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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. (CUP HUMOUR) — The faculty of science at Newfoundland's Memorial University will be instituting a new four-year bachelor of science program in creation science starting in the fall 2012 semester. Graduate and PhD programs will also be offered in the booming field of intelligent design.

“I’m pleased to announce that the faculty of science will be offering brand new programs in very scientifically sound fields,” said Frederick Scott, forthcoming head of the creation science department.

“Creation science and intelligent design are theoretically tested, robustly researched fields which the global scientific community has accepted as a legitimate academic research project, and both areas stand side by side with the other natural sciences.”

While the course offerings will be limited for the first year, according to Scott, there will be many interesting and attractive courses for both undergraduates and graduates, ranging from courses on the Genesis account of the Bible and intro to creationism, to critical assessment of fossil records, anti-evolutionism and advanced intelligent design.

Along with these new programs comes new policy from MUN that requires all other classes that deal with evolutionary theory to provide the following disclaimer: "Evolution is a theory and not necessarily a fact. There exists a serious debate within the scientific community as to the overall legitimacy of evolutionary theory, and, as such, creation science ought to be given equal time in the classroom alongside evolutionary theory."

Simply put, all mention of evolution in class must be met with equal time in creation science. This entails that even if the word “evolution” is literally spoken in class, then “creationism” must also be said.

Many professors have resigned in protest since hearing the news, while others have embraced it.

“It’s a great day for science and democracy,” said Maggie Wilson, professor of biology at MUN. “For years I wanted to bring God into my biology classroom, and now I finally can!”

Other professors have expressed concern over the new arrival to the faculty, but remain optimistic.

“I guess my whole life’s work has kinda been undermined by the legitimacy of creationism, but I’m more than willing to keep providing the best research possible,” said Bernard Smith, professor of earth science at MUN, on his way to church.

“I’m looking forward to working with my new colleagues in the creation science department,” he continued.

New faculty members have been revealed as well, with experts in theology, religious studies, and Bible studies set to join.

“I feel that my knowledge and literal interpretation of the Bible offers enormous insights to respectfully challenge evolutionary theory,” said Philip Sullivan, forthcoming professor of creation science at MUN. “That’s what science is about — challenging theories, no matter what.”

Many students are also very excited. First-year student Lisa Gibbons is dropping all aspirations of studying biochemistry at MUN, and is ecstatic about her future studies in creation science.

“I’ve always known in my heart that the earth was 6,000 years old, and it’s great that this fact is now accepted at the university level,” said Gibbons.

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