Physics lab instruction is evolving in response to changing technology, a desire to better prepare students for diverse careers, and renewed focus from physics education researchers. To prepare researchers to evaluate progress in instructional labs in the future, this study set out to understand the current state of instructional physics labs in…

Engaging undergraduate students in designing and executing original research should not only be accompanied by technique training but also intentional instruction in the critical analysis and writing of scientific literature. The course described here takes a rigorous approach to scientific reading and writing using primary literature as the model…

Research-based learning in a teaching environment is an effective way to help bring the excitement and experience of independent bench research to a large number of students. The program described here is the second of a two-semester biochemistry laboratory series. Here, students are empowered to design, execute and analyze their own experiments…

Higher education institutions and scientific funding agencies are emphasizing international projects that involve the integration and synergy between research groups, particularly if different disciplines are involved. Students with an education that reflects these trends will have more tools to succeed in the future, but it is challenging to…

Presented is an assessment of the restructuring of a college freshman physics course. Details of the organization of the lab activities, grouping of the students, and strengths and weaknesses of the arrangements are discussed. (DS)

Provides an overview of a graduate course on particulate processes, especially on crystal size distribution (CSD). Describes the course and includes a list of course topics. Discusses the CSD simulation and manipulation. (YP)

Discusses offering of a modular course designed to acquaint the student with methods of observing and quantitatively measuring the properties and reactions of chemicals. Included is a brief sketch of course content and requirements. (CC)

Describes some laboratory experiments that can strengthen the study of non-aqueous ionizing solvents in Nuffield A-level chemistry course. (PS)

A course to familiarize medical students with the principles of good medical research study design and analysis focuses on three types of studies: clinical trials, laboratory science, and epidemiology and biostatistics. (MSE)

Discusses a program, consisting of individual conventional experiments and group special projects, along with lectures in analytical courses during the last six to eight weeks of a semester. Concludes that students' different aspects of capability are encouraged after receiving the course. (CC)

Describes some of the general principles involved in the planning of a teaching sequence. Discusses in more detail one example of a complete syllabus including major concepts and experiments. (Author/TS)

Discusses the use of an individually designed experiment for a chemical engineering laboratory course. Lists main ideas of the method. Provides an example of the experiment including ways to answer the questions and extensions. (YP)