Surveyed what industry looks for in applicants for laboratory positions at bachelor's level, job opportunities, promotional opportunities, if continuing education is fostered, and how undergraduate curriculums can be improved to produce graduates with needed skills. Findings (among others) indicate that all employers stressed importance of…

Advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer use are noted. Computer managed and assisted instruction are discussed, followed by guidelines for software and microcomputer selection. Uses of CAI in the science curriculum are noted: simulation, modeling, gaming, drills, and tutorials. Finally, a project to disseminate instructional materials in…

Discusses problems in using multiple-choice items on criterion-referenced tests, offering alternative methods to determine if objectives have been met. These include batteries of true-false items, structural communication grids, concept linkages, and a scoring system which takes partial knowledge into consideration. (JN)

"COMETS on Careers" describes science-related careers, introduces activities illustrating a science concept being studied, and encourages use of professional persons as activity leaders. Several COMETS chemistry activities are described. These activities, which can be performed in school or at home, focus on colloids, acid/base…

Preparation and testing of a cadmium selenide photoelectrical solar cell was introduced into an environmental chemistry course to illustrate solid state semiconductor and electrochemical principles. Background information, procedures, and results are provided for the experiment which can be accomplished in a three- to four-hour laboratory session…

Provides rationale and objectives for presenting chemical reactions in a unified, logical six-stage approach rather than a piecemeal approach. Stages discussed include: introduction, stable electronic configurations and stable oxidation states, reactions between two free elements, ion transfer/proton transfer reactions, double displacement…

A study on U.S. chemical education was started by a task force formed by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Chemical Education. The study will present findings to influence federal funding for science education and research/development in the government's 1985 budget. Discusses purposes of the study and initial task force activities. (JN)

Discusses simulation program to aid in the design of enzyme kinetic experimentation (includes sample runs). Concentration versus time profiles of any subset or all nine states of reactions can be displayed with/without simulated instrumental noise, allowing the user to estimate the practicality of any proposed experiment given known instrument…

A cooperative lab program between local high schools and the University of Utah was initiated in 1975. Describes reasons for university's interest in such a program, guidelines high school teachers have agreed to follow, and program requirements/operation. Includes student/teacher comments on the program. (Author/JN)

Conceived three years ago, the Council for Chemical Research (CCR) is meeting its goal to expedite technological transfer between universities and industry. Although funding is still a problem, membership is growing (37 industries and 128 universities). CCR encourages industrial grants to chemistry/chemical engineering departments and the Chemical…

Presents findings on employment situations for chemists and chemical engineers, focusing on: (1) comparison of chemists and chemical engineers; (2) salaries; (3) career planning; and (4) demand, indicated to be decidedly less than in previous years as a result of the deep business recession. (JN)

Eleven computer/calculator programs (most are available from authors) are described. Topics include visualizing molecular vibrations, dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of two-spin systems, programming utilities for Apple II Plus, gas chromatography simulation for TRS-80, infrared spectra analysis on a calculator, naming chemical…

Describes safety/health program activities at Research Triangle Institute (North Carolina). These include: radioisotope/radiation and hazardous chemical/carcinogen use, training, monitoring, disposal; chemical waste management; air monitoring and analysis; medical program; fire safety/training, including emergency planning; Occupational Safety and…

College students (N=192) and teachers (N=23) responses to a 28-item questionnaire were analyzed to determine the five items most and five items least important in learning. Results suggest that students are practical, goal- or job-oriented, and willing to look to faculty for, or actually demand from the faculty, rather strict guidance. (Author/JN)

Discusses career opportunities in oceanography for chemists. These include opportunities related to food, physical oceanography, mining, drugs, and other areas. Educational background needed and degree program are considered. (JN)