A Comprehensive Analysis of Nonmajor Biology Courses in Colleges and Universities.

Autor/in	Ivkovich, Janice M.
Titel	A Comprehensive Analysis of Nonmajor Biology Courses in Colleges and Universities.
Quelle	(1982), (152 Seiten)Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Biology; College Curriculum; Course Descriptions; Course Objectives; Educational Objectives; Higher Education; Instructional Design; Introductory Courses; Lecture Method; Nonmajors; School Surveys; Science Instruction; Science Laboratories; Teaching Methods; Canada; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Biologie; Kursstrukturplan; Educational objective; Bildungsziel; Erziehungsziel; Hochschulbildung; Hochschulsystem; Hochschulwesen; Lesson concept; Lessonplan; Unterrichtsentwurf; Einführungskurs; Teaching of science; Science education; Natural sciences Lessons; Naturwissenschaftlicher Unterricht; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Kanada; USA
Abstract	The current status and frequency of nonmajor biology courses offered in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada were investigated. A random sample of 300 four-year colleges was sent a questionnaire and a request for copies of their syllabi for nonmajor biology courses and other nonmajor science courses. Of the 134 respondents, 100 had at least 1 nonmajor biology course, and syllabi were sent for 62 of the 100 courses. The information about availability, type, format, goals and emphases, and content of nonmajor biology courses was to be used by educators interested in science for the nonscience major, and by faculty at Saint Mary's College, Indiana, to aid in a revision of a two-semester nonmajor biology course. The total number of titles for nonmajor biology courses was 186 with 31 percent of these general biology titles. The rest were mostly topics courses divided into 11 areas. The nonmajor biology courses were 60 percent general courses. Most of the 100 nonmajor biology courses could be used to help meet science core requirements, while the majority also lacked prerequisites. The three most popular course goals were to understand biological principles and concepts, to understand human biology, and to understand the interactions of the biosphere and the human role in it. Analysis of the 62 syllabi was limited to lecture examinations, lecture content, and laboratory content. The typical nonmajor biology course had no prerequisites and was a one semester, 3- or 4-hour course. The format was lecture three times per week and a traditional laboratory. A literature review and study recommendations are included, along with a sample questionnaire and syllabus content form. (SW)
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC