Students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, can now take an innovative biology course in which an integrated, interdisciplinary, problem-based approach is used--one that the scientific community itself is promoting. The first course in a four-semester sequence, Biology 123--The Living World: Concepts and Connections--explores real-world…

Supports implementation of instructional procedures that permit students to engage in good learning practices as commonly defined by educational psychologists and teachers. Presents the scientific strategy used by students in botany at Purdue, which involves students in the practice of scientific procedures. (CS)

Develops some guidelines for the integrated use of computers throughout a college biology department and determines when and how computers can best be used to enhance biological teaching. (JR)

Describes a laboratory exercise in ethology that has proven to be successful in teaching the analytical power of biological observation to students at the University of Wisconsin. (JR)

Reports the recommendations of the annual American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) meeting at the University of Georgia. Suggests that biologists should become more involved in land use planning and resource allocation in the Southeast. Presents a seven-step process for land-use decision-making. (MA)

Describes how active participation in research projects helps to recruit and retain students in scientific careers. Identifies the teaching methods used in an undergraduate research group in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates. Focuses on the educational benefits received by the undergraduate. (CW)

Examined is the uniformity of curricula and instructional methods used in college biology education in the United States. Areas of special focus include curricula, introductory courses, laboratories, field experiences, faculty roles, undergraduate research, textbooks, ethics and values, encouraging underrepresented groups, capstone experiences,…

Described are modifications made in a traditional introductory biology course and the resulting improvement in student achievement and attitude. The use of cooperative learning groups is stressed. (CW)

Reports on a portable video color camera that is fully suited for seeing ultraviolet images and offers some expanded viewing possibilities. Discusses the basic technique, specialized viewing, and the instructional value of this system of viewing reflectance patterns of flowers and insects that are invisible to the unaided eye. (CW)