ESU offers new degree

Starting this fall, ESU students will have an opportunity to major in one of the hottest fields in science.  

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) is a new interdisciplinary major offered jointly by the departments of physical sciences and biological sciences, who are pooling their resources to offer a BS degree in a field of study that plays an increasingly vital role in society.

"I think it is going to be a very popular program with students," said Michael Keck, associate professor of chemistry and one of the co-directors of the BMB program.  "I know there have been a number of biology majors as well as chemistry majors who have told me they would have pursued this degree if it were available at the time.”

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree is in high demand throughout the nation, as are individuals with this type of background.  In her State of the State address on January 12, 2004, Governor Sebelius emphasized the importance of an initiative to create a strong presence for the biosciences in Kansas.  Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor has recently identified biotechnology (along with geotechnology and nanotechnology) as one of the three most important emerging and evolving fields.   

At Emporia State University, the desire for the degree has been a recurring theme in the exit questionnaires for chemistry majors.  The lack of this major at ESU has caused some students to turn to other universities for the program.  

“We have lost a number of potential students who were interested in a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.  The were interested in coming here, but chose to go elsewhere in order to have this major,” said Keck.  “Our BMB major will make us much more attractive to incoming students who are interested in a biotechnology-related field of study."

The idea of the new degree was first conceived by Keck several years ago.  It was apparent to him that biochemistry-related fields were in many ways at the forefront of science, and he felt that ESU students deserved an opportunity to earn a degree in the field.  Realizing that the Department of Physical Sciences could not staff the degree alone, Keck started thinking outside the box to try to make it happen.       

“Neither the chemistry department nor the biology department have the manpower to make it go,” said Keck.  “I noticed that it was becoming more and more common in many of the smaller schools across the country to get the Biology and Chemistry department together to offer a joint degree.”

He then began to organize the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major, working with the Department of Biological Sciences’ Scott Crupper, the other co-director of the program, whose area of expertise is molecular biology.  The proposal for the major was then brought together, and the approval process was begun.

In order for a new degree program to be implemented, it must gain approval at several levels.  The first step is campus-wide approval.  It then goes to the Council of Chief Academic Officers, which is made up of the academic vice-presidents of each of the Kansas regent universities.  Once approved by them, it must gain the support of the Council of University Presidents. Upon approval by this body, it is then sent to the Kansas Board of Regents.  The proposal for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major passed through the process smoothly, being finalized by the Kansas Board of Regents at their June meeting.     

Graduates of the program will have a vast range of career options from which to choose. With a background in biotechnology, as provided by this program of study, graduates can work on problems such as developing new therapeutic strategies for disease treatment, learning new  ways to effectively fight bio-terrorism, improving agricultural yields, supporting needs pursuant to enhanced space exploration, or solving mysteries utilizing forensic analysis.  Some students may continue to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry or related fields.  The BMB degree would also provide excellent preparation for students interested in professional programs such as medical school, optometry school, dental school, or pharmacy school.    

“Given the present climate of where research efforts and dollars are going, combined with the potential for developing important applications in this area of science, I am confident that the BMB major will open up a great number of new possibilities for our students,” said Keck.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>