Describes a junior-level, one-year optics laboratory course for physics and engineering students. The course offers a range of experiments from conventional geometric optics to contemporary spatial filtering and fiber optics. Presents an example of an experiment with pictures. (Author/YP)

Described are the use of spreadsheet programs in chemical engineering calculations using Lotus 1-2-3 macros. Discusses the macro commands, subroutine operations, and solution of partial differential equation. Provides examples of the subroutine programs and spreadsheet solution. (YP)

Reports that record enrollments have prompted a rethinking of the nation's higher education policies. Cites several explanations for overcrowding: an increase in the number of students continuing their studies, German students take longer to complete studies, and older students are reentering the university. (RT)

Structural equation modeling using the LISREL VI program was used to investigate predictors of female university students' participation in mathematics and science courses. Contributing significantly to the model were self-perceived mathematical ability, quality of experience in mathematics and science courses, importance to self-concept of…

Large undergraduate classes are a challenge to manage, to engage, and to assess, yet such formidable classes can flourish when student participation is facilitated. One method of generating authentic student involvement is implementation of quality circles by means of a Student Feedback Committee (SFC), which is a volunteer problem-solving and…

This paper discusses the development of concept maps for an entire veterinary curriculum, for each of the planned courses, and for each of the case-based exercises in each course, drawing on current efforts at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University (Ithaca, New York) to develop an integrated curriculum for use in a problem-based…

Plant scientists and science policymakers from government, private companies, and universities met at a convocation on the genetic engineering of plants. During the convocation, researchers described some of the ways genetic engineering may be used to address agricultural problems. Policymakers delineated and debated changes in research funding…

In this speech, the author describes what has been learned through years of experience teaching an introductory course in environmental issues at the University of California at Berkeley. The course is described as a broad interdisciplinary survey of the various environmental problems facing the earth; it is an examination of local and global…

The ability to practice a profession is earned through educational preparation, experience, the passing of rigorous examinations, and commitment on the part of the practitioner to public service. Responsibilities are carried out by the professional in accordance with ethical standards developed through the years and in accordance with state laws…

Because of the high rate of failure of engineering students in a required engineering physics course at the University of Texas at Austin, College Board Achievement Test (CBAT) scores in Mathematics Level 1 for 537 students enrolled in the course were compared with their physics grades. Performance on the mathematics section of the Scholastic…

This unit introduces analytic solutions of ordinary differential equations. The objective is to enable the student to decide whether a given function solves a given differential equation. Examples of problems from biology and chemistry are covered. Problem sets, quizzes, and a model exam are included, and answers to all items are provided. The…

Explains the context in which courses aimed at improving problem-solving skills are implemented. Describes the structure and content of courses and evaluates activities designed to develop problem-solving skills, including a discussion of factors affecting students in their ability to perform. (JM)

This case study describes how path analysis and causal modeling were used to assess the impact of federal research and development spending on Ph.D production in science and engineering at leading research universities. The nature of existing data, integrated into a single data base from seven surveys, influenced the research methodology. (BS)

A new interdisciplinary science and mathematics course for preservice elementary/special education teachers at LaSalle University (Pennsylvania) is examined. "Explorations in Science and Mathematics" was designed to develop core skills, critical thinking and communication, understanding of math and science as real-life activities,…

States that the relationship between mathematics and physics in the first year college level might be similar for populations from different national and cultural backgrounds. Reports student responses in two schools on topics covered by a mathematics test. The similarities and differences between the two groups are discussed. (YP)