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One of the major objectives in reaction kinetics is to calculate the rate constant for an elementary reaction from first principles. This is a formidable task which has not yet been fully achieved in even the simplest case without making several simplifying assumptions.The earliest approach used simple collision theory and was helpful in clarifying some of the main features involved in calculating a reaction rate. However, the simple form of the theory was difficult to make quantitative. The current favored approach to rate constants from truly first principles seems to be through reaction dynamics (J, 2). This method examines the progress of individual collisions by solving the equations of motion with an assumed form of interaction potential. Although the methods of collison dynamics are elegant, the results are difficult to use in understanding reactions involving the large molecules which are of more general interest to chemists.

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Higher education policies are increasingly focused on graduate learning outcomes, which infer an emphasis on, and deep understanding of, curriculum development across degree programs. As disciplinary influences are known to shape teaching and learning activities, research situated in disciplinary contexts is useful to further an understanding of curriculum development. In the life sciences, several graduate learning outcomes are underpinned by quantitative skills or an ability to apply mathematical and statistical thinking and reasoning. Drawing on data from a national teaching project in Australia that explored quantitative skills in the implemented curricula of 13 life sciences degree programs, this article presents four program level curricular models that emerged from the analysis. The findings are interpreted through the lens of discipline-specific research and general curriculum design theories to further our understanding of curriculum development for graduate learning outcomes. Implications for future research and to guide curriculum development practices in higher education are discussed.

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