This report provides data on students earning physics and astronomy bachelor's degrees for the 1997-98 academic year. The report notes that: (1) after many years of steady decline, the number of undergraduates earning physics bachelor's degrees has stabilized, with 3,821 degrees awarded in l997-98; (2) declines in undergraduate degrees persist at…

A study explored learners' understanding of their own changing perceptions as they study the theory and research of aging and track their development in personal journals. The writings of 280 graduate and undergraduate students in gerontology classes, aged 18-75, were analyzed for personal assessments of their own learning. Among the themes that…

This study examined differences in final course grades for campus-based and distance education students at Nova Southeastern University (Florida). Data on over 26,000 course grades for winter term 1997 were obtained from university records. It was found that students enrolled in courses offered through distance education received a significantly…

This learning module aims to engage students in problem solving, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and cooperative learning. The module is appropriate for use in any introductory or intermediate undergraduate course that focuses on human-environment relationships. The module examines how social, economic, political, and environmental forces…

Discusses responsibilities for providing safe experiments and for teaching about safety. Provides lists of references on chemical safety and regulated/potential carcinogens. Also discusses general laboratory safety procedures including waste disposal and recycling of solvents. (JM)

Fifth-year baccalaureate pharmacy students are required to participate in a 16-hour rotation in the college's drug information center, including instruction in information sources and retrieval. The self-paced program includes audiovisual aids with a laboratory manual and individualized instruction. The rotation evaluation questionnaire is…

Compares the role of undergraduate research (UR) in European and American chemical engineering programs based on the average student at the National Technical University of Athens. Includes relative position of UR in a European curriculum; benefits of UR for students and faculty; and social, cultural, and academic factors influencing UR. (SK)

The need exists to develop new procedures in the admissions process that allow experientially based undergraduate programs to present their students' academic ability in a manner that is useful for the graduate deans and faculty who select graduate school applicants. (MLW)

A review of the literature examining the identification of female students principally with role models as a prerequisite for success. Also reviews the literature on importance of mentors for career advancement. (EF)

A study is described that shows how three different social theories might explain the growth of vocational interests among undergraduate students during the 1970s. Changes in undergraduate degree choices between the years 1970-71 and 1977-78 are described for all students and for men and women considered separately. (Author/MLW)

An alternative view to a 1979 study on institutional quality done by Astin and Solomon is presented. The study indicates significant changes in rank have occurred among the 25 most selective four-year undergraduate institutions. Kuh proposes naturalistic inquiry research. A rebuttal by Astin is appended. (MLW)

Discussed are ways in which career planning and counseling centers can bring their career services to the attention of students through a variety of outreach programs. The value of students giving early attention to career decisions is emphasized. (AF)

A competency-based curriculum in veterinary public health and preventive medicine was developed that included: principles of epidemiology, environmental health, food quality, community health, and international health. A questionnaire used to establish the rank order, learning weight, and priorities within each category is included with tabulated…

Describes six laboratory procedures for preparing polymers which have been used in a course for undergraduate industrial arts students, who have a concentration in plastics technology but have not taken more than one year of college chemistry. (BT)

A mathematical preview program in physics was developed at the Arkansas School for Mathematics and Sciences to introduce students to mathematical concepts, then use these as tools in physics while concurrently studying them in mathematics. The topics and time frame for the mathematical preview in calculus-based physics courses is presented, along…