HISTORIC EMPHASIS SHINES BRIGHT

By Dr. Benjamin A. Pierce

Source of Article: COLLEGIUM, A Publication of Baylor University, College of Arts & Sciences, Summer, 1998, PP 22-24.

Throughout the world, the Baylor name has long been associated with science and health education. This emphasis has its roots in the University's Baptist heritage and its mission of preparing students for careers of service, particularly in the healing professions.

In the first half of this century, Baylor University established a number of professional schools in the health sciences, beginning with the Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1903. Later the College of Dentistry, the School of Nursing, and several programs in conjunction with the U.S. Army were added. Baylor's formal affiliation with many of these professional schools has ended, but their legacy is the strong preprofessional programs we have today in the health sciences.

In recent years, Baylor has expanded its offerings in the biosciences, which now include majors in biology, biochemistry, dietetics, environmental studies, health science studies, biomedical studies, nursing, and neuroscience as well as preprofessional training programs in many health-related areas.

Today, 19 percent of all Baylor undergraduates major in the biosciences and that number has increased 24 percent over the past 5 years. Among first-year students, 27 percent are enrolled in prehealth programs. Baylor's reputation in prehealth studies is a major recruiting tool for the University; 30 percent of applicants to Baylor University indicate an interest in the health sciences.

Many of Baylor's bioscience programs have an international reputation. One example is the premedical program, which has sent 829 students to medical schools over the past 10 years. The acceptance rate of Baylor students is much higher than the national average and is more than double the rate of all students applying to the four University of Texas System medical schools.

Recognizing the importance of the biosciences at Baylor, Dr. Donald D. Schmeltekopf, provost and vice president for academic affairs, appointed in July 1996 a Task Force on the Future of the Biosciences.

One of the critical needs identified by the task force is better physical facilities for the sciences. The sciences at Baylor currently occupy space in five different buildings on the Waco campus, all of which were built more than 20 years ago when the student population was much smaller and needs were different. The task force recommended that Baylor construct a new science complex to house the biology and environmental studies departments. As envisioned by the task force, this facility would help build community among all bioscience students. Classrooms, laboratories, study rooms, computer facilities, and attractive open spaces would draw students from across campus for study, research, and peer interaction.

The task force also examined future needs of equipment, staff, and programs. These needs were addressed in the context of eight trends that the task force believes will shape the future of the biosciences over the next 10 years.

1. Maintaining Broad-Based Programs in All Sciences. The sciences are mutually interdependent. For example, biology students must take courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. A strong biosciences program and continued excellence in prehealth programs requires continued commitment to strong programs in all the sciences.
2. Increases in Student Numbers. Considering the growth of biotechnology, our aging population with its health care needs, and increasing concern for environmental issues, the number of students majoring in the biosciences is likely to increase over the next 10 years.
3. The Importance of Molecular Biology. Molecular biology now permeates all areas of biology, as well as many areas of chemistry, neuroscience, and environmental science. To remain competitive, Baylor must build a core of faculty that can teach molecular skills and provide students with research opportunities in molecular biology.
4. Greater Reliance on Instrumentation. One of the clearest trends in science is growing dependence on instrumentation. Maintaining strong bioscience programs at Baylor will require increased funding for science equipment.
5. Science Education Reform. Science education currently is undergoing significant reform. Baylor faculty have played a national role in this reform, and many of the changes advocated — focus on problem solving, student-faculty interaction, and hands-on laboratories — have been emphasized at Baylor for years. However, this reform will need to be implemented across the science curriculum.
6. Enhancement of Instructional Technology. There is growing emphasis on the use of electronic technology in the class-room. To remain competitive with other institutions, Baylor University will need to upgrade significantly its instructional technology in science classrooms and laboratories.
7. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Science. Interdisciplinary approaches are becoming increasingly important in science. Baylor offers several excellent interdisciplinary programs in the biosciences, including the environmental studies, biomedical studies, and health science studies programs; these programs must be nurtured and new interdisciplinary interaction encouraged.
8. Growth of Career Opportunities in the Biosciences. In the past 10 years, there has been an explosion of new career opportunities in the biosciences. With its diversity of excellent pro-grams in the field, Baylor will continue to produce bioscience graduates who are competitive in the marketplace.

Baylor has a strong tradition of preparing students for service in the health professions and the sciences help to define what is unique and distinctive about Baylor University. Undoubtedly, the biosciences will play an important role in Baylor's future. Maintaining excellence and distinction in the biosciences into the future will require continued commitment and resources.

Taking the Next Step [Before the Building Came Planning]

Baylor University and the College are moving forward with the biosciences task force recommendations concerning the construction of a new science building for biology and environmental studies as well as the renovation of the Sid Richardson and Marrs McLean science buildings.

Consultants obtained with a grant from the Keck Foundation/ Project Kaleidoscope have outlined a detailed planning process in which Baylor faculty, students, and administrators will develop a vision for the building, create detailed plans for its spaces, and generate information needed for cost estimates.

The science departments currently are conducting an assessment of their space needs. When space assessment is completed (targeted for November 1998), a facilities planner with experience in science buildings will help to develop recommendations for the mix of renovation, relocation, and new construction that best meet the needs of all the science departments.

In support of the project, preliminary fund-raising plans are being generated.

Dr. Benjamin A. Pierce
Past Professor of Biology and Associate Dean for Sciences