The Introductory Biological Sciences in the Traditional Liberal Arts College.

The article presents information related to the introductory biological science courses being taught in the traditional liberal arts colleges. The article first analyzes the objectives of biology instruction, and then evaluates the extent to which these objectives are actually realized in instruction. The objectives of instruction are very closely related to the selection of subject matter, emphasis in instruction, and actual teaching practices. The development of a scientific attitude of mind and the acquisition of skill in employing the scientific methods are scarcely considered in introductory biology courses. An important aspect of biology instruction is being overlooked by the teachers when they fail to make the student understand that science is method as well as subject matter. Biology in colleges has suffered because most often it is presented as just a subject matter of fact and law, rather than as an experience with an effective method of inquiry into any subject matter.