Organized field trips in the tropics proved to be an effective way to gather new information about ferns. The areas of study covered were: systematics and ecology, cytology and gametophyte structure, and morphogenesis and physiology. (PS)

General biology courses should be planned and taught in colleges according to widely accepted theories and laws of biology. A list of 24 such principles is provided around which general biology courses could be structured. (PS)

Describes a program in which students develop a mathematical model, based on simple feedback loops, used for predicting consequences of varying ecological parameters. Presentation early in undergraduate course emphasizes use of statistics in ecology. (AL)

The biochemistry laboratory-based course of an undergraduate college is discussed. The course description and sequence of topics related to the subject of enzymes are given. Emphasis in the course is on students working from their classroom data. (SA)

Described is an undergraduate biology course which uses exercises for teaching critical thinking. A line-of-reasoning model is presented. Evidence for the effectiveness of this approach is presented. (CW)

Described are modifications made in a traditional introductory biology course and the resulting improvement in student achievement and attitude. The use of cooperative learning groups is stressed. (CW)