A general laboratory course featuring microcomputer interfacing for data acquisition, process control and automation, and robotics was developed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is now available to all junior engineering students. The development and features of the course are described. (JN)

The development of a curriculum that integrates laboratory, field, and nonlaboratory experiences in an undergraduate biology department is described. Some of the laboratory experiences provided students in a Principles of Biology course and how other parts of the upper division curriculum are structured around these key experiments are discussed.…

Evaluates the traditional method of intercalating theoretical and seminar classes with laboratory practical work. Proposes a new schedule where students get problem-based learning of theoretical concepts during the first half of the course, and plan and execute a laboratory project during the second half. (Author/CCM)

Describes the Iowa General Chemistry Network that was developed to change content, teaching, and learning methods of introductory college chemistry courses. Highlights include using the Iowa Communications Network for distance education and curriculum reform, using the Internet and World Wide Web, and chemistry laboratory experiences and…

Describes the redesign of the first semester general chemistry laboratory at the college level. An organic component is included in the redesign and it provides students with explicit examples of several types of operations in which chemists engage. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Presents the advantages and disadvantages associated with the canned computer lab from the educational and software aspects. Summarizes two years of experience with canned labs and gives an example of a program and a typical student output. (GS)

The program objectives are to instruct students in laboratory techniques, experimental procedures, evaluation of results, and laboratory project design. Integration of techniques which may span several areas of chemistry is emphasized in the solution of problems. Current course content of the program is listed. (GS)

The evolution of a laboratory oriented undergraduate plasma physics course is described. Brief accounts of the 14 experiments utilized in the course are provided. (CP)

This article looks at the problems of revision of laboratory courses. While revision of the syllabus of experiments is expensive, it is necessary to keep it up to date. The nature, causes, and rates of change in practical courses are discussed. (BB)

Outlines a laboratory course entitled Inorganic Chemistry for Biological Sciences'' which is designed primarily for juniors in biochemistry, physiology, and soil sciences. Inclusion of relevant environmental topics is indicated. (CC)

Describes a one-quarter introductory electronics course in which the students use a variety of inexpensive integrated circuits to design and construct a large number of useful circuits. Presents the subject matter of the course in three parts: linear circuits, digital circuits, and more complex circuits. (GS)

Describes a chemistry curriculum for college freshmen that uses laboratory study of the chemical composition of meals eaten by students as the central activity from which theoretical and practical learning are derived. Presents a meal analysis flow diagram and a table of concepts included in the program. (GS)

Intended to be used along with the "Teacher's Guide to Classroom Discussions for Biology" and the "Teacher's Guide to Laboratory Activities for Biology," this volume presents 43 laboratory exercises for introductory college-level biology. (CP)

Discusses the development of a design task in which the students can focus on problems in some part of the city. Describes such an improved strategy for teaching the design of complex systems as challenging and beneficial, especially for those interested in urban-related careers. (CC)