Milllikin University will undertake a cooperative venture among the three major science departments: chemistry, biology and physics. Under the umbrella of integrated laboratories, three fundamental questions will be addressed8 1. Can the first course for majors and non majors be unified around the theme of problem solving? If so, what are the fundamental problems that these students should address? 2. Is it possible to develop modular, multi- purpose (physics, chemistry, biology) laboratory experiences that permit students to work independently of a scheduled lab course? 3. What elements must be present in lab experiences that will create active learning communities? The product will be a manual of lab experiences developed initially from our own expertise with lab courses for majors that addresses concretely the answers to these questions. A team of students and faculty from all three science departments will study these questions for two summers. The results of this project will be evaluated in the intervening school year and during a summer conference.
