Plan to consolidate intro chem rejected

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by Kay Chang

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"The goals of changing the courses are good goals," said Chemistry Professor John Hutchinson, who currently teaches CHEM 101. "I would like to see the lecture and lab integrated. We use the laboratory as a means of enhancing the lecture and concepts."

The course integration had been proposed for several reasons. First, the CHEM 105 lab course could be correlated with the lecture material. Also, this would allow for the formation of a chemistry course for non-science/engineering majors, since an additional faculty member would be available. In addition, many argue that the pre-medical, biology and biochemistry majors who form the majority of the freshman chemistry class do not need the inorganic components of chemistry.

However, several problems were apparent in the proposal, and a number of students sent e-mail to the CHEM 101 newsgroup to voice their opinions. One concern was that students who had obtained Advanced Placement credit in Chemistry would not be able to take the lab course by itself. Students also pointed out that the current CHEM 101 course is ideal for non-S/E majors.

Hutchinson's approach to the curriculum -- with his case studies -- emphasizes critical thinking and understanding of the material rather than the traditional "memorize and plug-in" approach, according to student response. Many students consider Hutchinson's class to be one of their favorite courses taken at Rice.

"Instead of trying to make the course requirement for non-science majors easier, think of the benefits they will reap by having gone through the system of classes as it stands," Soyini Hamit, a Lovett College freshman enrolled in CHEM 101, said.

In regard to the idea that most of the freshman chemistry class does not "need" coverage of inorganic topics, many of the students felt that Rice has a responsibility to foster well-rounded learning, rather than teaching only what they "need."

Hanszen College freshman Dana Ziker said, "A little extra knowledge never hurt anyone."

This item appeared in the News section of the December 6, 1996 issue.

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