Department of Art faculty tour museums and architecture of Chicago » By Paul Morgan
Seven faculty members from the Department of Art traveled to Chicago during the summer to take advantage of an opportunity to gain insights and inspiration that could be transferred into the classroom. While spending time in the city the group visited several museums including the Art Institute of Chicago. They also took time to examine and appreciate the incredible zenith of architectural prowess that constitutes much of the city. The trip was comprised solely of faculty and was an opportunity for members of the Department of Art to work with and understand each other on a more personal level. “It’s nice to have an opportunity to go on a trip as a group of just faculty from time to time. It’s a valuable experience that allows us to discuss and explore what has influenced or inspired us,” said David
Belka, faculty member in the Department of Art. Each member of the group was able to find ideas and concepts that were inspiring to them and that could be brought back to campus. “It’s a different kind of experience when you see something in person rather than second hand through photographs or a book. It’s a great opportunity to visit these museums and see what people have done,” said Belka. Another integral aspect of the faculty’s trip was to visit with former students in the area. They also sought to create and nurture professional relationships that will facilitate future internships for BYU-Idaho students. “It’s fun and exciting to see the successes students are having after they leave BYU-Idaho. It also helps us as faculty to know how to better prepare our students for future employment,” said Belka.
Department of Chemistry offering new biochemistry degree » By Matt Urick
The Department of Chemistry now offers a new major in the field of biochemistry with the goal of better preparing students for immediate employment in the growing field of biotechnology or graduate studies in the biochemical sciences.
Overall the biochemistry degree option provides students with a strong background in chemistry, biology, physics, and math and meets the standards recommended by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
The biochemistry degree incorporates fundamental courses in biology, chemistry, math, and physics.
“Many of the students in the program are pre-professionals and there is a growing number who plan to go on to graduate school and pursue advanced degrees in biochemistry,” Lemon said.
“It’s a great combination of biology and chemistry that provides a solid foundation of chemistry for those still interested in the biological sciences,” said Brian Lemon, instructor in the Department of Chemistry and faculty lead for the new biochemistry program. “It provides more depth than a chemistry minor by including analytical chemistry, a two-semester biochemistry series as well as a biophysical chemistry course.”
He added that there are also immediate career options in biochemistry labs and biotechnology.
The major provides a variety of opportunities for graduates of the program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the projected job growth outlook from 2010-2020 for biochemists and biophysicists is 37 percent, much higher than the average. “There is industry demand for students with knowledge and skills in the field of biochemistry,” Lemon said. “We’re also filling the needs of those students who want a deeper integration of biology and chemistry instead of treating them like separate subjects.”
The new biochemistry degree will prepare students for either a career or graduate work.
O C T O B E R 2 013
l3