We review the state of genetics instruction in the United States through the lens of backward design, with particular attention to the goals and assessments that inform curricular practice. An analysis of syllabi and leading textbooks indicates that genetics instruction focuses most strongly on foundations of DNA and Mendelian genetics. At the…

Describes a pass-fail class of about 400 college freshmen in which each student chose a text to use for the course from a selection of three appropriate textbooks. (PR)

Discusses the conduct of an introductory biophysics course with a personalized instruction by using tutors selected from the students themselves. Included are three tables of text contents, a sample of a terminal questionnaire, and a list of biophysics references. (CC)

Describes a course in the technology of nuclear energy which responds to the immediate concerns of students in areas such as environmental effects, weapons effects, national energy needs, and medical and forensic applications. Includes a course outline and description of appropriate textbooks, (GS)

Provides syllabus for courses in introductory polymer chemistry (including major topics and recommended time allotments) and currently available textbooks and audio courses which may be used with the syllabus. Syllabus topics are congruent with those used in American Chemical Society (ACS) standardized examination in polymer chemistry. (Author/JN)

Examines the traditional role of textbooks in physics teaching, looks at new trends in physics teaching, examines use of books in new courses, and describes the Danish physics project. (GS)

Reported are the results of a study of organic chemistry courses at 33 different undergraduate colleges and universities. Details of the site visits including lecture and laboratory components of the courses are provided. (CW)

Contained are a variety of articles given at the symposium including descriptions of graduate programs in China, The United Kingdom, and India; discussions of teaching methods for use with biochemistry classes at the high school and college level; a discussion of practical biochemistry textbooks; and technical articles. (CW)

Described is the Wyndham science component of the program designed for the six years of secondary schooling for students in New South Wales, Australia. A subjective evaluation of the program and suggestions for improving course materials and teaching are given. There are six major sections in the report: (1) a general outline of the structure and…

Describes a secondary-level physics course set up as a cooperative venture by an independent secondary school and a college. The course (part of the School-College Articulation Program (SCAP) combines content, style, and structure of college courses with surroundings familiar to students. Aims of the SCAP program are also described. (JN)