A Prototype Research Pui University Environmental Course To Expand Research Opportunities For Undergraduates

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a research university in Cleveland, Ohio. Valparaiso University is a predominantly undergraduate institution (PUI) in Valparaiso, Indiana. These two universities are experimenting with a unique teaching/research partnership that represents a new model for how National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs can be designed. The program builds on the strengths of partner universities to expand the research opportunities for undergraduate students who might otherwise not be aware of these possibilities and extends research activities to predominantly undergraduate institutions. This manuscript describes the design of this program’s prototype Environmental Engineering course titled “Heavy Metal Contamination in the Urban Environment” (CE 490 B) that is being offered at Valparaiso University in the spring semester of 2004.