9. THE UNION'S EDUCATION ACTIVITIES - A
DISCUSSION
Several IUPAC groups have expressed interest in the expansion
of educational activities, including the possibility of a new
Division of Chemical Education. Prof. Jortner noted that it was
important to keep in mind Quality, Relevance and International
Impact. Education is very important but IUPAC should not try
to replace governments. The President commented that he would
not be in favor of the creation of a new Division as the Union's
activities in this important area should be interdivisional.
Following the Vice President's recommendations in his VPCA, the
framework and content of IUPAC's activities in the field of Chemical
Education will be addressed.
The subsequent discussion touched on the difficulty of developing
effective programs in this area that meet the goals of IUPAC.
There was support for the development of standards for chemical
education at the University level and for promoting the exchange
of information among interested parties worldwide. It was suggested
that the VPCA should look closely at the rôle and activities
of the Committee on the Teaching of Chemistry. The need to connect
with UNESCO efforts in this area was also noted.
Dr. Becker reviewed the material on the proposed joint project
with the IUBMB on standards for Ph.D. degrees. The names of participants
in the joint task force have been communicated to IUBMB. The
IUPAC participants are Prof. Tamotsu Kondow, Prof. Jan Verhoeven
and Prof. Andrea Vasella. It is expected that the group will
do its work by e-mail. This project is intended to provide guidance
to Ph.D. granting departments, Ph.D. students and their mentors.
The purpose of this project is not to develop recommendations
on curriculum or other issues relating to the requirements set
by institutions for the granting of Ph.D. degrees. The Bureau
endorsed IUPAC participation in this project.
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Page last modified 10 November 1998.
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Chemistry.