Although molecular clock theory is a commonly discussed facet of evolutionary biology, undergraduates are rarely presented with the underlying information of how this theory is examined relative to empirical data. Here a simple contextual exercise is presented that not only provides insight into molecular clocks, but is also a useful exercise for…

Environmental ethicists have focused much attention on the limits of utilitarianism and have generally defined "environmental ethics" in a manner that treats utilitarian environmental ethics as an oxymoron. This is unfortunate because utilitarian ethics can support strong environmental policies, and environmental ethicists have not yet produced a…

The topic of inquiry is explored in an online freshman level introductory biology course for non-majors. The research took place in a distance learning program at a small community college in the Southeast. Students in the course were required to complete an extended guided inquiry in their homes and to communicate about their work by way of the…

This field experiment is designed to test for despotic behavior in Mallards ("Anas platyrhynchos"), and to examine how ducks distribute themselves relative to their resources. Students present Mallards with food patches differing in profitability in order to examine whether ducks distribute themselves ideal freely or ideal despotically. Students…

Using cultured fibroblast cells, undergraduate students explore cell division and the responses of cultured cells to a variety of environmental changes. The students learn new research techniques and carry out a self-designed experiment. Through this project, students enhance their creative approach to scientific inquiry, learn time-management and…

"Alu"-insertion polymorphisms were used by an undergraduate Bioinformatics class to study how these insertion sites could be the basis for an investigation in human population genetics. Based on the students' investigation, both allele and genotype "Alu" frequencies were determined for African-American and Japanese populations as well as a…

The ACUBE Steering Committee and President conducted an online survey of members from November 2007-January 2008. The survey asked members for input on a variety of issues facing ACUBE, ranging from participation in the association to satisfaction with annual meetings, Bioscene, and the webpage. The survey was completed by 34% of the membership…

Describes experiences at Western Illinois University where faculty members in the humanities have developed a successful approach to assessing general education learning in the humanities. The approach (CATS, or classroom assessment techniques) stresses faculty participation and collaboration. A table lists assessment techniques for nine…

Discusses the challenges faced at Western Illinois University to develop a general education assessment framework in the humanities. Stresses the importance of interpretation in all the humanities, assessment goals that focus on students' understanding of humanistic discourse, and ability to use at least one discipline's mode of interpretation and…

Reports on the development and use at Western Illinois University of a survey to examine students' (n=787) knowledge of and attitudes toward the humanities. Students generally did not understand the reasoning behind the humanities requirement, could not explain differences between the humanities and social studies, and saw little relevance of the…

Describes use of developmental interactive bibliotherapy as a feminist methodology in an undergraduate course on women and education. Students responded to relevant selections read aloud in class, first by writing in personal journals and then by participating in small-group discussions. Analysis of questionnaire responses and journal entries…

Describes a collaborative project between Hunter College (New York) faculty, Lincoln Center Institute (New York), and teachers and administrators in East Harlem (New York) to examine ways to integrate the arts into the education of pre-service teachers. Collaboration partners met in seminars to discuss a specific work of art and its relevance in…

Asserting the usefulness of case studies in college teaching, this article begins with an exploration of the advantages and drawbacks of traditional cases. It then describes an alternative: incremental cases, in which material is released piecemeal in an effort to infuse drama and conflict, and participants play certain roles. Concludes with…

Describes certain characteristics of lesbian, gay, and bisexual students and the needs they have in common with all college students. Recommends strategies and curricular ideas for faculty who want to improve the quality of their teaching for all students with regard to issues of sexual orientation. (EV)

Describes a collaborative writing project at Adrian College in Michigan. Students in a general chemistry class collaborated with those from a freshman writing course; the intention was to have students combine their talents to improve their ability to express scientific ideas in a clear and accurate manner. Discusses student reactions and…