Special Online Collection: Undergraduate Education

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Special Online Collection: The World of Undergraduate Education

Jump to features in special collection:

In Science
Audio Feature
In STKE
In Science Careers

In the 6 July 2007 issue, Science and its online companion sites the Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment (STKE) and ScienceCareers.org explore the world of undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In Science, a special News section profiles a dozen faculty members from around the globe and highlights common challenges in promoting the values of scientific thinking and knowledge despite vast regional differences in student makeup, policies that govern higher education, and cultural and economic factors that shape the profession. Moreover, in a roundtable interview, three U.S. educators talk about the keys to a successful undergraduate science education; the online version of the article includes a complete audio version of the roundtable. Science's STKE debuts its Journal Club, featuring opinion pieces by graduate students and postdocs, as well as three new Teaching Resources. And a collection of articles on ScienceCareers.org focuses on issues important to undergraduates, including opportunities for research experience and funding.

In Science

EDITORIAL

Science Teaching Roundup: D. Kennedy

INTRODUCTION TO SPECIAL ISSUE

Many Voices, One Message: J. Mervis

NEWS

Global View

Map: Keeping Score: This map offers basic information on five important components of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in the countries profiled in this special issue.

Region by Region

Australia: "A Crisis in Student Quantity and Quality"
United States: "This Is the Front Line . . . Where I Can Really Make a Difference"
United Kingdom: "Much of What We Were Doing Didn't Work"
France: Opening Up to the Rest of the World
Brazil: "I Do Not Make a Distinction Between Teaching and Research"
Russia: "The Teacher Is Still the Central Figure"

South Africa: "I Wish . . . I Could Give [Them All] Computers"
Austria: "Can't Have a Career . . . Without English"
India: Beyond Islands of Excellence
China: "It's Important to Ask Students to Do Some Work on Their Own"
South Korea: "A Strong Voice" for Course Reform
Japan: Spreading Knowledge of Science and Technology

Discussing the Issues

Roundtable: Straight Talk About STEM Education: Getting your hands dirty is one of many keys to a successful undergraduate education in the sciences, says this panel of U.S. educators. (Article includes full-length audio version of interview.)

Special Audio Extra

We've included a full-length audio recording of the education roundtable featured in the print Science, in which Science's Jeff Mervis discusses the problems and promises for future undergraduate education with three experts. To listen, just visit the full-text version of the article (subscription required).

In Science's STKE

EDITORIAL GUIDE

Focus Issue: STNG -- Signal Transduction, the Next Generation: E. M. Adler and N. R. Gough
STKE supports teachers and students to foster science education.

TEACHING RESOURCES

A Biochemical Assay for Acetylcholinesterase Activity in PC12 Cells: P. J. Schwartz, J. A. Blundon, E. M. Adler
Students use a spectrophotometric assay to assess neuronal differentiation.
Instructing Graduate Students to Tackle the "Real World": A Course Description: R. L. Patterson
Learn how one instructor designed a course intended to prepare students for a future in scientific research.

TEACHING RESOURCES

Introduction to Enzyme Kinetics: Assay of β-galactosidase: J. K. Tillotson
Use this online tutorial to teach the basics of enzyme kinetics.

JOURNAL CLUB

Ceramide: From Embryos to Tumors: I. A. Savtchouk, F. J. Mattie, A. A. Ollis
A better understanding of the role of ceramides in apoptosis may lead to new antineoplastic therapies.

In ScienceCareers.org

INTRODUCTION

Science Careers for Undergrads: J. Austin
Undergraduate scientists need plenty of help to grab and hold those first few rungs on the career ladder. Starting this week, we extend our coverage of science careers to the issues and decisions undergraduates face.

ARTICLES

US: The Importance of Undergraduate Research: S. Webb
Prior research experience is often required by top-tier graduate schools.

EUROPE: Going Abroad for Your Ph.D.: H. Marshall
A Ph.D. abroad offers many advantages for aspiring scientists from Europe, and some obstacles.
GRANTSNET: Funding for Undergraduate Science Majors: A. Kotok, J. Fernandez
Science Careers and GrantsNet help find your next science scholarship, internship, or research opportunity.