CHABOT COLLEGE
Curriculum Committee Minutes
October 30, 2007
Members Present:
Waiz Badar (ASCC), Jaswinder Bhangal, Begoña Cirera-Perez, Dmitriy
Kalyagin, Michael Langdon, Jim Matthews, Hilal Ozdemir, Wayne Pitcher,
Patricia Shannon, Ernesto Victoria
Ex-Officio
Members Present:
Norma Ambriz, Jane Church, Edna Danaher, Kaaren Krueg, Ron Taylor
Guests:
Debra Howell, Sally Jahnke, Jennifer Lange, Bruce Mayer, Keith Mehl, Rebecca
Otto, Don Plondke, Cindy Stubblebine, Jon Traugott, Andy Wells,
I.
II.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:08 p.m. by committee chair Patricia Shannon. She
welcomed Hilal Ozdemir as the new representative from Social Sciences.
Science and Mathematics Presentation
Sally Jahnke introduced faculty members in attendance.
MATHEMATICS
Cindy Stubblebine presented an overview of the packet. She explained that the
introduction of a new course, Math 55L, made it necessary to change the prerequisites of
a number of other courses.
Needed: Patricia noted that content review forms are needed for each of the
following courses to which Math 55L is being added as a prerequisite Cindy will
add them to the final packet.
Mathematics 31, College Algebra, 3 units
Mathematics 32, Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, 5 units
Mathematics 33, Finite Mathematics, 4 units
Mathematics 36, Trigonometry, 3 units
Mathematics 37, Trigonometry with an Emphasis on its Geometric Foundations,
5 units
Mathematics 40, Concepts of Mathematics, 3 units
Mathematics 43, Introduction to Probability and Statistics, 4 units
Mathematics 55, Intermediate Algebra, 5 units
Mathematics 55L, Intermediate Algebra with Laboratory, 5.5 units
New course which adds one hour of laboratory to Math 55.
Mathematics 8, Discrete Mathematics, 4 units
Jon Traugott presented. In order to articulate with the maximum number of colleges,
including LPC, it is necessary to include a large number of related topics. This list is
too large to cover in 3 units; the discipline is requesting an increase from 3 to 4 units
and 3 to 4 hours.
After discussion, it was agreed that the content review form (Page 12) is not needed
because the prerequisite course has not changed. Page 12 will be removed from the
final packet. Patricia noted a general trend toward increasing hours and units and
expressed concern over impact on high-unit majors.
Curriculum Committee
10-30-07, page 2
Mathematics 49.08, Whole Number Arithmetic, 0.5 units
New course being proposed to prepare students to be successful in basic mathematics
courses. Edna Danaher noted that using a “49” number makes the course
transferable.
Needed:
• Renumber using a “149” number (basic skills).
• Provide a textbook with a more recent date.
MSC (Matthews/Kalyagin) to approve the Mathematics Curriculum Proposal as
amended.
ENGINEERING
Bruce Mayer presented.
Engineering 32, Plane Surveying, 3 units
Request to remove from catalog due to lack of demand by students.
Engineering 10, Introduction to Engineering, 2 units
Minor changes. No corrections suggested.
Bruce discussed a potential new course, "Engineering 37" that, when combined with
current Chabot and LPC courses, would articulate to UC Berkeley. Bruce commented
that neither campus has sufficient population to fill the class. Suggestions included
offering it as a joint course (Chabot/LPC) via closed-circuit TV or as a Distance Ed
course so that students from both campuses would have access.
A.S. Degree, Engineering
New degree which will replace the Engineering Transfer Preparation Recommended
Courses currently in the Catalog. Bruce asked who submits the application to the
state. Ron replied that it originates with the division Dean and then comes through
the Office of Academic Services.
Patricia commented on the 4 unit course listed to satisfy the Program-based GE
Requirement, noting that this is a 3-unit requirement. Bruce replied that he chose this
course because all the transfer institutions require a course in mid-level computer
programming. Consensus was that he should add a 3-unit course to the list. Bruce
will find a couple of 3-unit courses to include.
Waiz Badar commented on the course outlines that are being sent to the state and
asked whether the textbook dates would be updated prior to submission. Patricia
replied that these are current outlines. Also, Bruce cannot alter course outlines that
are outside the Engineering discipline, such as Chemistry and Mathematics. Faculty
in those disciplines will address textbooks dates the next time these outlines are
revised.
MSC (Pitcher/Victoria) to approve the Engineering proposal as amended.
Curriculum Committee
10-30-07, page 3
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
Chemistry 8, Survey of Organic Chemistry, 6 units
Andy Wells presented. Outline has been revised to reflect changes in format,
changes in the outcomes of the prerequisite course and to more accurately reflect the
way the course is currently being taught.
Andy explained that this one-semester course offers essentially the same material as
is found in the Chemistry 12A, 12B sequence. Many of the Biological Science
Majors at CSU and UC require only a one-semester course. Wayne suggested
including a “designed for” phrase similar to the one contained in the Chemistry 12A,
12B outlines.
Needed:
• Add a “designed for” phrase similar to the one contained in the
Chemistry 12A, 12B outlines.
• Add “May not receive credit if Chemistry 12B has been completed.”
A.S. Degree, Chemistry
Revised to include the 3-unit Program-based requirement. No changes suggested, but
see discussion item under Good of the Order regarding recommended courses.
Computer Science 10, Introduction to Programming Using Visual BASIC.NET,
4 units
Keith Mehl presented
Revised to include new textbook dates.
Needed:
• Remove DE Statement from Abbreviated Course Description and
Catalog Description.
Computer Science 18A, The C Programming Language, 2 units
Revised to allow the use of any platform, rather than just the UNIX/Linux
Environment. (Title changed from C Programming in the UNIX/Linux
Environment.) Regarding textbook dates, Wayne explained that we are no longer
using the phrase “most recent edition” and that we require a rationale for texts older
than 5 years. Patricia suggested that reps ask faculty to review textbook dates on all
their outlines.
Needed:
• Reword Typical Assignments as though addressing student.
• Textbook date (and rationale if older than 5 years).
Computer Science 44B, Perl Programming II, 2 units
Revised to remove unneeded prerequisites.
Needed:
• Reword Typical Assignments as though addressing student.
• Textbook date (and rationale if older than 5 years).
Curriculum Committee
10-30-07, page 4
Computer Science 91, Introduction to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML),
2 units
Textbooks have been updated. No changes suggested.
Computer Science 92, Introduction to Dynamic Hypertext Markup Language
(DHTML), 2 units
Revised to accommodate changes in technology and update textbooks. No changes
suggested.
Program pages for the following A.S. Degrees were distributed.
A.A./A.S. Degree, Computer Science (General)
A.A./A.S. Degree, Computer Science—Emphasis in Mathematics
Keith discussed the reasoning behind the choices for the 3-unit Program-based
requirement. Jane spoke to the prerequisites for the Mathematics classes listed in the
requirement. It was suggested that courses whose prerequisites can be satisfied by the
Mathematics courses listed in the major core be included. Keith agreed to add
Mathematics 20, 21, 22, and 31 to the list of Program-based options.
Ron commented that the Program-Based GE Proposal lists 3 separate learning outcomes.
Keith replied that this gives students a choice of the direction they want to follow.
MSC (Pitcher/Matthews) to accept the Chemistry and Computer Science proposal
as amended.
BIOLOGY
Debra Howell reported that the discipline is undergoing program review. One of their
“rocks” is to update all their course outlines.
Jim asked for an explanation of the differences among the 1 series, the 10 series, and
Biology 31. Debra answered that they are intended for different audiences: Biology
majors, non-majors, and Health Science majors, respectively. Patricia commented that
the description for Biology 31 does not make that clear. Debra replied that the language
cannot be changed because LPC uses the course for non-health majors in programs such
as viticulture and enology
Jane spoke to the different philosophies of Chabot and LPC concerning the degree of
similarity between outlines for shared courses. She is assuming exact similarity. LPC
requires only 80 percent. She noted that the revision of the Biology 31 outline makes it
different from LPC’s outline.
Patricia asked whether the philosophies are becoming increasingly divergent. She noted
that the first year she was on the Curriculum Committee, the Chancellor attended a
District Curriculum Council meeting and made it clear that the Board thought we should
try to agree on shared courses as often as possible. Patricia added that in this case she
feels that the Biology rubric should be changed. The committee agreed with this
recommendation. Discussion ensued on the wisdom of changing the rubric. Debra asked
whether changing the rubric would disallow using an LPC course as a prerequisite for a
Chabot course—Biology 31 for Anatomy 1, for example. The answer is that Banner can
be set to accept the LPC course. In answer to a question asked by Wayne regarding the
complexity of a rubric change, it was reported that the change appears only in the printed
Curriculum Committee
10-30-07, page 5
catalog (not course outlines), in the class schedule (brought about by Banner changes
made in Academic Services), and on the website (also handled by Academic Services).
Debra commented on the different populations being served by Chabot and Las Positas.
When Sally asked whether the change in rubric would affect only Biology, Debra stated
that Anatomy, Physiology, and Biotechnology might also be changed.
As has been noted at past meetings, English 52A is being phased out. The committee
recommends removing it from advisories.
At 4:00 Patricia asked whether the committee wanted to extend the meeting. Jane
commented that both she and Ernesto had appointments with students and had to leave,
but she felt that it was important for them to hear the discussion. MSC (Pitcher/
Matthews) to extend for 15 minutes.
Jim suggested continuing to work on the outlines as they were presented and taking the
rubric question to District Curriculum Council on Friday.
Patricia asked where the SLOs are being added. Rebecca Otto replied that student
outcomes are being added.
Anatomy 1, General Human Anatomy, 5 units
Increased from 4 units, with a corresponding increase from 2 hours lecture to hours
lecture. Kaaren Krueg noted that this change affects the A.A. Degree, Biology
(Emphasis in Allied Health). Articulation Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were presented.
Needed:
• Revise program page for the A.A. Degree, Biology (Emphasis in Allied
Health) and include in the final packet.
• Remove English 52A from advisory.
• Reword Typical Assignments as though addressing student.
Biology 1A, Principles of Biology I, 4 units
Biology 1B, Principles of Biology II, 4 units
Biology 1C, Principles of Biology III, 5 units
New courses replacing Biology 2A and 2B. Articulation Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were
presented.
Jim noted that A, B, C and I, II, III usually denote prerequisite series, and in this case
A is not prerequisite to B. He suggested looking at the numbering and titles and
deciding whether they might confuse students.
Needed:
• Remove English 52A from advisories.
At 4:20 Patricia asked the pleasure of the committee. Jas Bhangal stated that she did
not want to rush through the packet just to get it done today.
MSC (Matthews/Pitcher) to extend by 10 minutes to allow for the review of the
quicker changes.
Curriculum Committee
10-30-07, page 6
Biology 49.03, Science Skills – Process Skills, 2 units
Biology 49.04, Science Skills – Laboratory Skills, 1 unit
Jennifer Lange reported that Biology instructors are getting students who don’t know
how to use basic tools such as microscopes and metric rulers. These courses would
allow students to learn these skills outside of regular Biology courses. Waiz asked
how students are tested to see whether they need these courses. Jennifer replied that
some students self-identify and for some it becomes apparent during the first few
meetings. She would like to start two sections, one at the beginning of the term for
those who self-identify and a late start for students whose instructors recommend that
they take the class.
There was discussion on whether these courses should be transferable and whether
they should be added to other Biology classes as either prerequisites or advisories.
No conclusions were reached.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Debra Howell presented. The Discipline is proposing a change from Ecology
(ECOL) to Environmental Science (ENSC). The courses have been updated to
include SLOs, but content has not changed. Articulation Forms 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 were
presented.
Environmental Science 10, Humans and the Environment, 3 units
Environmental Science 11, Humans and the Environment with Laboratory, 4 units
Environmental Science 12, Current Issues in Environmental Science, 3 units
Needed:
• Reword Typical Assignments as though addressing student.
No other changes were requested.
III.
Good of the Order
At a future meeting, we should have discussions on
• making students aware of ASSIST and encouraging its use;
• recommending additional courses on program pages (see Mathematics
recommendations for the A.S. Degree, Chemistry, on page 53 of the catalog.)
IV.
V.
Next Meeting: November 6, 2007, Board Room.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
kk 11-1-07
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