Re: Simple explanations. Was: what are the labs for?

["Rick Tarara" <rbtarara@sprynet.com>]

Just so that Leigh is not really tempted to take up prayer at this late
stage of his life, let me qualify my previous comments only in so far asto
say that at in my department we've been in a protracted discussion of
content versus concepts versus the TIME we have available,  all in light of
just 'who' is the audience (in our case Chemistry and Biology majors).  I
don't question the intellectual value of considering such problems but
rather what audience is appropriate for such questions.  This
list--certainly.  Physics majors--sure.  Students in non-content driven
courses--maybe.  Most other science and engineering students--probably not
(not an efficient use of time/effort).   The exercise itself is fine for all
of these levels, the subject matter just a little too 'contrived' for the
more 'practical' courses--IMO.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Leigh Palmer <palmer@sfu.ca>

> I think Donald's question is an excellent one, and one worthy of
> careful analysis by any student. Were I a religious man, Rick, I would
> pray for the redemption of your immortal soul.