An undergraduate research program in natural product synthesis was established at a small liberal arts college. Discusses program goals (including the total synthesis of maytansine), objectives, and accomplishments to date. Guidelines for establishing such programs are offered. (JN)

The benefits of undergraduate research programs for faculty members are described. Proposal strategies for new faculty, working in the undergraduate setting, and role of the senior faculty are the other major areas considered. (JN)

Examines programmatic effects of undergraduate chemistry research programs, focusing on internal research funding at Pomona College. The two-phase funding plan is described, accompanied by commentary on the reasoning and philosophy which lie behind these procedures. (JN)

Federal parks and monuments are numerous, widespread, and offer unique opportunities for funded research and employment for science undergraduates. Elements essential to quality undergraduate research, contacts, research needs, and funding are discussed, along with description of a successful undergraduate field research program in Missouri. (DH)

Two studies examining the effect of grade inflation on the piling up of grades in fewer grade categories and on the reliability of grade point averages found that reliability suffered significantly only in graduate study in which almost all grades were in two categories, A and B. Some other small effects were found in different rating scales. (MSE)

A study of data from 12 graduating classes of one medical school showed that medical students' choice to pursue funded medical research was independent of undergraduate major, although slightly more nonscience majors than science majors undertook such research. Concern about increasing nonscience medical school matriculants is seen to be…

Describes an approach to teaching interactive computing for physics students beginning with the use of BASIC and video terminals during the first year of study (includes writing solution programs for practical problems). Second year students learn FORTRAN and apply it to interpolation, numerical integration, and differential equations. (JM)

To determine characteristics of and opinions about undergraduate student research in psychology at small liberal arts colleges, 337 schools were surveyed via questionnaires. The return rate was 81 percent. Eighty-four percent of the respondents support such activity. A student research program is not related to number of students per faculty. (RM)

A method for evaluating undergraduate field experiences in psychology that takes into account attainment of individual goals and quality of supervision is evaluated. Results showed that the most satisfactory field placements are those in which there is a well-organized, explicitly structured training program. (RM)

A survey of pharmacy graduate students and postbaccalaureate PharmD students examined undergraduate grade-point averages when the students were accepted into an advanced program. Focus was on whether PharmD programs have had an effect on the quality of graduate students accepted in pharmacy programs. (Author/MLW)

Compares education in technology contrasted to education about technology by discussing epidemic models and public health engineering to illustrate problems in developing the former type of course. Problem areas include course emphasis (artifacts or system analysis), role of hands-on experiences, and the transdisciplinary nature of technology. (BC)

Reviews various aspects of the undergraduate foreign language curriculum over the past decade and identifies the strengths and weaknesses of that curriculum. Outlines the best and worst scenarios which could occur during the next 10 years and suggests means which can assure that undergraduate foreign language education will meet future needs. (EKN)

Two surveys show that the use of prepaid health care plans for educational purposes is rising. A review of published studies that have examined the costs of such training is included. (Author/MLW)

The purposes of this pilot program are to introduce university students to ecological concepts and current environmental issues and to provide environmental instructors for elementary schools. Student-instructors are first trained in ecosystem concepts. Then they present topics to elementary children. (MR)

In view of trends in clinical pharmacy education, the role of the traditional basic sciences has to be reassessed. An endocrine pharmacology course comprised of 49 clock-hours and open for professional undergraduate and graduate credit is described that blends basic and applied pharmacology. (LBH)