Transitioning to university can be a daunting endeavour, with student success dependent on a myriad of effects (Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). Understanding how to navigate university systems, who to meet, how to get help, how to study, and what goals to set can be hard to grasp (Valle et al., 2003). We provide an overview of the new…

We review the state of genetics instruction in the United States through the lens of backward design, with particular attention to the goals and assessments that inform curricular practice. An analysis of syllabi and leading textbooks indicates that genetics instruction focuses most strongly on foundations of DNA and Mendelian genetics. At the…

We present the most recent steps undertaken to reform the introductory algebra-based course at The George Washington University. The reform sought to help students improve their problem-solving performance. Our pedagogy relies on didactic constructs such as the" GW-ACCESS problem-solving protocol," "instructional sequences" and…

Using an action research model, biology faculty examined, implemented, and evaluated learner-centered instructional strategies to reach the goal of increasing the level of student achievement in the introductory biology course BIO 181: Unity of Life I, which was characterized by both high enrollments and a high DFW rate. Outcomes included the…

The war on cancer has been waged for nearly 40 years, yet the cancer burden remains high, especially among minority and underserved populations. One strategy to make strides in the war on cancer and its disparate impacts is to increase the diversity of the cancer research workforce. We describe an approach to recruit a diverse population of future…

Describes a developing two-year geologic technician program at Bakersfield College in which a student may major in five areas - geologic drafting, land and legal, geologic assistant, engineering or paleontology. (RR)

This report describes an undergraduate course in digital subsystems. The course is divided into two major parts. Part I is entitled Electronic Circuits and Functional Units. The material in this part of the course proceeds from simple understandings of circuits to the progressively more complex functional units. Early emphasis is placed on basic…

Describes a physics course designed to relate to people with interests in fields not closely associated with physics. Guidelines are suggested for teachers who are developing similar courses. (Author/DF)

Describes a pilot course designed to provide advanced undergraduate science students with an opportunity to explore the way in which several fields of science and technology interface with society at large. Interests and aptitudes for career work in the science-society interface area are also explored. (Author/TS)

Describes a course that includes a basic core section comprised of a lecture series integrated with programmed practicals and a project section comprised of activities designed to give the students practice in electronic problem solving. (GS)

A systems approach was applied to the development of a multimedia computer managed course in college physics for the U. S. Naval Academy by the New York Institute of Technology with funds provided by the U. S. Office of Education. The experience in the construction of the program is incorporated into a course development model to serve as a…

Describes chemistry course that uses a review of the chemical literature as a basic part of the course. (PS)