Explores college students' subjective definitions of classroom learning situations and the effects of those definitions on the amount of learning that actually takes place. Concludes that students do not always perceive the classroom as a learning arena and that interaction with instructors does not necessarily imply learning. (Author/AV)

An organizational structure was developed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine for a pediatric nephrology elective. A study guide and format ensure that students have a common knowledge base--the lack of which has been a problem in electives--and allows them to participate in patient problems. (LBH)

Undergraduate science education at liberal arts colleges and historically Black institutions will be the focus of a program of grants given by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Colleges were invited to submit proposals to strengthen their biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics programs. (MLW)

A course for teaching an advanced undergraduate course on the psychology of adult development and aging is described and evaluated. Course goals, content, and format are discussed. Students generally viewed the course favorably. (RM)

Notes the central role and ultimate importance of the undergraduate, research methods textbook within sociology. Reviews nine new textbooks, and reveals substantial variation in coverage and approach. The review is based on the degree to which the texts address eight important goals for the undergraduate research course. (JDH)

A study of patterns of undergraduates' credit-distribution in three major fields of study (mathematics, political science, and English) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, is described. Students' extra-major credit distribution was less than it might have been and extra-major specialization greater than it needed to be. (MLW)

A national sample of college students who initially aspired to be, or later became, physicians was used to determine the influence of precollege characteristics, college origins, and the academic and social experience of college. Major effects on attainment were college characteristics and academic experience. (Author/MLW)

Describes an experiment designed to use the ability of duckweed to convert the secondary hydroxyl moieties into ketone groups. Discusses the preparation of plant material, materials, procedures, and results for this biotransformation experiment for undergraduate students. (CW)

Described is the separation of dyes using a conventional liquid chromatographic pump and a glass column. Included are the preparation of the column and dye separations. (CW)

Nigeria has six pharmacy schools, most offering graduate programs. The undergraduate program is being expanded from four to five years. Although behavioral and clinical sciences are offered, emphasis is on the pharmaceutical sciences. Overall, pharmaceutical education is oriented toward hospice practice. (Author/MSE)

The English Department at Carnegie Mellon believes they are creating a new-wave curriculum. Theoretical questions are becoming the center of undergraduate study. Scholars want students to think about the political, social, and historical forces that end up shaping a writer's vision, the written work, and the reader's interpretation. (MLW)

UCLA's Academic Counseling Service studied the university's general education program. Ways in which a general education curriculum can be modified so that students can acquire requisite academic skills that will help them beyond their college years are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The value of statistical training for social workers is addressed, along with current levels of training and general educational principles for statistical training. Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral statistical curricula are proposed. (Author/MH)

Described are the Howard Hughes Medical Institute programs for providing funds to assist science education. One program is designed to assist private liberal arts colleges that are not affiliated with a graduate school. Other programs have been established to provide support for postdoctoral research and laboratories. (RH)

Two decades of undergraduate curricular crisis have reduced the traditional academic authority of the humanities. One response is to provide a course in cultural criticism, demystifying the Western tradition and teaching students to engage in an ongoing dialogue about its meaning and purpose. (MSE)