UWM Curricular Area Approval Form
This form is to be used for modification of curricular codes - the three-digit prefixes to UWM course numbers. Each
requested modification - new, changed, or terminated curricular area code - is to originate with departmental or
committee action and be routed to the appropriate dean. The dean, in turn, requests approval from the Academic
Program and Curricular Committee. Approved modifications will be filed by this committee with the Secretary of
the University and appropriate deans and the Vice Chancellor's Office.
Department: Earth&Freshwater Sci Prog
Date: April 6, 2005
Type of Change:
New
Change
Termination
Effective Semester/Year Requested: Spring, 2005
Old Curricular Area
Old Curricular Area/Title: n/a
Old Curricular Area Abbreviation: n/a
New Curricular Area
New Curricular Area Title: Earth and Freshwater Sciences
UDDS Code: 6400
New Curricular Area Abbreviation: EFS
For new codes, description of curricular area and relationship to academic programs:
The new code will be for the Earth and Freshwater Sciences. It will include courses of an
interdisciplinary nature that examine issues related to geology, hydrodynamics, climate, land,
wetlands, streams, biota, and other topics. EFS will be an administrative area (program)
independent of, but working in cooperation with, existing departments and programs.
Reason for change: The suspended Geoscience Ph.D. program is being reinstated with a number
of changes, one of which involves creating three areas of emphasis: geology, hydrology, and
bioaquatic systems. All emphases will continue to include courses in the Geological Sciences
curricular area, but a set of over-arching, interdisciplinary courses are needed for the courses in
the Ph.D. program that students in all emphases take. The new code will provide an appropriate
home for those courses.
Other departments and curricular areas that may be affected: The program plans to jointlyoffer courses with the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Civil
Engineering, Geography, Geosciences, and Mathematical Sciences (including atmospheric
sciences). Course work from all of these units is included in the EFS Ph.D. areas of emphasis.
Approvals:
___Kent Redding_____________________________April 19, 2005
Chair, L&S Course and Curriculum Committee
Date
_________________________________________________________________
Chair, Academic Program and Curriculum Committee
Date
_________________________________________________________________
Dean, College of Letters and Science
Date
Comments: Courses in this curricular area will be taught in Fall, 2006 for the first time. An
effective date of Spring, 2005 is requested, however, so that the courses can be developed and
put "on the books" during the 2005-2006 academic year.