This project focused on integrating an international component into the one-semester biochemistry course, a required course for biology, chemistry, and forensic science majors at the institution. A driving question was how to integrate the international component into the course while showing direct relevance to the course and students' lives.…

Graduates' retrospective program evaluations can provide relevant and reliable feedback on an institutions' performance in delivering quality instruction and services to its students. This descriptive survey research ascertains graduates' evaluations of science education program areas, including curriculum adequacy and relevance. Study…

A national survey of inorganic chemists explored the self-reported topics covered in foundation-level courses in inorganic chemistry at the postsecondary level; the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training defines a foundation course as one at the conclusion of which, "a student should have mastered the vocabulary,…

The recent revision of undergraduate curricular guidelines from the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (ACS-CPT) has generated interest in examining new ways of organizing course sequences both for chemistry majors and for nonmajors. A radical reconstruction of the foundation-level chemistry curriculum is presented in…

As a way to assist chemistry departments with programmatic assessment of undergraduate chemistry curricula, the ACS Examinations Institute is devising a map of the content taught throughout the undergraduate curriculum. The structure of the map is hierarchal, with large grain size at the top and more content detail as one moves "down"…

The University of Sydney has offered an undergraduate course in particle technology using a contemporary problem based learning (PBL) methodology since 2005. Student learning is developed through the solution of complex, open-ended problems drawn from modern chemical engineering practice. Two examples are presented; i) zero emission electricity…

Discusses issues related to teaching about orbitals in beginning chemistry courses. Lavoisier's rule, Lewis's orbitals, Pauli's principle, the physics related to chemical concepts are examined. The American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training's position on these issues is briefly addressed. (JN)

The essentials of an Italian degree in Management Engineering are described. Aspects such as engineers versus managers, educational curriculum and envisaged development of the course are discussed. (Author/YP)

Reports on a study into how the history of chemistry is being taught in colleges and universities. Results indicate that courses on the history of chemistry are hardly ever required of chemistry majors, and they are offered in only 10 percent of American Chemical Society approved chemistry departments. (TW)

Surveyed dietetics directors (N=186) and biochemistry instructors (N=153) on topics emphasized in biochemistry courses for dietetics and nutrition students. Results indicate a consistent pattern of variation in topics emphasized and that this variation is influenced by whether students in other major fields are also in a course. (JN)

Results from a survey of physics and engineering departments in 132 engineering colleges in the United States and Canada are discussed. Information considered includes course requirements and content, effectiveness of physics courses and laboratories, unnecessary duplication in engineering curriculum, communication problems between physics and…

Describes a forensic-oriented, college-level course in consumer chemistry. Includes course goals, topical outline, and list of chemical ingredients in consumer products useful for student research projects. The first section of the course focuses on mathematics since students in introductory courses may fear doing the most rudimentary mathematical…

Describes the descriptive inorganic chemistry component of a second year course in intermediate general chemistry at Sir Wilfred Grenfall College (Canada). Includes course content, listing of audiovisual aids, and discussion of textbooks used. (Author/JN)

Suggests examining a few subjects in depth rather than covering a whole range of topics superficially. Also discusses how much theory is appropriate in the undergraduate curriculum. (Author/JN)