BASIC COURSES IN CHEMISTRY

Reference is made to the content and philosophy of basic courses in chemistry. The contents should reflect what chemistry is today, its evolutionary growth and its expanding conceptual framework. Chemistry being an experimental science, its presentation should reflect the close interplay between observation, theory and experimentation. The usefulness of models should be emphasized, as well as their limitations. No rigid outline for a course should be formulated inasmuch as any particular one is given in a social, cultural and economic 'context'. The importance of laboratory work and of the development of early habits of inquiry is emphasized. In large classes the laboratory may be the best vehicle to retain a close 'student— teacher ' relationship. In introducing the topic ofthis session I am particularly aware of the fact that much has been written and much has been said about it during the last few years. Contents of basic courses have been changed, emphasis shifted, tactic