Creating critical mass has become a cornerstorne of science policy on both national and transnational levels. It suggests that once a certain size is reached, exponential growth or accelerated change will occur. In reconstructing theories, policies and practices associated with critical mass, the paper traces the image of critical mass as a size…

This article describes a museum-based urban teacher-residency (UTR) program's approach to building subject-specific content knowledge and research experience in Earth Science teacher candidates. In the museum-based program, graduate-level science courses and research experiences are designed and implemented specifically for the UTR by active Earth…

Robotics research in Portugal is increasing every year, but few students embrace it as one of their first choices for study. Until recently, job offers for engineers were plentiful, and those looking for a degree in science and technology would avoid areas considered to be demanding, like robotics. At the undergraduate level, robotics programs are…

This article is presented in four parts. In the first part, I describe the foundation of the Science and Mathematics Education Centre (SMEC) at Curtin University. In the second part, I explain the development of SMEC's teaching and research capacity under its three directors. In the third section, I describe how federal government support of SMEC…

A pressing problem facing regulatory agencies, academia, and the food industry is a shortage of qualified food science graduates, particularly those with advanced degrees (that is, M.S. or Ph.D.). In 2000, the Cornell Institute of Food Science established the annual Food Science Summer Scholars Program as an experiential summer research program…

A program is described which embodies a cooperative approach and should, if employed on a nationwide basis, serve to establish solid lines of communication between various colleges and universities on a wide scale. (DF)

Describes a variety of educational routes by students who do not follow the traditional English pattern (advanced level physics followed by a fulltime honors degree course at a university). (CP)

Presents the philosophy and structure of an environmental program designed to retain the students identities as chemists. Describes the two core courses in environmental chemistry and lists the instructional materials used. (GS)

A six-year program providing training for ten individuals in science education and seven in mathematics education research is described. Lists of program objectives, requirements and course work for the program, and faculty members involved are included along with information on selection of trainees, enrollment by year, resulting dissertation…

Prospective physics researchers do not get enough background and sophistication in physics at the undergraduate level in a college with no research program. Authors describe an enrichment program for such students that takes place during two summers of an MS degree program. (PS)

Describes a program that offers practical experience with real engineering problems. Outlines selection of student participants, program operation, course and project guidelines, funding and program evaluation. (GS)

Describes an attempt to make graduate study in chemistry more flexible by separating some courses into individual one-credit units called modules. Gives examples of topics covered by a single module and presents the advantages and disadvantages of using such a system. (GS)

Cites the increasing need for physicists in medicine. Sketches the qualifications needed to pursue a Master of Science degree (MS) in medical physics fields and provides a brief discussion of Ph.D programs in the field. (CP)

Describes the organization of degree programs by phases. Discusses the prospects of students in research and employment in fields related to biochemistry in Belgium and the Netherlands. (CW)