Introducing undergraduates to the role of science in public policy and in the service of the community

Abstract

We describe the modifications to an instrumental analysis course which incorporated the link between science and public policy. This course combines classroom lectures, project based labs, and a writing assignment. The project based labs have a focus on health and environmental issues directly involving the local community, while the writing assignment requires that students develop a position paper on a current scientific issue that has public policy implications. This modified curriculum allows chemistry students early in their academic pursuits to become closely aware of policy issues that may impact their education, careers and health. The result is a science graduate with a better understanding of the role science can play in the formation of public policy.