This booklet is one of a set of eight designed to be used in a self-paced introductory chemistry course in conjunction with specified textbooks and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) modules. Each topic is introduced with a textbook reading assignment and additional readings are provided in the booklet. Also included are self-tests (and answers),…

The inclusion of Watson's "The Double Helix" in a high school biology DNA unit is described. (BB)

This laboratory exercise integrates the topics of cell structure, classification of living organisms, and evolution. It is suitable for secondary or college biology courses and was used in an interdisciplinary science course for nonscience majors. (BB)

Describes how the synthesis of urea, 150 years ago, was a major factor in breaking the artificial barrier that existed between organic and inorganic chemistry, and this contributed to the rapid growth of organic chemistry. (GA)

Exercises are presented for classification of marine algae on the basis of biochemical characteristics such as pigmentation, cell wall components, and food storage products. (BB)

Describes curriculum used by the Chemistry Department at the American University of Washington, D.C. in preparing and implementing a program to update two groups of women in order to prepare them to enter graduate school or return to the job market in chemistry. (HM)

Experimental procedures for studying enzyme activity using a Spectronic 20 spectrophotometer are described. The experiments demonstrate the effect of pH, temperature, and inhibitors on enzyme activity and allow the determination of Km, Vmax, and Kcat. These procedures are designed for teaching large lower-level biochemistry classes. (MR)

Describes an experiment in which students determine the level of cholesterol in serum. (SL)

Reviews the SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis technique for the separation of proteins and determination of their molecular weights. (SL)

Presents a biochemistry laboratory experiment in enzymology using polyphenoloxidase or tyrosinase. (SL)

Describes a lecture demonstration which illustrates changes in the visible spectra of oxygen transport proteins upon reversible oxygen binding. Provides a comparison of the physical characteristics of oxygen storage and transport proteins. Reviews essentials for preparation of the materials. (ML)

Discusses the relationship between graduate and postgraduate training at universities, and industry needs. Describes university activities and the organization of university research in comparison to industry. Mentions three programs which have been undertaken in Denmark to integrate postgraduate training with industrial experience. (CW)

Describes a three-week sequence to take undergraduate students through the study of enzyme kinetics in an integrated manner that reinforces the basic concepts of initial velocity and the effects of varying operational parameters. Discusses laboratory sessions and the use of a microcomputer in instruction. (CW)

Outlines a laboratory exercise that makes use of Beer's Law plots of cysteine constructed at several pH values over a broad range of wavelengths to estimate the tautomeric ratio (R) of two singly charged ionic forms, calculate the microscopic constants, and construct ultraviolet spectra for both light absorbing species. (CW)

Reports on a study designed to elicit detailed views on the subject matter content for a biochemistry curriculum. Includes the questionnaire and mean results for each question, in which respondents were asked to indicate the importance of a subtopic, the actual coverage of that subtopic, and the "ideal" coverage. (TW)