Provides a first experiment for college chemistry that provides insights into scientific procedures without presupposing any detailed knowledge of chemistry on the part of the student. Requires the student to measure successive masses and volumes and use these values to determine the density from the slope of the graph. (MVL)

This comment is a response to a paper on noncompletion rates in United Kingdom universities (Johnes and Taylor 1989). The causal inferences are ill founded because they are based on data aggregated to university level. Individual-level data are essential, and data on other levels may also be necessary. (Author/MLW)

Provides a yearly summary of research and graduate study activities at most United States and several Canadian engineering colleges. Provides officers of the institution; number of faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students; extension centers; doctoral research areas; budgeted research; and degree requirements. (MVL)

Presents a computer program for use in teaching ion speciation in soil solutions. Provides information on the structure of the program, execution, and software specifications. The program estimates concentrations of ion pairs, hydrolytic species, metal-organic complexes, and free ions in solutions. (Author/RT)

Discusses a survey of selected undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. Topics include: who preps the experiment; degree of faculty involvement; instructional loads; types of directions used; satisfaction with materials used; techniques taught; computer use; rating the laboratory; and a self rating. Provides data for each topic. (MVL)

Inquiry education cuts across conventional distinctions between liberal arts and professional programs and is supported by specially designed curricula and pedagogies. The establishment of Hampshire College is described. The idea that undergraduate education should promote students' intellectual independence was a strong thread through the…

An introductory science seminar about the physiology of human movement at Hampshire College is described. Students are required to begin defining and answering their own research questions and elements of collaborative learning are included. (MLW)

Described is an experiment in which the student can ascertain the meaning of a negative result from a qualitative test by performing a more sensitive quantitative test on the same sample. Methodology for testing urinary glucose with a spectrophotometer at 630 nm and with commercial assaying glucose strips is presented. (MVL)

Discusses the lack of study skills found among non-science majors. Provides examples of how science courses differ from other courses. Gives some methods to help students study more effectively. (MVL)

Notes that bachelor's degrees under ACS approved programs decreased 6.8 percent while master's degrees decreased 3.3 percent. Ph.D. degrees showed an increase of only 1 percent. Provides a summary of degrees received between 1984-88. Includes a listing of chemistry and chemical engineering degrees awarded by ACS-approved schools for 1987-88. (MVL)

Focuses on the CAS ONLINE database, the Registry File which consists of substance names, Registry numbers and characteristics, and actual structural representations. Presents several examples covering most typical problems a chemist faces daily. (Author/MVL)

Concentrates on the semiempirical methods MINDO/3, MNDO, and AMI available in the program AMPAC from the Quantum Chemistry Program Exchange at Indiana University. Uses charged ions in the teaching of computational chemistry. Finds that semiempirical methods are accurate enough for the general use of the bench chemist. (MVL)

Presents relevant statistics accumulated in a fall organic laboratory course. Discusses laboratory equipment setup to lower the amount of waste. Notes decreased solid wastes were produced compared to the previous semester. (MVL)

Described is a heterogeneous catalysis course which has elements of materials processing embedded in the classical format of catalytic mechanisms and surface chemistry. A course outline and list of examples of recent review papers written by students are provided. (MVL)

Presented is a blueprint for restructuring the first two years of the engineering curriculum. Four new concepts for the first two years are discussed: (1) the mathematical and scientific foundations of engineering, (2) fundamentals of engineering, (3) the engineering laboratory, and (4) the professional and personal enrichment program. (MVL)