A writing assistance program at North Carolina State University is designed to help students gain the communication skills they need as professional engineers. The program involves teaching, tutoring, advisory services, and workshops on special topics of wide interest. Each of these program areas is discussed. (JN)

Transposons are transposable elements that carry genes for antibiotic resistance. Provides background information on the structure and organization of these "jumping genes" in bacteria. Also describes the use of transposons in tagging genes and lists pertinent references and resource materials. (DH)

The history of Canada's second largest engineering school's system of research administration is outlined, and the areas of general concern for research administrators seen in the near future are examined. (MSE)

A senior-level, elective course on synthetic fuels was developed for chemistry and chemical engineering majors. The topics covered in this course, instructional strategies used, and independent student projects are described. (JN)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded support for supercomputer centers at Cornell University, Princeton University, University of California (San Diego), and University of Illinois. These centers are to be the nucleus of a national academic network for use by scientists and engineers throughout the United States. (DH)

Discusses some of the reasons in favor of hiring non-Ph.D's to teach undergraduate engineering courses. Also presents results of a survey at the United States Merchant Marine Academy to determine student opinions on the importance of a doctorate to teaching. Results indicate non-Ph.D's earned a higher rating. (BC)

An examination of methodological referencing patterns for actual physics, engineering, and sociology literature for the year 1983, using a Dunn planned comparison approach, indicates that physics differs from both engineering and sociology, while no difference was found between engineering and sociology. References are given in each sample…

Explored effects of different types of undergraduate work experience on engineers' job placements by comparing engineers who graduated from co-op programs with: (1) those non-co-op graduates who had engineering-related jobs; (2) those with non-engineering-related jobs; and (3) those with no undergraduate work experiences. (JN)

Topics and issues related to the mathematics education of engineers are discussed. Major areas addressed include industrial requirements; influences on the mathematics curriculum; and problems related to implementing recommendations made concerning changes in the mathematics curriculum. Indicates that a reappraisal of the position of mathematics…

Clarkson College, issuing microcomputers to entering freshmen during fall 1983, will continue doing same with future entering classes until all undergraduates have been supplied. Rationale for the program, selection of a microcomputer, financing scheme, administrative/service matters, educational program, and development of a network are…

The history of "The Engineering Index" (Ei) and its parent organization, Engineering Information, Inc., is traced from 1884-1984, drawing parallels between the 100-year evolution of Ei and the 75-year development of Special Libraries Association. Ei's future plans for expansion are defined with emphasis given to special librarian's role.…

Determined if there are differences in the assessed abilities of Canadian engineers based on length of tenure as an engineer. Also determined if there are differences in abilities between Canadian engineers who have a basic engineering degree and those who have a graduate degree in addition to the basic requirements. (JN)

Presents an instructional process designed to achieve educational objectives (comprehension, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and application) in introductory computer programming and applications courses through student projects. The projects involve goals based on these objectives and integrate computational techniques, plotting displays, and…

Examines heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and the role of regulatory sequences which control gene expression at transcription resulting in abundant production of messenger RNA and regulatory sequences in mRNA which promote efficient translation. Also examines the role of E. coli cells in stabilizing mRNA and protein that is…

Discusses employment prospects for chemists and chemical engineers working in energy research and development (R & D) based on the Department of Energy report "Energy-related Manpower, 1983." Indicates that conclusions related to R & D funding and employment are uncertain because of the difficulty in predicting future changes in…