In times of economic downturn, college enrollments often increase. Entering students may come from diverse educational backgrounds and bring variable skill sets. In this article, the authors describe a skills-focused course developed to ensure that transfer and nontraditional students returning to education are prepared to succeed in…

Primary research articles discuss aspects of scientific inquiry that are important in understanding the nature of science. Yet, most introductory science courses use textbooks that ignore the scientific process; opportunities for explicit discussion of the nature of science are lost. In Hampshire College's science program, students read current…

Discusses need for and nature of science courses for the nonspecialist, outlining the content of an integrated four-year program devoted to sciences (first two years), technology (third year) and science/technology/human problems (fourth year). Includes recommendations for implementing such a program. (Author/JN)

Describes a two-semester laboratory program designed to motivate students. The program consists of computer-oriented modules and discovery approach laboratory exercises. Students complete similar computer/laboratory material during the first semester but elect one of three tracks during the second semester (computer, every-day life, and…

Describes the science program, Science Community Year, that focuses on the improvement of science learning of all students by creating a learning community within the college. Discusses program cost, effectiveness, design, and student perceptions. (ZWH)

Described is an environmental chemistry course for nonscience majors at McNeese State University. The course emphasizes consumer chemistry. Topics discussed include prescription drugs, refinery processes, nuclear chemistry and chemistry and the environment. Texts, supplementary materials and a detailed course outline are included. (DS)

Describes a course developed for underprepared and science-anxious students. Reports the students' evaluation of the course. (YP)

Large lecture sections of science staffed by a single instructor make it impossible to provide individual student attention and lead to high dropout and failure rates. Daily assignments are used to encourage students to identify areas that need remediation, maintain a steady study pace, receive positive reinforcement, and learn methods of solving…

Discusses the importance of developing bioethics programs for undergraduate students. Two aspects are considered: (1) current areas of concern and sources of bibliographic information; and (2) problems encountered in undergraduate projects. A list of references is provided. (HM)

Describes an innovative freshman chemistry program in which course sequences have been designed to accommodate students with strong or weak chemistry backgrounds or with no previous chemistry at all. Includes information on courses offered, instructional strategies, and laboratory examinations. (JN)

Describes a lecture/laboratory course that stresses physical experience and peer interaction in an inquiry-discovery format. The course is required of all incoming freshmen who are nonscience majors. Highlights of such course strategies as performing experiments that demonstrate physical properties before introducing mathematical concepts or…

Summarizes the efforts for developing guidelines for chemistry education, such as "Guidelines for Chemistry in the Two-Year Colleges" (1970); "Tomorrow" (1984); "Critical Issues in Two-Year College Chemistry" (1986); and "Guidelines for Chemistry and Chemical Technology Programs in Two-Year Colleges" (1988).…

Describes aspects of the preprofessional program for minority students in the health sciences at the University of Washington, including a summary of the history of the entire preprofessional program, factors bearing on selection and placement of students, and motivational factors. (CS)

Science Training Enrichment Program (STEP) is a program designed to improve high school-college cooperation. Program objectives and activities to meet the objectives are described. The latter include Saturday science seminars, lecture series, computer workshops for students/teachers, consultant program, and a two-week summer practicum for high…

Presents an integrated sequence of courses designed to teach both science content and science teaching methodology to prospective elementary school teachers. Includes courses in physics, chemistry, earth science and biology; describes the chemistry course in detail; and explains how the methods portion is integrated into the course. (JM)