Reported are the findings of the Panel on Undergraduate Major Curricula which define the specific content on an undergraduate core curriculum in the biological sciences. In-depth analysis of the detailed information content of the core program is presented. Content descriptions of the core programs at four colleges are provided, and a composite…

Provided are two demonstrations for an introductory course in chemistry. The first one emphasizes the observation and the interpretation of facts to form hypotheses during the heating of a beaker of water. The second demonstration shows the liquid phase of carbon dioxide using dry ice and a pressure gauge. (YP)

Provides an introduction and explanations of stress-strain relationships, measuring stress, a goal of structural analysis, and legitimate applications of the concept of stress. Diagrams include a derivation of the stress tensor, graphical representations of stress-strain relations, and related problems. (RT)

Describes experiences with holding discussions on cloning at a variety of levels in undergraduate biology courses. Discusses teaching methods used and student reactions to the discussions. Contains 12 references. (WRM)

Outlines several ideas on introductory electrochemistry material suitable for college-level general chemistry. These include discussions of conductivity in solids and electrolytes, electrical quantities/properties, electrode potentials, and membrane potentials. Indicates that whatever strategy is used to present this material, the presentation…

Two positions are given related to the teaching of thermodynamics to freshmen college students. Arguments include why it should be taught and what the goals should be, as well as why it should not be included in the freshmen coursework and where it should be taught. (SA)

Presents an experiment to measure the threshold limit of the adhesion of water. Discusses types of thresholds and pseudo thresholds. Provides 13 examples of thresholds in science. (MVL)

Suggests a change in physical chemistry courses to use a slightly more complicated but significantly more useful generalization of the simple freezing point depression law. Lists reasons for the change and presents the treatment of solid-liquid equilibria where solid-solution is allowed. Provides a mathematical treatment. (MVL)

A communicating science module was introduced into an advanced undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory course. The module was integrated into the course such that students received formal instruction in communicating science interwoven with the chemistry laboratory curriculum. The content of the communicating science module included three…

Defines an exploratory lab as consisting of a series of hands-on, qualitative activities that are safe, simple, and inexpensive, use readily available supplies, and illustrate a concept being studied concurrently in the course. Summarizes the results of four years of testing the exploratory program. (DDR)

Reviews a model used in the teaching of plate tectonics which includes processes and concepts related to: terranes and the amalgamation of terranes, relative plate motion and oblique subduction, the effects of continent-continent collision, changes in plate motion, plate configuration, and the type of plate boundary. Diagrams are included.…

Presents a short reaction sequence that allows the student to determine by spectroscopic methods the constitution and stereochemistry of the reaction products. Reports the interpretations needed to illustrate the usefulness of the spectroscopic method. Notes the products of the Michael-Aldol reaction have not been reported in the literature. (MVL)

The goal of this laboratory exercise is to increase student understanding of the impact of nervous system function at both the organismal and cellular levels. This inquiry-based exercise is designed for an undergraduate course examining principles of cell biology. After observing the movement of "Caenorhabditis elegans" with defects in their…

Membrane transport is a fundamental concept that undergraduate students of cell biology understand better with laboratory experience. Formal teaching exercises commonly used to illustrate this concept are unbiological, qualitative, or intricate and time consuming to prepare. We have developed an exercise that uses uptake of radiolabeled nutrient…

Gives upper level chemistry students a better understanding of the application of lasers in the field of spectroscopy. Provides three experiments to demonstrate the thermal lens effect: determination of beam profile, cell position optimization, and pKa determination. (MVL)