A discussion on a proposal to lower the level of a science and technology course was postponed by the Council of Academic Affairs yesterday.

The course in question, “Science and Technology: A Promise or a Threat?,” is currently listed in the undergraduate catalog as GEL/INT 3300G, under the geology and industrial technology departments.

The course is part of the core department requirements for upperclassmen, said Larry Helsel, professor of technology and council member.

The College of Sciences, however, decided not to make certain upper-division classes a requirement for graduation.

Helsel is concerned with the college’s decision to renumber the course to GEL/INT 2300G and said the course should be restricted to juniors and seniors.

Alan Baharlou, chair of the geology and geography departments, pleaded with the CAA to lower the course number so underclassmen would have more required general education classes available in the sciences.

Most students are required to take seven hours of sciences, Baharlou said, and many of his general education classes are overcrowded.

He said some of the classes he teaches have nearly 250 students.

“I’m using my resources to the brink,” Baharlou said. “I need your help to accommodate the students.”

Baharlou cited overcrowding and the university’s change in policy as reasons to lower the course level.

Helsel said these reasons are not legitimate.

He believes the university should enforce a prerequisite for the course and said it was impossible to lower the course number without altering the curriculum of the course.

“How can we lower the number without changing the requirements and the contents of the course?” Helsel asked.

James Tidwell, professor of journalism and council member, said he would not be comfortable with a new course proposal.

“It seems strange to renumber without making changes,” Tidwell said. “If we can do that, there are no real distinctions between 2000 and 3000 level courses-it’s a sham.”

The CAA decided to postpone further discussion on the issue until October 24.

“There is no clear mandated answer,” said Doug Bock, professor of speech communication and CAA vice chair. “All of us can see both sides of the story.”