This undergraduate organic laboratory exercise involves the sulfuric acid-catalyzed conversion of waste vegetable oil into biodiesel. The acid-catalyzed method, although inherently slower than the base-catalyzed methods, does not suffer from the loss of product or the creation of emulsion producing soap that plagues the base-catalyzed methods when…

Discusses whether universities should do research for the Department of Defense. Principle arguments against universities doing defense research, benefits of grants, and problems that universities face in dealing with federal agencies are addressed. (BC)

Scientific terms and names included in "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" are analyzed and geology related terms are listed. Some items not listed are considered. (RH)

Described is an acid-leaching facility at Macquarie University in Australia for teaching paleontology. The facility is used for teaching both undergraduate and graduate students and for research by staff and graduate students. Drawings of the facility are included and courses are described. (Author/RH)

Reports on the possibility of restructuring physics and chemistry departments and merging others at British universities. Suggests modifications of the course content for greater acceptance by students. Concludes that the logic of the committee's recommendations rests in the subsequent ability of certain departments to grow. (RT)

Highlights an American Chemical Society (ACS) survey of 103 chemistry departments on their instrumentation needs. The 2-year study affirms that instruments used for chemical research and education are becoming outdated because of their age and changes in technology. The survey also reveals how departments plan to use newly acquired instruments.…

Discusses several characteristics considered to be important to a good undergraduate research program in chemistry. They include providing adequate time for students, proper selection of the research problem, a firm requirement that significant work will be performed, and a suitable format in presenting the research results. (JN)

This digest identifies characteristics of successful higher education programs in environmental studies and trends in environmental studies programs and courses. Characteristics of programs that have continued for the past two decades are listed. Some of the variables associated with programs that have not continued are identified. Recent trends…

Smaller amounts of materials are used in organic chemistry experiments as a means of improving air quality in the laboratory. Presents a preliminary study of the emissions from selected processes and the mixing of these emissions within the laboratory atmosphere. (JN)

Describes the general education process of the Netherlands and the system of higher education in engineering. Discusses possibilities for postgraduate students and some differences from other European educational systems. (YP)

Argues that advances in Earth science call for their inclusion in Earth history. States that the focus should be on the planet and the process by which it reached its present state. Explains pre-solar and pre-lithospheric history, interacting spheres of influence, characteristics of eons and eras, and their transitions. (RT)

The involvement of undergraduate science majors in publishable research is a vital aspect of their education. The special problems confronted by faculty doing and directing such research are formidable. Several of these problems (such as heavy teaching loads) and ways of attacking them are described. (JN)

The story of researcher Joseph V. Smith's solution to the chemical structure of a zeolite known as boggsite is presented. The value of the solution and the use of boggsite are discussed. (CW)

Describes a college dormitory to give support and encouragement to women majoring in science, engineering, or mathematics. Discusses the program provided including peer study groups, a computer room and library, visits from women scientists, and outreach programs to high school students. (YP)

Smaller amounts of materials are used in organic chemistry experiments as a means of improving air quality in the laboratory. Outlines benefits from this approach and describes two representative experiments in detail. These experiments are the Cannizzaro reaction and preparation of an aromatic nitrile. (JN)