all departments are invited to attend.]

IV. Old Business

Modified Courses

• PHYS 346: Quarks to Strings[To be voted on via email after the meeting, once an explanatory email is distributed to the committee.  Approved 9/27]

Modified Programs

• Physics, BS [To be voted on via email after the meeting, once an explanatory email is distributed to the committee. Approved 9/27]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Programs

• Atmospheric Sciences, BS
• Bachelor’s Degree (selected), Bioinformatics Management, PSM* [Approved pending title clarity: Should the word “Accelerated” be inserted? The potential of a Neuroscience pathway was discussed and later added with committee email consent.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• MATH 725: Algebraic Geometry [Approved, pending updated syllabus.]
• MATH 741: Lie Groups [Approved, pending updated syllabus.]

VII. Adjournment [11:15AM]

Time: 10:30 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 8/12/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:37AM]

II. Approval of the May 6, 2019 Meeting Minutes [One abstention due to absence, but otherwise approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

Modified Courses

• PHYS112/CLIM112: Introduction to the Fundamentals of Atmospheric Science Lab [Update to include CLIM 111 as an allowable prerequisite]

2019-2020 Chair Appointment [Dr. Hakami will continue to serve as the COSCC chair for the 2019-2020 academic year.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business- Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• ASTR 210: Introduction to Astrophysics [Approved]
• ASTR 328: Stars [Approved]
• ASTR 402: RS: Methods of Observational Astronomy [Approved]
• ASTR 403: Planetary Science [Approved]
• ASTR 480: The Interstellar Medium [Approved]
• CDS 130: Computing for Scientists [Approved]
• PHYS 225: Problems in Physics I [Approved]
• PHYS 246: College Physics II Lab [Approved]
• PHYS 251: Introduction to Computer Techniques in Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 303: Classical Mechanics [Approved]
• PHYS 305: Electromagnetic Theory [Approved]
• PHYS 307: Thermal Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 308: Modern Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 310: Physics of Semiconductor Materials and Processing [Approved]
• PHYS 326:  Problems in Physics II [Approved]
• PHYS 331: Fundamentals of Renewable Energy [Approved]
• PHYS 332: Solar Cells [Approved]
• PHYS 346: Quarks to Strings [Tabled]
• PHYS 402: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 405: Honors Thesis in Physics I [Approved]
• PHYS 408: Senior Research [Approved]
• PHYS 409: Physics Internship [Approved]
• PHYS 410:Computational Physics Capstone [Approved]
• PHYS 416: Special Topics in Undergraduate Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 440: Nuclear and Particle Physics [Approved]
• PHYS 475: Atmospheric Physics [Approved]

Deleted Courses

• PHYS 265: Intermediate University Physics Laboratory [Approved]
  • Impacted COS Courses: PHYS 410: Computational Physics Capstone

Modified Programs

• Astronomy, BS [Approved]
• Physics, BS [Tabled due to questions regarding how PHYS 170/270 fit into the curriculum.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Courses

• PHYS 683: Mathematical Methods in Physics [Approved pending an updated syllabus.]

Modified Programs

• Environmental Science and Public Policy, PhD [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [12:15 PM]

Time: 10:00 am
Location: Research Hall, Room 161
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/22/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:04 AM]

II. Approval of the April 29, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Fall 2019 Schedule [The committee chose to meet on Mondays at 10:00am.]

IV. Old Business

Modified Courses

• MATH 302: Foundations of Geometry [Approved. The Mathematics Department will work with COS’s student affairs’ team to see that students are advised properly before registering for this course.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• BIOL 682: Advanced Eukaryotic Cell Biology [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Bioinformatics Management, PSM [Approved. Friendly recommendation to add the phrase “The GRE is not required” to avoid any confusion.]
• Biology, MS  [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10:40 AM]

Time: 10:00 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 4/15/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [Meeting held via email vote.]

II. Approval of the March 25, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Fall 2019 Meeting Schedule [To be discussed at the May meeting.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Course

• MATH 302: Foundations of Geometry [Tabled pending committee discussion in May. The committee had questions and suggestions regarding the differentiation between MATH 302 and MATH 312.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

New Course

• CLIM 761: Advanced Atmospheric Predictability and Prediction [Approved]

VII. Adjournment 

Time: 10:00 am
Location: Research Hall, Room 161
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 3/11/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [Meeting held via email]

II. Approval of the February 25, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• The Offering of COS 402 in Fall 2019 [Course details were distributed via email; no comments or concerns were received.]

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• CHEM 102: Introduction to Organic, Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Fuel Chemistry [Approved]
• CHEM 104: Introduction to Organic, Biochemical, Pharmacological, and Fuel Chemistry [Approved]
• GEOL 308: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology [Approved]

VI. Adjournment 

Time: 10:00 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 2/11/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:05 AM]

II. Approval of the January 21, 2019 Meeting Minutes [Approved with an update that includes the committee’s vote in approval of the guidelines, pending discussion in February surrounding if one or two categories will be required.]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA [Approved]
• Guidelines for Providing Justifications for New Programs [Approved. The committee voted that one category of justification will be required. Dr. Hakami will update all departmental chairs via email.]

Results from Email Vote

• New Course
  • PHYS 325: Intermediate Methods of Experimental Physics [Approved]
• New Program
  • Environmental and Sustainability Management Graduate Certificate [Approved]
• Modified Program
  • Earth Systems and Geoinformation Science, PhD [Approved]

IV. Old Business

New Courses

• MLAB 410: Medical Virology  [Approved]
• MLAB 411: Board Exam Preparation  [Approved]
• MLAB 412: Medical Mycology  [Approved]
• MLAB 413: Medical Parasitology  [Approved]
• MLAB 414: Molecular Detection of Infectious Disease  [Approved]
• MLAB 415: Medical Bacteriology  [Approved]
• MLAB 417: Advanced Methods in Clinical Molecular Biology  [Approved]
• MLAB 418: Human Molecular and Chromosomal Applications and Pathology  [Approved. For all MLAB courses, Jennifer suggested that the department now officially apply the courses to the BS curriculum.]

V. New Business – Undergraduate

Modified Courses

• MATH 113: Analytic Geometry and Calculus I  [Approved]
• MATH 123: Calculus with Algebra/Trigonometry, Part A  [Approved]
• PHYS 244: College Physics Lab  [Approved]
• PHYS 246: College Physics Lab  [Approved]
• PHYS 332: Solar Cells  [Approved]
• PHYS 385: Materials Science with Applications to Renewable Energy  [Approved, Jennifer will update wording to be sure the “or” prerequisite courses are clear.]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Modified Courses

• EVPP 503: Field Mapping Techniques  [Removed from consideration per department request.]
• PHYS 510: Computational Physics I  [Approved]
• PHYS 613: Computational Physics II  [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [10:40AM]

Time: 10:00 am
Location: Exploratory Hall, Room 3301
Items to be considered on this agenda are due by 1/14/2019

When available, the meeting minutes will be indicated within bold brackets [ ] and are in draft form until they are approved by the committee.

Relevant Links: Undergraduate Council Meeting Minutes/ Graduate Council Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order [10:04AM]

II. Approval of the December 10, 2018 Meeting Minutes [Approved]

III. Announcements/Discussion

• Grading Guidelines [Regarding the grades issued for graduate seminar courses, it was determined after hearing from multiple departments in the college that implementing a consistent grading scale for every seminar course will require significant changes that are likely out of the COSCC’s purview.]
• Justification Guidelines [An email will be sent out for committee members to review the updated guidelines for new concentrations, minors, certificates and accelerated masters. Approved with an update that includes the committee’s vote in approval of the guidelines, pending discussion in February surrounding if one or two categories will be required]
• Spring 2019 COSCC Chair [Dr. Hakami will continue to serve as chair for Spring 2019, the committee is grateful for his service.]

Course Deletion:

• CONS 620: Spatial Ecology, Geospatial Analysis & Remote Sensing for Conservation [Approved]
  • COS Impacted Programs: Environmental Science and Policy, MS and Environmental GIS and Biodiversity Conservation GC

IV. Old Business

V. New Business – Undergraduate

New Courses

• CDS 468: Image Operators and Processing [Approved, friendly reminder to change max allowable credits to 6.]
• EVPP 491: Special Topics Lab [Approved, friendly amendment to add EVPP 490 as a co-req.]
• GGS 485: Capstone Course in Geoinformation Science [Tabled Later removed from consideration by the department.]
• MLAB 410: Medical Virology [Tabled Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 411: Board Exam Preparation [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 412: Medical Mycology [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 413: Medical Parasitology [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 414: Molecular Detection of Infectious Disease [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 415: Medical Bacteriology [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 417: Advanced Methods in Clinical Molecular Biology [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• MLAB 418: Human Molecular and Chromosomal Applications and Pathology [Tabled. Later added to the email vote.]
• PHYS 325: Intermediate Physics Laboratory Methods [Tabled, will be in email vote to approve new title and course description.]

Modified Courses

• PHYS 307: Thermal Physics [Approved]

VI. New Business – Graduate

Deleted Courses

• BMED 660: Molecular and Cellular Physiology [Approved]
• BMED 661: Metabolism, Nutrition and Endocrinology [Approved]
• BMED 662: Cardiopulmonary Biology [Approved]
• BMED 663: Gastrointestinal Biology [Approved]
• BMED 664: Renal Biology [Approved]
• BMED 665: Sexual Development and Reproduction [Approved]
• NANO 500: Introduction to Nanomaterials and Interactions [Approved]
• NANO 510: Strategies for Nanocharacterization [Approved]
• NANO 520: Survey of Nanostructures [Approved]
• NANO 530: Nanofabrication [Approved]
• NANO 540: Nanotechnology in Commerce and Government [Approved]
• NANO 610: Nanoelectronics [Approved]
• NANO 620: Computational Modeling in Nanoscience [Approved]

Modified Programs

• Earth Systems and Geoinformation Sciences, PhD
• Environmental Science and Policy, MS [Approved]
• Environmental Science and Public Policy, PhD [Approved]

VII. Adjournment [11:20AM]