Higher education faculty are not held to the same standard of pedagogical preparation as primary and secondary teachers. This perspectives essay points out the difference in pedagogical preparations between higher education faculty and high school teachers. The essay highlights research indicating the importance of pedagogical training, offers…

Discusses the collaboration of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) with faculty from eight community colleges to develop an innovative curriculum for use in a one-semester general education course in biology that would reflect the recommendations of the current reform movement in science education. Discusses important issues in helping…

The gradual decline of anthropocentrism from 50,000 BC to the present is traced in relation to the controversy over the teaching of evolution and creationism. The discussion focuses on the battle over people's minds as waged in the public schools by fundamentalist religious groups and others. (CW)

Describes how a list of the great books of biology was developed. Discusses the insufficiency of textbooks and traditional classroom instruction. Advocates the uses of outside reading and libraries. Focuses on books designed to be read, not studied for information and enjoyment. (CW)

The rapid progress in the biological sciences has resulted in many social, ethical, and legal issues. In medical practice, public health programs, research laboratories, law enforcement, insurance, the patenting process, agriculture, genetic counseling, and other fields, legal controversies and public policy debates have developed. Some of these…