Matrix scientist in a matrix organization

We believe that the current training in analytical chemistry is quite good considering the multitude of objectives and limitations involved. Eventually we will have to come to grips with the question, Do we want a liberal sciences degree that extends over four years and encompasses essentially diverse training in the sciences at the expense of nonscience courses, or do we want to move to a five year program wherein the undergraduate student gets both liberal arts and liberal sciences training. Our experience suggests that PhD-level students benefit markedly from formal training. We would suggest that seminars at all levels be used to acquaint students with the basics and language of other scientific disciplines so that they, as professionals, will be better prepared to communicate with people in the other disciplines. We suggest that curricula retain the laboratory experience and emphasize chemistry by objective. Students mature when they are part of a project with an objective that he or she can relate to. They learn to see the whole problem and to choose the optimum way to approach it. This fosters professionalism. That's the bottom line. We all want curricula that produces well-rounded, competent professionals in analytical chemistry.