A broad spectrum of potentially hazardous chemicals offers serious exposure risks to members of college and university communities. A formal program is needed to minimize exposure to these substances and maintain a prevention oriented protective program. The University of Massachusetts has developed such a program. (JN)

Describes a convenient, inexpensive experiment in enzyme kinetics developed for the undergraduate biochemistry laboratory at the University of Virginia. Required are a single beam visible spectrophotometer with output to a recorder, a constant temperature, a commercially available enzyme, substrates, and buffers. (BT)

Provided is a biographical sketch of Percy L. Julian (1898- ), an American Black organic chemist who first synthesized cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, and physostigmine. (CS)

Discusses the use of a computer simulation program in teaching the concepts of spectrophotometry. Introduces several parts of the program and program usage. Presents an assessment activity to evaluate students' mastery of material. Concludes with the advantages of this approach to the student and to the assessor. (ASK)

Highlights the differences between classical teaching methods and problem-based learning. Describes the curriculum and problem-based approach of the Faculty of Medicine at the Maastricht University and gives an overview of the implementation of biochemistry in the medical curriculum. Discusses the procedure for student assessment and presents…

Described is a microscale chemistry laboratory in which a dipeptide is synthesized from its component amino acids and analyzed using chiral-phase thin-layer chromatography. Experimental procedures, and materials are discussed. Twelve references are listed. (CW)

A procedure for extracting DNA from yeast using common reagents and equipment is given. Suggestions for variations are provided. A second activity for building a model of DNA from toothpicks is included. (CW)

Discusses simple analysis of urine in the classroom. Describes the materials and procedures for the analysis. Provides a laboratory report giving characteristics of: (1) odor, color, and clarity; (2) specific gravity; (3) sediment; (4) test strips; and (5) albumin and phosphates. (YP)

The porphyrias are a family of genetic disorders whose genetics and biochemistry are largely identified. Background information on these diseases are discussed including porphyrins, gene expression, population genetics, and historical significance. (CW)

Reviews current biochemistry, education, and polymer course options found in chemistry programs. Proposes a new core curriculum with 28 semester hours with courses in inorganic, chemical, and instrumental analysis, organic, bioorganic, and physical chemistry. Notes that the new curriculum would better prepare students for the existing employment…

Describes the usefulness of glyphosate for a demonstration of its herbicidal properties. Includes a list of the materials, preparation of solutions, procedures, data collection and analysis for three activities involving this chemical. (CW)

Discusses an enzyme kinetics laboratory experiment involving a two substrate system for undergraduate biochemistry. Uses the enzyme gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase as this enzyme in blood serum is of clinical significance. Notes elevated levels are seen in liver disease, alcoholism, and epilepsy. Uses a spectrophotometer for the analysis. (MVL)

Analysis of five biology and five biochemistry professional journal articles' use of the English present perfect tense revealed that both disciplines used the tense most frequently in the introduction and discussion sections, typically conveying the meaning of a past experience with current relevance. (CB)

This paper presents an overview of how fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is identified, a review of theories on how alcohol acts to produce FAS, and a summary of the impact of the early and long-term effects of FAS. Issues that are particularly pertinent to children with FAS and their caregivers are raised. (DB)

Highlights assessment issues which the Department of Biological Sciences at the Manchester Metropolitan University has addressed in developing an integrated approach to course provision, in particular for implementing first-year laboratory practical units. Beneficial outcomes and some continuing problems are also considered. (LZ)