In this study we compare university teachers' and first-year students' conceptions of teaching and learning at the Faculty of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The conceptions were analysed using data from open-ended questionnaires. The results showed that at the beginning of studies the gap between teachers' and students' conceptions of…

Many institutions offer courses that last less than a quarter and are a student's sole academic responsibility for that short term. There is an unfortunate and incorrect perception that such short classes cannot be used to teach substantively. At Colorado College, we teach all of our courses in 3.5 wk, including majors' courses in molecular cell…

Provides a format for the identification of fossils when introducing geologic time in the laboratory. Presents an organization of fossils into three major groups based on radial, bilateral, and no apparent symmetry. States that this method reinforces student learning and provides for an orderly approach to fossils. (RT)

The concept of paraphyly is defined and its importance in the teaching of evolution and taxonomy is discussed. Examples are included to illustrate this concept. A list of 14 references is provided. (CW)

Reports on data gathered to determine the quantitative course requirements of undergraduate programs in various life science fields. (ZWH)

Discussed is an activity designed to teach small mammal ecology and the scientific method using fluorescent dyes and pigments. Procedures for analyzing home ranges and social organizations are described. A list of 16 references is included. (CW)

Described is an activity designed to allow students' thinking about taxonomy to evolve in the same fashion as the thinking of taxonomists. Presented are the problem to be investigated, procedures, and questions for discussion. (CW)

Described is an activity in which the interactions between a parasite and its host may be demonstrated using the relationship between yogurt and two species of bacteria. Background information on Koch's postulates is provided. Materials, laboratory procedures, and results are discussed. (CW)

Described is an experiment which investigates the reciprocal changes in both rats and their handlers during handling. Included are questionnaires, procedures and a description of materials. Probable results are discussed. (CW)

Describes an effort to provide students in an introductory human anatomy course with an experience that both allows them to be creative with the facts they are learning and to be supported throughout the writing process. (ZWH)

Discusses methods that can be used to encourage students to use chemical principles to evaluate claims made in advertising. Considers weight loss diets, structure and properties, and reproducibility of evidence. (CW)

Presented is a hand model which can be used to compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis. Features and procedures of the technique are detailed. Limitations of the models are discussed. (CW)

A procedure for extracting DNA from yeast using common reagents and equipment is given. Suggestions for variations are provided. A second activity for building a model of DNA from toothpicks is included. (CW)

The porphyrias are a family of genetic disorders whose genetics and biochemistry are largely identified. Background information on these diseases are discussed including porphyrins, gene expression, population genetics, and historical significance. (CW)