As education in England emerges from a major curriculum review (DfE 2013), the next few years will see significant changes in what is taught in schools and how this is assessed. As a core subject, under the current proposals, all students, from the beginning of primary school until age 16, will study science in some detail. Biology is an exciting,…

In this essay I elaborate on three ideas that emerged from reading the work of Sylvie Barma. These points are in response to curriculum reform and the use of activity theory: (a) curriculum reform as a public policy; (b) a reflection about the process followed by teacher implementation of that reform in a biology classroom; and (c) the sense of…

Since 2002 the authors have offered an undergraduate major in Mathematical Biology at Harvey Mudd College. The major was developed and is administered jointly by the mathematics and biology faculty. In this paper the authors describe the major, courses, and faculty and student research and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities they have…

Traditional courses for graduate students in the biological sciences typically span a semester, are organized around the fundamental concepts of a single discipline, and are aimed at the needs of incoming students. Such courses demand significant time commitment from both faculty and course participants; thus, they are avoided by a subset of the…

Discusses a philosophy from which biological engineering curriculums can emerge. Discusses competencies, basic engineering and biological concepts, common courses, interfacing between engineers and biologists, and employment. Contains 28 references. (JRH)

Proposes that the concept of evolution be used to integrate and link topics in biology syllabi. Justifies and cites advantages of teaching biology from an evolutionary viewpoint, providing specific examples of implementation possibilities. (ML)

Makes the case that the traditional sequence of biology, chemistry, and physics in U.S. high schools may be at the root of poor student performance. Reviews integrated, inverted, and coordinated science teaching. (DDR)

American pharmacy practice education, it is suggested, has been strongly influenced by its identity with the university and efforts to fullfill the philosophical goals of higher education. The transition from technological skill development to science education was a reaction to the universities' expectations. (Author/MLW)

A discussion of the role of biology in the social work curriculum provides evidence of the need for biology content, considers obstacles to infusing biological material into existing curricula, and suggest alternative models for integrating biology into the master's level program. (Author/MSE)

Cites common misconceptions about religion and science teaching in the United States. Focuses on the relevance of teaching the theory of evolution, and presents background information on each point. (DDR)

This issue presents a collection of articles which critique the educational reforms in science and mathematics initiated in 1983. The articles devote special attention to physics, biology, mathematics, geography, and the instructional problems Soviet teachers encountered in presenting the new curricula. (JDH)

Bioscience education in optometric professional programs must be expanded in scope, raised to a higher level of academic rigor, and strengthened with new faculty and institutional learning resources. However, no single route of curriculum reform will guarantee successful innovation in the basic bioscience education of optometrists; several…

An introduction to Earth systems education describes a need and framework for an earth-systems focus in precollege curriculum. Challenges teachers to include this focus in science curriculum by following the guidelines presented in the Earth systems approach to science education. (five references) (MCO)

Evaluates a thematic program designed for use in introductory biology courses. Main objectives include the following: to provide relevancy of biological concepts beyond the classroom, be process oriented, integrate units within a biology course, teach for higher-order thinking, and expand the use of resources beyond the textbook. (CCM)

The creation/evolution controversy has gained renewed popularity in the last few years. This has resulted in serious implications for science teachers. All classroom teachers need to protect themselves by learning the distinctions between scientific law and theory and to acquire knowledge of the various theories of evolution. (JN)