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Three
independent colleges and universities were recently selected to receive
the Council of Independent Colleges third annual Heuer
Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Science Education.
Hendrix College (AR), Roanoke College (VA),
and Whitworth College (WA) were chosen out of 47
nominations for demonstrating noteworthy recent achievement in undergraduate
science education.
The
CIC/Heuer award program, funded by The Russell Pearce and Elizabeth
Crimian Heuer Foundation, builds on the documented achievements of
independent colleges and universities in undergraduate science education.
Each institution has received a $10,000 prize that may be used for
further enhancement of its science programs.
In
announcing the winners of the competition, CIC President Richard Ekman
said the exemplary programs in the science departments of these institutions
“give further evidence of the view that science education in independent
colleges and universities is a resource of major importance to the
nation’s future. The competition this year again demonstrates the
signal—and disproportionate—contributions by small colleges to meeting
the nation’s need for more and better trained scientists and science
teachers.” (See box for a description of each of the winning programs.)
A
panel of science educators, knowledgeable about science and mathematics
education in private colleges and universities, chose the winners
of the Heuer Awards. Panelists included (chair) W. H. Bearce, CIC
senior advisor and a retired professor of chemistry and dean of the
college at Central College (IA); Brian Beecken, professor
of physics at Bethel College (MN); David Koetje,
associate professor of biology at Calvin College
(MI); and Michael Nichols, associate professor of organic and environmental
chemistry at John Carroll University (OH)
The 2003 Heuer Awards for Outstanding Achievement
in Undergratuate Science Education
| Hendrix
College (AR)—Undergraduate research in chemistry
and physics: Hendrix science faculty members have been
national leaders in the development of the Council on Undergraduate
Research as a major influence in small colleges. The two departments
of chemistry and physics have impressive records of increasing
student/faculty research collaboration, recognized by the publication
of numerous papers and the acceptance of many students into graduate
programs. A recent NSF study ranks Hendrix College 24th in the
number of graduates per total enrollment who had received PhDs
in chemistry, 33rd in physics, and 41st in engineering. In addition,
the emphasis on student research in the two departments has stimulated
similar opportunities to be offered in other disciplines. |
Roanoke
College (VA)—Introduction of “real world” science
into the chemistry major: The chemistry major has been
revamped to prepare students for the work chemists do in both
academic and industrial settings, through a series of seminars,
field trips, service activities, and intensive communications
training, as well as increased use of advanced laboratory instrumentation
and research experiences. Of particular note is the emphasis on
communication skills, with two courses required. Also of significance
is the growth of participation in the Enrichment Program in Chemistry
(EPIC) seminar series, which has increased student interest, alumni
involvement in on-campus activities, and acceptance of students’
work for off-campus presentations. The number of declared majors
has risen significantly from an average of 15 during the years
1995-2000 to a new high of 25 this year. A decade ago only 30-40
percent of chemistry students went on to postgraduate study; now
75 percent do so. |
Whitworth
College (WA)—Undergraduate physics:
The physics curriculum has undergone revision and enhancement
over ten years, resulting in a four-fold increase in majors in
the last five years (from 11 majors in 1997 to 41 in 2002), and
the addition of
an applied physics major for those interested in engineering.
Undergraduate research has been strengthened through participation
in NASA’s electronic propulsion program, and collaboration with
Pacific Northwest National Labs. Outreach activities by the department
to in-service K-12 teachers have been accompanied by an increase
in the number of physics students pursuing K-12 certification. |
Independent
The Council of Independent Colleges
One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 320 • Washington, DC 20036
tel: (202) 466-7230 • Fax: (202) 466-7238 • e-mail: mailto:cic@cicnche.edu • www.cic.edu
Last updated: March 2003
Copyright © 2003 The Council of Independent Colleges |
