People,Products and Raw Materials: Neglected Opportunities for Chemical Education in Higher Education

A number of strengths and weaknesses have been detected in the background knowledge and skill of chemistry teachers. Two weaknesses, knowledge of the persons of chemistry and familiarity with socially useful chemicals and their origins, have been recently identified. The trends in chemical curricula for general education are such that a remedy for these weaknesses is necessary. A number of suggestions that have been used occasionally in teaching chemistry at the universities and CAEs, are made for regular inclusion in undergraduate courses. School teaching is a major outlet for chemistry graduates and this fact should be recognised in designing these curricula in higher education.