Montana State University Bozeman - Montanan Yearbook (Bozeman, MT)

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One of the most interesting of science researches is being carried on by Dr. B. L. Johnson in the utilization of common wheat straw. Dr. Johnson found, in prelim- inary studies carried out in 1935, that straw might be treated to greatly increase its nutritive value. Following this lead, he soon learned that treating the straw with a dilute acid would prevent bacterial decomposition, and at the same time would increase the reducing sugar con- tent of the straw from 100912 to 6007-. Further studies also indicated that this product would be palatable and digestible for animal consumption. Recent work on this project has centered about the possibilities of increasing the decomposition of the crude fiber content of the straw. This is the reaction which brings about the increase in nutritive value. Thus far, however, nothing has been dis- covered which is more effective than the original dilute acid treatment. The results of this research have already yielded many valuable facts, and further developments will undoubtedly add a great deal to scientific knowledge. Dr. B. L. Johnson The lVIathematics Department is fortunate in having as its supervisor, Professor VV. D. Tallman, who is nationally known in the mathematics field. This curriculum is the basis for many of the courses on the hill and especially plays an important role in the engineering courses. Mr. Tallman has written several texts on mathematics, which are used here and in other technical schools. The economic aspects of entomology and the especially strong background for graduate study have made the Entomology Department one of the outstanding ones on the campus. Dr. Mills, though a comparative newcomer to our school, has done much for the college and the state of Montana by way of insect control and the effi- cient use of the funds set aside for that purpose. Professor lVI. H. Spaulding is again with the faculty this year after a year's sabotical leave. He is head of the Zoology Department and is well known and liked by the students. He has a fine sense of humor and is always willing to show the be- ginning students the correlation between a well ordered system of zoological classifi- cation and a well ordered professor's desk. ' Twenty-seven I Talhnan Nlills Spaulding

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..- ' 591 Kkxgxe Dew 9' Bi SCIENCE EUURSE5 BASIC TU MANY FIELDS Basic to many of our major fields, is our Division of Science. Headed by Dean D. B. Swingle it is composed of the division of Applied Science, Botany and Bacteriol- ogy, and Chemistry. Also included in this division are the departments of Industrial Chemistry, Entomology, Physical Education for men and women, Pre-medical work, Nursing and Zoology. This department has long realized that the success of many stu- dents in other fields is largely dependent upon the thoroughness in fundamental sci- ences. Building the department around this idea, Dean Swingle has done much toward making it outstanding. The many place- ments available to the graduates had un- doubtedly stimulated the keen in-terest shown in this division. Such courses are basic to the natural every day life, our laws of science, the utilization of forces, and the enrichment of human life, and all lie within these subjects. Handling such a large job in such fine shape is indeed a credit to Dean Swingle and his associates. One of the finest organized departments is that of Chemistry. YVith Dr. Sheppard at its head, special stress has been placed on the preparation of students for technical activities in commercial laboratories, government service and also laying a foundation in many other majors. Not to be overlooked are the basic subjects of Botany and Bacteriology under the direction of Dr. F. B. Cotner. As a basis for many of the agricultural studies, this is a very important division of science. 'We owe much to our Athletic Department under the supervision of lVIr. Dyche. From it has sprung real athletic training in coaching athletics. Through his efforts our intramural program is made possible. . .,,... . 3 ,Frei- -42 Qheppard CUTUPI' Dyche Twenty-six

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Burlingame, Cannon, Hansen, Brewer Supplementary to our major fields here in college, is the Service Course Department. lt is com- prised of English, headed by Professor W. F. Brewer, Education, headed by lVIiss Leora Hapner, Music, under the direction of Professor Bert Hansen, History, headed by Dr. Merril G. Burlingame, and Nlodern Language, headed by Dr. H. S. Cannon. The department has a very definite place in giving our students a broad education and cultural background which is so vital to the present college majors. Supplementary to this division are the General Engineering Division headed by Professor R, T. Challender and various service courses of the agricultural field. Professor O. W. llflonson heads the Irrigation Department in which much valuable material to our farming communities is compiled each year. The Veterinary Department under the able guidance of Dr. Welch plays a great part in the well rounded education of those majoring in Agriculture. Also important is the Agricultural Engi- neering Division headed by Professor H. E. Murdock. Nliss Leora Hapner heads the Education and Psychology Depart- ment, and is in charge of the correcting of all freshman placement tests and the distributing of these tests to administrative and departmental heads. These tests are given as an aid to the orientation and guidance of incoming freshmen in regard to their choice of a curriculum. Miss Hapner is responsible for a large part of the success of High School VVeek. She checks all requisitions and orders and supervises the distribution of tests sent to representatives for High School Week. Hun- dreds of thousands of standardized tests have passed through her office. The placement of a majority of seniors training for teachers is also handled by Miss Hapner in her position as head of the Education. Bliss Leora Hapner Twenty-eight