Suggests purchasing a digital multimer (DMM) with an IEEE-488 option to interface an instrument to a microcomputer, indicating that a DMM is well protected from overloads and is easy to connect. An example of its use in an experiment involving hydrolysis of tertiary butyl alcohol (with program listing) is given. (JN)

Describes a senior-level course that: (1) focuses on the structure and reactions of macromolecules; (2) treats industrial polymers in a unified way; and (3) uses analysis of conformation and conformational statistics as a unifying approach. Also discusses course topics, including polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and others. (JN)

Investigated predictors of success in organic chemistry and how well freshmen chemistry predicts grades in other science courses (biology and physics) and success in entering medical school. Subjects were 254 freshman enrolling in freshman chemistry at Columbia College (the all-male undergraduate division of Columbia University) in 1978. (JN)

Science as a Way of Knowing is a project being developed by the American Society of Zoologists' education committee. The project, co-sponsored by several professional organizations, seeks to increase the effectiveness of college-level biology. A report on the project's goals, symposia, publications, reprints, and sponsorship needs is presented.…

The involvement of undergraduate science majors in publishable research is a vital aspect of their education. The special problems confronted by faculty doing and directing such research are formidable. Several of these problems (such as heavy teaching loads) and ways of attacking them are described. (JN)

Background information and procedures are provided for a demonstration of intramolecular versus intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The demonstration is based on structural changes in bilirubin molecules which lead to changes in physical properties. A list of further investigations to try is included. (JN)

Describes a novel method for the determination of the Arrhenius activation energy, without prejudging the validity of the Arrhenius equation or the concept of activation energy. The method involves use of a temperature-programed flow reactor connected to a concentration detector. (JN)

Reviews the history of science and religion in the United States, examining: (1) science and religion in the colonies; (2) science and scripture in the early republic; (3) the Darwinian debates; and (4) science and religion in modern America. (JN)

Describes laboratory experiments suitable for teaching the principles of digital electronics and computer interfacing to undergraduate chemistry students. Also describes the program for teaching laboratory uses of computers. The program functions to teach principles of computer interfacing while displacing as little chemistry as possible from the…

Provides sources of nonanimal biochemical materials (which are relatively inexpensive, readily available, and require no special storage) suitable for use in biochemistry experiments. They are presented under these headings: (1) enzymes and other proteins; (2) carbohydrates; (3) lipids; (4) nucleic acids; and (5) metabolism. (JN)

Latent image processing is a method which reveals hidden ink when marked with a special pen. Using multiple-choice items with commercially available latent image transfers can provide immediate feedback on take-home quizzes. Students benefitted from formative evaluation and were challenged to search for alternative solutions and explain unexpected…

Shows how the natural membrane of a decalcified chicken egg can demonstrate the principle of osmosis within a single class period. Various glucose and saline solutions used, periods of time, physiological effects experiments, and correction for differences in initial weights are noted. (DH)

Outlines a demonstration involving weak acids and bases in aqueous solutions. A standard conductivity demonstration with a solution of acetic acid yields a barely glowing light bulb; a similar result occurs with ammonia solution. However, the bulb glows brightly when the solutions are mixed. (DH)

Highlights guidelines that should be implemented in administering a plan for the proper storage of chemicals. They include housing chemicals in multiple locations within a building to lessen the accident potential, not grouping them in alphabetical order, and storing them according to six major chemical classes. (JN)

Describes a radiation counter comparable to commercial units which costs less than $100. It consists of six sections: Geiger-Mueller tube and holder; high voltage supply; low voltage supply; pulse shaping circuit; "start/stop counts" gating circuit; and counter/display. List of materials needed and schematic diagrams are included. (JN)