Describes a microscale laboratory course in which students perform many classic organic reactions using only one-hundredth to one-thousandth the amount of starting material usual in student experiments. Reduction of toxic chemicals concentration in laboratory air and savings in chemical costs and experimental time are benefits of the novel course.…

Suggests stressing the humanistic dimensions of science as a way to bridge the gap between sciences and the humanities. Provides a rationale for focusing on the humanistic side of science and briefly describes a freshman seminar at Macalester College (St. Paul, Minn.) conducted by science, social science, and humanities faculty. (JN)

Describes "chemometrics" courses which focus on statistical and mathematical approaches for interpreting complex chemical data. (SK)

Announces the introduction of a refresher course designed to expose senior chemists to modern organic chemistry, delving into such topics as new synthetic methods, molecular orbital theory, heterocyclic and organometallic chemistry, and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, offered at the University of Florida in Gainesville in March 1981.…

Describes a laboratory course, modeled on the approach developed by Robert Karplus for physics laboratory courses, emphasizing discovery learning. (SK)

Describes integration of Commodore PET microcomputers into the chemical engineering curriculum at the University of Rochester. Includes advantages of using microcomputers in laboratories to analyze data and control processes. (SK)

The Institute for Chemical Education (located on the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus) is offering revised and new courses for chemistry teachers and an expanded "chemistry camp" for middle school students. Teachers' courses will focus on: chemistry demonstrations; descriptive chemistry; chemistry activities; chemical instrumentation; and…

Describes a six-week program designed to give scientists from developing countries advanced training in biotechnology methods. Stresses the need to provide the participants with "hands-on" experiences to enhance their ability to contribute to biotechnology programs in their home countries and to train others locally. (TW)

Announces a "user friendly" chemistry course for grades 10 to 12 for college bound students designed to enhance public understanding of chemistry. Discusses the development, field testing, and structure of the course. Stresses the importance of training teachers in the skills required to teach "Chemistry in the Community." (CW)